[Internal biliary fistulas--diagnostic and therapeutic problems]

Internal biliary fistula (IBF) is still a challenging condition. The preoperative diagnosis is established in less than 50% of cases. Treatment is based on individual approach but postoperative morbidity and mortality rates are high.

To study the experince of our clinic in the diagnosis and treatment of IBF's and to make a review of the literature.

a retrospective analysis of the data of 7 patients with IBF (0,53% of all surgical interventions on the biliary system during a 4-years period). The preoperative diagnosis was correct in only 2 cases. All the 7 patients were treated surgically.

The early postoperative mortality and morbidity rates were 0% and 42,86% respectively. The data of literature are reviewed and discussed.

IBS is a rare condition affecting more often women above 65 yrs suffering of gallstones. There are no typival clinical and laboratory data but US, CT-scan, ERCP and MRI might be a 100% informative. Open surgery remains the basic method of treatment.