Spontaneous Closure of Bile Leak in Abdominal Drain after Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review

Bile leakage in abdominal drain after cholecystectomy is reported to close spontaneously without any intervention. The aim of this systematic review was to find out the amount and source of bile leaks that can be closed spontaneously and various factors associated with this closure. A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane under preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. Ten studies were finally included in the review. Five studies were found from India, two from Pakistan, and one each from Mexico, Nepal, and Romania. Maximum volume of bile reported to close spontaneously was 500 ml per day and took seven days to close. Overall 66.6% cases of bile leaks were laparoscopically operated. Bile leakage in abdominal drain after cholecystectomy up to 500 ml per day closes spontaneously in a week time provided patient has no major ductal injury and peritonitis. Key Words: Bile leakage, Abdominal drain, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.