Improved outcomes of bile duct injuries in the 21st century

The objectives of this analysis were to compare the outcomes of bile duct injuries by specialist over time and the role of management timing and biliary stents.

Postoperative bile duct injuries require multidisciplinary management. In recent years, advancements have occurred in patient evaluation and in timing and type of therapy.

A multidisciplinary team managed 528 patients over 18 years. Mean age was 52 years; 69% were women and 95% had a cholecystectomy and/or bile duct exploration. Patients were classified by the Strasberg system as having bile leaks (type A, n = 239, 45%) or bile duct injuries (types B-E, n = 289, 55%). Injury outcomes from 1993 to 2003 (n = 132) were compared with those from 2004 to 2010 (n = 157). A successful outcome was defined as no need for further intervention after the initial 12 months of therapy. Standard statistical methods were employed.

Patients with bile leaks were managed almost exclusively by endoscopists (96%) with a 96% success rate. Patients with bile duct injuries were managed most often by endoscopists (N = 115, 40%) followed by surgeons (N = 104, 36%) and interventional radiologists (N = 70, 24%). Overall success rates were best for surgery (88%, P < 0.05) followed by endoscopy (76%) and interventional radiology (50%) and improved over time (78% vs 69%). Outcomes were best for surgery in recent years (95% vs 80%, P < 0.05) and for patients stented for more than 6 months (P < 0.01).

Almost all bile leaks and many bile duct injuries can be managed successfully by endoscopists. Selected proximal injuries can be treated by interventional radiologists with modest success. Outcomes of bile duct injuries are best with surgical management and in patients who are stented for more than 6 months.