The role of ERCP in laparoscopic cholecystectomy-related cystic duct stump leaks

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has resulted in an increase in the incidence of cystic duct stump leaks. To assess the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) a review of 14 cystic duct stump leaks following laparoscopic cholecystectomy was carried out.

A retrospective chart review of fourteen patients was carried out. There were 11 females and 3 males. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was carried out without any difficulty. Three patients became very ill soon after surgery while 11 patients were minimally ill. All were still hospitalized after the cholecystectomy.

Urgent ERCP on the 3 very ill patients demonstrated a cystic duct bile leak. In the 11 minimally ill patients, ultrasonography demonstrated intraabdominal fluid collections and initial treatment was percutaneous drainage. Only 2 of the 11 patients improved. The remaining nine patients developed a septic course. ERCP was carried out and demonstrated cystic duct bile leak in all 9 patients. Endoscopic papillotomy alone or endoscopic papillotomy plus stenting resolved the clinical picture.

Patients who are ill post laparoscopic cholecystectomy should have urgent ERCP. Cystic duct bile leaks should be managed by endoscopic papillotomy and in select cases, stenting.