Cholecystoduodenal fistula, an infrequent complication of cholelithiasis: Our experience in its surgical management

Robotic-Assisted Cholecystoduodenal Fistula and Bile Leak Repair

Cholelithiasis and its complications are among the most prevalent and costly medical conditions in the United States. Chronic gallbladder disease can progress into more complicated conditions, such as a cholecystoenteric fistula and, more specifically, a cholecystoduodenal fistula (CDF). Repair of these fistulas is complex and usually performed with an open approach. However, if discovered pre-operatively, they can be referred to a hepatobiliary surgery center, where surgeons have specialized training to do such procedures laparoscopically. Here, we present a case of a 57-year-old female with a past medical history of migraines, arthritis, chronic back pain, and fibromyalgia, with no prior surgical history. She presented with an approximately six-month history of colicky right upper quadrant pain and symptomatology consistent with symptomatic cholelithiasis. She elected to have a robotic-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed. Intraoperatively, she was found to have a CDF and subsequent bile duct leak that were successfully repaired. While more research is required to further characterize and more quickly identify this complication of gallbladder disease, this case highlights the value of robotic-assisted surgery in technically challenging cases. We aim to describe and advocate for the adoption of a robotic approach in patients with comparable presentations, allowing for excellent visualization and control in the removal of inflamed gallbladders, repair of fistulized tissues, and stabilization of bile leaks.

Incidentally Found Cholecystoduodenal Fistula and an Unusual Case of Gallstone Ileus After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Gallstone ileus, a rare and potentially fatal complication of cholelithiasis, occurs when gallstones breach the gastrointestinal tract through a fistula, causing an obstruction and potentially leading to severe complications. This case report details the experience of a 44-year-old woman with gallstone ileus stemming from an unnoticed cholecystoduodenal fistula following a routine cholecystectomy. The fistula was only discovered during surgery despite advanced imaging, revealing extensive adhesions. The discovery led to a subtotal cholecystectomy and fistula repair. Postoperatively, complications arose, prompting a computed tomography scan to rule out further issues. However, she later returned with gallstone ileus, necessitating a second operation. This case underscores the importance of thorough intraoperative exploration for biliary enteric fistulas during cholecystectomy, potentially averting the need for subsequent interventions. The case also highlights the diagnostic challenges of gallstone ileus and the significance of clinical suspicion.

A rare gastrointestinal bleeding due to a cholecystoduodenal fistula: a case report

Background

Gastrointestinal bleeding from cholecystoduodenal fistula is rare. It is usually managed surgically, although a conservative approach is reported in isolated cases.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department (ED) presenting melena associated with severe anemia, requiring a blood transfusion. An urgent upper endoscopy showed the intestinal orifice of a cholecystoduodenal fistula. This finding was confirmed by radiological examination and laparoscopy. Cholecystectomy and simultaneous excision of the fistula were successfully performed. As a result, a diagnosis of Mirizzi syndrome type Va was also made.

Conclusion

A cholecystoduodenal fistula orifice leading to gastrointestinal bleeding is difficult to diagnose without an endoscopic examination of the upper digestive tract. Following this first diagnostic step, a comprehensive patient examination should be conducted, specifically if a history of gallbladder lithiasis has been reported.

A "window" in the duodenal bulb: an atypical presentation of chronic cholecystitis

A 74-year-old male presented with melena and fatigue, without fever or abdominal pain. Laboratory examination revealed anemia, leukocytosis, elevated C-reactive protein levels and conjugated hyperbilirubinemia with elevated liver enzymes. Upper endoscopy identified blood in the stomach and duodenum and a 6 mm hole in the anterosuperior surface of the duodenal bulb with spontaneous drainage of a bloody brownish content. The mucosa surrounding the hole was normal and there was a discrete mucosal flap that throbbed with air insufflation. Abdominal computed tomography identified a fistulous tract between the duodenal bulb and the gallbladder with a 2 mm caliber, suggesting a cholecystoduodenal fistula. Diagnosis is often difficult because symptoms are nonspecific and variable but gastrointestinal bleeding is a rare clinical presentation.

Concurrent cholecystoduodenal fistula and primary aortoenteric fistula

Bilioenteric fistulae are a rare complication and can pose a diagnostic challenge owing to non-specific symptomology. When occurring with an aortoenteric fistula, it represents a rare and potentially life-threatening disease state. We present the case of a 77-year-old gentleman initially treated as presumed ascending cholangitis. This was complicated by upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to an aortoenteric fistula and cholecystoduodenal fistula.

Role of laparoscopy in the treatment of internal biliary fistulas in a high-volume center and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Biliary fistulas may result as a complication of gallstone disease. According to their tract, abdominal internal biliary fistulas may be classified into cholecystobiliary and bilioenteric fistulas. Surgical treatment is challenging and requires highly trained surgeons with high preoperative suspicion. Conventional surgery is still of choice by most of the authors. However, laparoscopy is emerging as a minimally invasive alternative. We investigated the surgical approach, conversion rate, and outcomes according to the type of biliary fistula.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 11,130 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, 31 open cholecystectomies, and 31 surgeries for gallstone ileus at our institution from May 2007 to May 2020. We diagnosed internal biliary fistula in 73 patients and divided them into two groups according to their fistulous tract: cholecystobiliary fistula and bilioenteric fistula. We described demographic characteristics, preoperative imaging modalities, surgical approach, conversion rates, surgical procedures, and outcomes. We additionally revised the literature and compared our results with 13 studies from the past 10 years.

RESULTS

There were 22 and 51 patients in the cholecystobiliary and bilioenteric groups, respectively. Our preoperative suspicion of a fistula was 80%. We started 88% of procedures by laparoscopic approach. The effectiveness of laparoscopy in the resolution of internal biliary fistula was 40% for cholecystobiliary fistula and 55% for bilioenteric fistulas. The most frequent cause for conversion to laparotomy was the difficulty to identify anatomical features, in addition to the need to perform a Roux en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Choledocholithiasis was not associated with an increase in conversion rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic resolution of a biliary fistula is still a matter of controversy. Despite the high conversion rates, we believe that a great number of patients benefit from this minimally invasive technique. A high preoperative suspicion and trained surgeons are vital in the treatment of internal biliary fistulas.

Large cholelithiasis with cholecystoduodenal fistula

Cholelithiasis is a common gastrointestinal pathology that can lead to rare complications including cholecystoduodenal fistulas and GI hemorrhage. Diagnosing cholelithiasis and cholecystoduodenal fistulas in the emergency department (ED) using computed tomography (CT) imaging despite nonspecific and variable symptoms is critical in determining management strategies for medically complex patients. An 87-year-old medically complex female presented to the ED in hemorrhagic shock after several episodes of hematemesis, hematochezia, and other nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. A CT of the abdomen/pelvis was performed revealing cholecystitis with a large 6-cm stone; additionally, a biliary enteric fistula was noted with blood products in the gallbladder. This case highlights the importance of CT imaging in the setting of gastrointestinal bleeding with cholelithiasis and biliary enteric fistula diagnosis, and discusses potential management strategies of these diagnoses in medically complex patients.

One Hole, Two Tubes, and a Tijuana Pathology Report: A Case Report of Cholecystoduodenal Fistula Mistaken for Gallbladder Cancer

We report a case of a patient who presented with biliary colic while in Tijuana, Mexico. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted but abandoned and only a biopsy of the gallbladder was performed with pathologist reporting gallbladder adenocarcinoma. Upon return to the United States, extensive evaluation was undertaken including imaging, biopsy, and ultimately two separate exploratory surgeries revealing no neoplasm. Only at the second surgical exploration did we discover a benign cholecystoduodenal fistula successfully treated with completion fenestration cholecystectomy, pyloric exclusion, loop gastrojejunostomy, and duodenostomy tube through the gallbladder remnant into the fistula itself. This is a unique surgical treatment of a rare problem made even more confusing by an erroneous pathology report from another country.

Hemorrhagic shock secondary to cholecystoduodenal fistula with gallbladder pseudoaneurysm: A case report

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhagic shock secondary to cholecystoduodenal fistula (CDF) with gallbladder pseudoaneurysm is very rare.

CASE SUMMARY

A middle-aged man presented with uncontrolled hemorrhage of the upper gastrointestinal tract. A subsequent diagnosis of rupture of gallbladder pseudoaneurysm secondary to cholecystoduodenal fistula was made. After active treatment, the patient was rescued successfully.

CONCLUSION

Most of CDF cases are caused by cholelithiasis and difficult to diagnose early. The joint application of B-mode ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, gastroscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography could improve early diagnosis rate, and digital subtraction angiography can be used in the treatment of CDF with active bleeding. The therapeutic principle of CDF is cholecystectomy, removing calculus, and cutting off and repairing fistula.

Choledochoduodenal Fistula Secondary to Peptic Ulcer Disease: A Case Report

Patient: Female, 29

Final Diagnosis: Choledocho-duodenal fistula

Symptoms: Abdominal pain • nausea • vomiting

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Gastro-jejunostomy • hepatico-jejunostomy

Specialty: Surgery

Gall stone ileus: Unfamiliar cause of bowel obstruction. Case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Gallstone ileus is a rare sequela of cholelithiasis. The pathology occurs as a result of bilioenteric fistula due to erosion by the offending gallbladder stone. It is most commonly encountered in elderly females and CT imaging is diagnostic in the majority of cases. Surgical intervention aims to promptly relief the obstruction by removing the gallstone and dealing with the fistula. Morbidity and mortality are usually high since it usually occurs in elderly patients.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

An 88-year-old lady with multiple chronic medical problems and no history of biliary manifestation presented with acute small bowel obstruction. Abdominal CT imaging revealed a bilioenteric fistula and an impacted gallstone in the jejunum causing occlusion. Laparotomy was performed and the stone was removed via enterolithotomy. Manipulation of the cholecystoduodenal fistula was not attempted due to severe inflammatory adhesions. The patient had uneventiful postoperative course and remained symptom free on one year follow-up.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Management of gallstone ileus is mainly surgical. Delay in detection and treatment of gallstone ileus may result in significant morbidity and mortality. The choice of surgical option is influenced by the preoperative medical status of the patient. A literature review generally supports the employment of enterolithotomy in high-risk patients and reserving cholecystectomy and resection of the fistula for less comorbid patients with feasible anatomy.