Endoscopic Coil Embolization for Refractory Intrahepatic Biliary Duct Leak

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Interventional Radiology
• Hepatobiliary Surgery

Background:

• Bile leaks are complications of trauma and surgery.
• Endoscopic treatments like stenting are common initial interventions.
• Management of persistent bile leaks after initial endoscopic therapy is challenging.

Observation:

• A patient with a grade IV liver laceration from a gunshot wound developed a refractory bile leak.
• Initial endoscopic treatment with sphincterotomy and stent placement failed.

Findings:

• Endoscopic coil embolization was successfully used to treat the refractory bile leak.
• This case demonstrates a novel application of coil embolization for complex biliary leaks.

Implications:

• Endoscopic coil embolization is a viable option for managing persistent biliary leaks.
• This technique may reduce the need for more invasive procedures.
• Further research is needed to establish its role in clinical practice.