Sump Syndrome: A Rare Long-Term Complication of Choledochoduodenostomy

Biliary sump syndrome is a rare condition. It is seen as a rare long-term complication in patients with a history of a side-to-side choledochoduodenostomy. In the era before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, side-to-side choledochoduodenostomy was a common surgical procedure for the management of biliary obstruction. In the setting of a side-to-side choledochoduodenostomy, the bile does not drain through the distal common bile duct anymore. Therefore, the part of the common bile duct distal from the choledochoduodenostomy anastomosis consequently transforms into a poorly drained reservoir, making this so-called "sump" prone to accumulation of debris. These patients are prone to cholangitis. We present a 64-year-old man with a history of side-to-side choledochoduodenostomy who presented with manifestations of cholangitis. An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography confirmed a diagnosis of sump syndrome. The etiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment of biliary sump syndrome are discussed in this article.