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Delayed common bile duct obstruction in acute pancreatitis
S J Drewniak1, S G Gerzof, R E Langevin
1Department of Gastroenterology, St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Boston, MA 02135.
Summary
Persistent common bile duct obstruction can occur months after acute pancreatitis resolves. Surgical decompression prevented recurrence in two patients, suggesting a viable treatment for this rare complication.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis can cause common bile duct obstruction, typically resolving with treatment.
- This obstruction usually affects the distal common bile duct and occurs early in the illness.
Observation:
- Two cases of persistent common bile duct obstruction were observed.
- Obstruction developed 2-3 months after initial severe acute pancreatitis subsided.
- The obstruction involved a long segment of the common bile duct.
Findings:
- Persistent common bile duct obstruction after pancreatitis is a rare but significant complication.
- Surgical decompression successfully treated the obstruction in both cases.
- No recurrence of obstruction or pancreatitis was noted post-surgery.
Implications:
- Surgical decompression may be an effective treatment for persistent bile duct obstruction post-pancreatitis.
- This approach could prevent recurrent pancreatitis and associated complications.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and long-term outcomes.