Delayed Extrahepatic Biliary Leak: A Rare Presentation 9 Years Post-Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND Biliary leaks are an important cause of the acute abdomen condition, carrying significant levels of morbidity and mortality. They are most commonly the result of acute iatrogenic or blunt trauma, with an identifiable cause. In comparison, spontaneous and delayed biliary leaks are rare phenomena occurring in the absence of recent surgery, endoscopic intervention, or trauma. Here we report the case of a 77-year-old woman presenting with acute abdominal pain, distension, and rigors caused by an extrahepatic biliary leakage 9 years after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CASE REPORT Laparoscopic hepatobiliary intervention, rather than open surgery, is associated with increased risk of biliary tree injury, including biliary leaks, which typically arise in the immediate postoperative period. This report concerns a 77-year-old woman presenting with acute abdominal pain, distension, and rigors due to extrahepatic biliary leakage 9 years following elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis. Computed tomography (CT) showed large-volume abdominopelvic ascites with no obvious source. Intra-abdominal exploration revealed a large biloma with 2 lacerations in the gallbladder fossa. Subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) found only a vague leak in the extrahepatic biliary tree, with no focal defect or retained biliary calculi. Intra-abdominal drainage and common bile duct (CBD) stenting were performed. Repeat ERCP undertaken 3 months later, however, identified a calculus within the CBD. CONCLUSIONS The patient's rare presentation of biliary leakage 9 years after cholecystectomy raises the question of whether the condition was delayed or spontaneous in nature. The biliary calculus identified 3 months following the leakage raises the possibility of retained biliary calculi.