Treatment of postoperative bronchobiliary fistula by nasobiliary drainage

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is a rare condition. It may present as a complication of echinococcal or amebic liver disease. Management of such a fistula can be very difficult and is often associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 70-year-old woman who presented with a BBF after a one-stage operation for hydatid cysts of the liver and lung that were approached via thoracotomy and transdiaphragmatic incision. The cause of the BBF was an inflammatory collection in the residual liver cavity due to inadequate drainage. This collection eroded the sutured diaphragm, and because of the existing adhesions, it perforated directly into the bronchial system at the area of the previous cystectomy. Initially, endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed to achieve biliary decompression by equalizing intrabiliary and duodenal pressure, but no significant improvement was seen. Subsequently, nasobiliary drainage was instituted by means of an endoscopically inserted, nasobiliary catheter, which further reduced biliary pressure and facilitated biliary flow to the duodenum, as opposed to the fistulous tract. The fistula was successfully closed in a short time. This conservative method reduces the risks of reoperation. Therefore, it should be considered the treatment of choice in the management of bronchobiliary fistula.