Management of intrahepatic bile-duct injuries: presentation of two cases

Blunt injury causing laceration of the intrahepatic bile-ducts is fortunately rare. Two cases are presented: neither was diagnosed until 48 h after initial presentation. Both were managed by laparotomy, placement of drains in the liver lacerations, and intravenous nutrition until the leaks had stopped spontaneously. The literature is reviewed and two other cases discussed. Such injuries, once diagnosed, should be treated by surgical placement of drains right at the site of leak.