Biliary injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: end-to-end anastomosis covered with umbilical vein

The management of biliary injuries after laparoscopic surgery presents a surgical challenge. We describe a promising method of biliary reconstruction with umbilical vein covering followed by end-to-end anastomosis. In the patient reported here, the umbilical vein was identified in the pedicled ligamentum teres, transected as if it were a sheet, and sutured, then covered ventrally to the anastomosed bile duct. This procedure may be a promising reinforcement of the reconstructed site which maintains the biliary integrity; however, it can be applied, only in selected situations.