A 36-Year Retained T-tube Fragment Presenting with Cholangitis
1Division of Gastroenterology, Allegheny General Hospital, 320 East North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15121, USA.
Gastroenterology Research
|December 14, 2016
Summary
A retained T-tube fragment in the bile duct caused cholangitis 36 years after surgery. This rare complication highlights the importance of complete T-tube removal after biliary drainage procedures.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatobiliary Surgery
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- T-tubes are commonly used for biliary drainage after choledochotomy.
- Inadvertent T-tube fracture during removal is a rare but serious complication.
Observation:
- A case of cholangitis is presented.
- The cholangitis was caused by a retained T-tube fragment in the common bile duct.
Findings:
- The T-tube fragment was retained for 36 years following a cholecystectomy.
- Delayed presentation of complications from retained surgical foreign bodies can occur.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for long-term complications from retained surgical materials.
- Emphasizes the need for meticulous surgical technique and complete removal of biliary drainage devices.
- Underscores the importance of considering retained foreign bodies in the differential diagnosis of late-onset biliary complications.
