Use of glue embolization in management of traumatic bile leak: A case report

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Blunt abdominal trauma frequently causes solid organ injuries in children.
• Nonoperative management is the standard for pediatric liver and spleen injuries without peritonitis.
• Major ductal injury leading to biloma is a rare complication of nonoperative blunt liver injury management.

Observation:

• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and percutaneous drainage are established adjuncts for bile leaks.
• Persistent bile leaks after these interventions present a management challenge.
• No further nonoperative alternatives for persistent bile leaks have been previously reported.

Findings:

• This case report details a novel multidisciplinary approach for managing persistent bile leaks in blunt liver injury.
• The presented strategy offers a new nonoperative option for complex pediatric liver trauma.
• Successful management of a rare complication was achieved.

Implications:

• This multidisciplinary approach may expand nonoperative management options for pediatric blunt liver injuries.
• It provides a potential alternative for cases with persistent bile leaks unresponsive to standard interventions.
• Further research into this approach could refine treatment protocols for pediatric liver trauma.