Non-iatrogenic trauma to the extrahepatic biliary tract

Between 1980 and 1991, 15 cases of non-iatrogenic extrahepatic biliary tract trauma have been managed at Westmead and the Royal Canberra Hospitals. There were seven cases of gall-bladder injury and eight bile duct injuries. Four cases resulted from penetrating trauma whereas 11 resulted from blunt trauma. Associated injuries were common. Cholecystectomy was the preferred method of management for gall-bladder injuries whereas the bile duct injuries were managed by a variety of techniques. There were three deaths in the series, mostly related to associated injuries. Bile duct injuries were associated with longer hospitalization than gallbladder injuries.