Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage in the Management of Post-surgical Biliary Leaks

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) in the treatment of post-surgical biliary leaks and its efficacy in restoring the integrity of bile ducts. One hundred and fifty-seven patients with a post-surgical biliary leak were treated by means of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. The biliary leak was due to laparoscopic procedures in 114 patients, while 43 patients had postoperative leak following open surgery. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was performed with an 8- to 10-F catheter, with the side holes positioned proximal to the site of extravasation to divert bile flow away from the leak site. The established biliary leaks at the site of origin were diagnosed at an average of 7 days (range 2-150 days) after surgery. In all cases, percutaneous access to the biliary tree was achieved. In 62 patients, biliary leak completely healed after drainage for 10-50 days (mean, 28 days) while 89 patients underwent surgical reconstruction subsequently. PTBD is a feasible, effective, and safe procedure for the treatment of post-surgical biliary leaks. It is therefore a reliable alternative to surgically repair smaller biliary leaks, while in patients with large defects, it helps prepare patients for surgical reconstruction.