Hepatic artery aneurysm following cholecystectomy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Vascular Surgery
• Hepatology

Background:

• Post-cholecystectomy complications can be rare but severe.
• Hepatic artery aneurysms are uncommon vascular lesions.
• Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia and jejunal diverticulosis are distinct conditions that can complicate diagnosis.

Observation:

• A patient developed a hepatic artery aneurysm five months after cholecystectomy.
• The aneurysm communicated with the cystic duct stump, leading to massive haemobilia.
• Diagnosis was challenging due to concurrent Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia and jejunal diverticulosis.

Findings:

• The case highlights a rare presentation of hepatic artery aneurysm post-cholecystectomy.
• Massive haemobilia resulted from the aneurysm's communication with the cystic duct remnant.
• Concurrent systemic and gastrointestinal conditions complicated the clinical picture and diagnostic process.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering rare vascular complications after cholecystectomy.
• Early recognition of hepatic artery aneurysms, even with complicating factors, is crucial for timely intervention.
• Understanding the interplay of comorbidities in diagnosing surgical complications is vital for patient outcomes.