Optimal Timing of Surgical Repair After Bile Duct Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Major bile duct injury during cholecystectomy often requires surgical reconstruction. The optimal timing of repair is debated.

To assess the association between the timing of hepaticojejunostomy and postoperative morbidity, mortality, and anastomotic stricture.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies comparing early (<14 days), intermediate (14 days-6 weeks), and late (>6 weeks) repair. Primary outcomes were postoperative morbidity, mortality, and stricture rates. Pooled risk ratios were calculated. A generalized linear model was used to estimate odds per time interval.

20 studies were included in the systematic review. Of these, data from 15 studies was included in the meta-analyses. The 20 included studies comprised a total of 3421 patients who underwent hepaticojejunostomy for bile duct injury. Early repair was associated with lower morbidity versus intermediate repair (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54-0.98). Delayed repair had lower morbidity versus intermediate (RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.16-1.93). Delayed repair had a lower stricture rate versus intermediate repair (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.07-2.20). Mortality was not associated with timing.

Reconstruction between 2 and 6 weeks after bile duct injury should be avoided given the higher morbidity and stricture rates. Delayed repair after 6 weeks may be beneficial.