Choledochoduodenostomy in a cat with extrahepatic biliary obstruction: simple side-to-side anastomosis technique

An 8-year-old castrated male mixed-breed cat was presented with recurrent vomiting, weight loss and abdominal distension. Blood work revealed hyperbilirubinaemia and elevated liver enzyme activities. Abdominal ultrasound and CT showed marked dilation and obstruction of the common bile duct (CBD) due to chronic cholecystitis and cholangiohepatitis. The cat was diagnosed with CBD obstruction secondary to chronic cholecystitis and cholangiohepatitis and was initially treated with antibiotics and prednisolone. Surgical intervention was performed because of complete CBD obstruction and worsening icterus that was unresponsive to medical management. A choledochoduodenostomy was performed using a simple side-to-side anastomosis between the CBD and the duodenum. The patient recovered uneventfully after surgery without significant complications. At the last follow-up, 6 months postoperatively, the cat remained clinically stable.

There is limited information on choledochoduodenostomy in cats. This is the first veterinary report describing a simple side-to-side anastomosis between the CBD and the duodenum to resolve severe extrahepatic biliary obstruction secondary to chronic cholangitis and cholecystitis. As a result of the dilation and thickening of the CBD wall, this technique was feasible. This case study lacks information on long-term prognosis and continued monitoring is important.