[Endoscopic management of biliary fistula]

From January 1991 to July 1993 we diagnosed 16 patients with biliary fistulas. Nine patients showed a fistula of the stump after cholecystectomy (two laparoscopic and the rest in a conventional form). In none was there any evidence of residual stones. Three patients that showed biliary fistula who had residual stones which was no diagnosed during surgery. Four patients had biliary fistulas at different levels after abdominal traumas due to bullet wounds. All the patients were treated endoscopically by means of endoscopic sphincterotomy and in one of them it was necessary to place a biliary stent due to the fact that there was a stricture under the level of the fistula. One patient who, in addition to the fistula had an abscess was drained guided by ultrasound after the sphincterotomy. The evolution of the patients was satisfactory. There were no complications because of the procedure.