Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Bilomas: A Current Update

The role of CEUS in the management of biloma

BACKGROUND

A biloma refers to an abnormal, well-defined accumulation of bile outside the biliary tree within the abdomen, which can be either intra- or extra-hepatic in nature. It can result from traumatic or iatrogenic causes, leading to a disruption in the biliary system. Without prompt diagnosis and appropriate management, it can result in significant morbidity and mortality. While magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is the typical diagnostic method, there are instances where it may not provide conclusive results.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of a 72-year-old woman who underwent an hepatic resection of the seventh segment after recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During the ultrasound (US) follow-up, she developed a peri-hepatic collection which proved to be a biloma continuously refurnished by the biliary tree. Neither the MRCP nor the percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) were able to clearly detect the exact site of the bile leak. While awaiting the Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP), a Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) was conducted administering the contrast agent directly through the percutaneous drainage catheter placed in the biloma. This revealed the presence of contrast flow from the collection to a peripheral right bile duct, confirming the intra-hepatic leak communication.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrates that Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) presents a straightforward, secure, and precise approach to detect biliary leakage responsible for the formation of a biloma. Additionally, the adoption of CEUS offers the dual benefit of minimizing radiation exposure for the patient and obviating the requirement for anesthesia. In summary, CEUS emerges as a compelling alternative to conventional diagnostic methods for effectively managing a biloma.

The Peritoneum: Anatomy, Pathologic Findings, and Patterns of Disease Spread

Disease spread in the abdomen and pelvis generally occurs in a predictable pattern in relation to anatomic landmarks and fascial planes. Anatomically, the abdominopelvic cavity is subdivided into several smaller spaces or compartments by key ligaments and fascial planes. The abdominal cavity has been traditionally divided into peritoneal, retroperitoneal, and pelvic extraperitoneal spaces. Recently, more clinically relevant classifications have evolved. Many pathologic conditions affect the abdominal cavity, including traumatic, inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic processes. These abnormalities can extend beyond their sites of origin through various pathways. Identifying the origin of a disease process is the first step in formulating a differential diagnosis and ultimately reaching a final diagnosis. Pathologic conditions differ in terms of pathways of disease spread. For example, simple fluid tracks along fascial planes, respecting anatomic boundaries, while fluid from acute necrotizing pancreatitis can destroy fascial planes, resulting in transfascial spread without regard for anatomic landmarks. Furthermore, neoplastic processes can spread through multiple pathways, with a propensity for spread to noncontiguous sites. When the origin of a disease process is not readily apparent, recognizing the spread pattern can allow the radiologist to work backward and ultimately arrive at the site or source of pathogenesis. As such, a cohesive understanding of the peritoneal anatomy, the typical organ or site of origin for a disease process, and the corresponding pattern of disease spread is critical not only for initial diagnosis but also for establishing a road map for staging, anticipating further disease spread, guiding search patterns and report checklists, determining prognosis, and tailoring appropriate follow-up imaging studies. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Biliary Leaks: Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment

Bile leaks arise from various causes such as trauma, complications after hepatobiliary surgery, and intrahepatic malignancies or their associated liver-directed treatments. Bile leaks can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Delayed diagnosis is not uncommon due to nonspecific manifestations; therefore, a high clinical suspicion is needed. A multidisciplinary approach for treatment of biliary leaks with prompt referral to tertiary care centers with experienced hepatobiliary surgeons, advanced endoscopists, and interventional radiologists is needed to address these challenging complications. Management of biliary leaks can range from conservative management to open surgical repair. Minimally invasive procedures play a crucial role in biliary leak treatment, and the interventional radiologist can help guide appropriate management on the basis of a clear understanding of the pathophysiology of biliary leaks and a current knowledge of the armamentarium of treatment options. In most cases, a simple diversion of bile to decompress the biliary system may prove effective. However, persistent and high-output biliary leaks require delineation of the source with tailored treatment options to control the leak. This may be done by additional diversions, occluding the source, reestablishing connections, or using a combination of therapies to bridge to more definitive surgical interventions. The authors describe the different treatment options and emphasize the role of interventional radiology. ©RSNA, 2024.

Atlas for Cholangioscopy and Cholecystoscopy: A Primer for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy in the Biliary Tree and Gallbladder

Percutaneous endoscopy of the biliary system (cholangioscopy) and gallbladder (cholecystoscopy) has significantly impacted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to many diseases in interventional radiology, overcoming previous challenges related to scope size and rigidity. The current endoscopes offer enhanced maneuverability within narrow tubular structures such as bile ducts. Before endoscopy, reliance on 2D imaging modalities limited real-time visualization during percutaneous procedures. Percutaneous endoscopy provides 3D perspectives, enabling a better appreciation of normal structures, targeted biopsy of lesions, and accurate deployment of therapeutic interventions. This review aims to explore percutaneous endoscopic findings across various biliary and gallbladder pathologies.

Retroperitoneal biloma-A rare differential diagnosis of perirenal fluid accumulation

Introduction

Nontraumatic biliary rupture and retroperitoneal biloma infrequently occur. Here, we report a case of retroperitoneal biloma due to spontaneous left hepatic duct perforation, which was difficult to differentiate from a perirenal abscess.

Case presentation

A 94-year-old female patient was hospitalized with symptoms of fatigue and right back pain that lasted for 5 days. Computed tomography revealed fluid accumulation in the retroperitoneum, and urinary extravasation and right perinephric abscess were suspected. Antimicrobial treatment and drainage with ureteral stents and urethral catheters demonstrated no symptom improvement. Ultrasound-guided puncture of the abscess revealed the presence of bile. Pigtail catheter drainage improved symptoms and inflammatory response. After diagnosis, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed bile leakage, and a bile duct stent was inserted.

Conclusion

Biloma can cause perirenal fluid accumulation, and they should be considered an origin of perirenal fluid accumulation when urinary tract lesions are excluded.

Rhodotorula mucilaginosa Fungemia in an Infected Biloma Patient Following a Traumatic Liver Injury

Rhodotorula mucilaginosa fungemia is rare and highly resistant to antifungal therapy. We herein report a case involving a 31-year-old male admitted after a high-velocity road traffic accident. He sustained a grade IV liver injury with right hepatic vein thrombosis, which necessitated an urgent laparotomy. Post-operatively, repeated imaging of the abdomen revealed the presence of a biloma. Percutaneous subdiaphragmatic drainage was carried out but appeared ineffective, prompting a second surgery for an urgent hemi-hepatectomy. The patient was then nursed in the intensive care unit (ICU); however, during his stay in the ICU, he became more sepsis, which was evident by worsening ventilatory support and a rise in septic parameters from the biochemistry parameters. Despite intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam and fluconazole, his septic parameters did not improve and a full septic workup was conducted and was found to be positive for Rhodotorula mucilaginosa from the blood cultures. After discussion with the infectious disease physicians and clinical microbiologists, it was decided to initiate a course of intravenous meropenem and amphotericin B based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, considering the patient's extended ICU stay and catheter use. Eventually, after successfully weaning off mechanical ventilation, the patient was discharged from ICU care. This case underscores the necessity of individualized approaches, combining timely imaging, appropriate drainage techniques, and tailored treatments to optimize outcomes for such intricate post-traumatic complications.

Biliary Complications Post Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt in a Child With Portal Vein Cavernous Transformation

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is a rising interventional procedure with multiple indications and high technical success but with risks of biliary injuries, an underreported scenario. We present an 11-year-old patient with biliary injury with a leak, biloma formation, and biliary obstruction caused by the percutaneous procedure. Interventional radiology drainages addressed these complications by resolving the leak and biloma. These biliary complications in percutaneous procedures and their management are rarely reported in the medical literature, making their management not standard. We highlight drainage management and the importance of sharing it to add experience to this clinical scenario and encourage sharing cases with similar diagnoses.

Post-cholecystectomy Hepatic Subcapsular Biloma: A Detailed Case Study on Presentation and Management

Hepatic subcapsular biloma is a rare but significant complication following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, characterized by the accumulation of bile beneath the hepatic capsule. Despite its infrequency, recognizing this condition is crucial due to its potential for significant morbidity. This report aims to elucidate the presentation, diagnosis, and management of this complication to enhance clinical outcomes. We present the case of a 59-year-old male with a complex medical history including atrial fibrillation, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and alcohol abuse. The patient presented with acute cholecystitis and underwent an uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Postoperatively, he developed right upper quadrant abdominal pain and nausea, leading to the diagnosis of a hepatic subcapsular biloma. The biloma was managed successfully with percutaneous drainage, illustrating a rare complication managed effectively without the need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This case illustrates the need for heightened awareness and swift imaging to diagnose hepatic subcapsular biloma effectively. The management of this patient demonstrates the effectiveness of percutaneous drainage in resolving bilomas and avoiding more invasive procedures such as ERCP. This case adds to the limited literature on the management of post-cholecystectomy hepatic subcapsular biloma and emphasizes the importance of considering this diagnosis in similar clinical scenarios. In conclusion, hepatic subcapsular biloma is a rare complication post-cholecystectomy that requires early recognition and intervention. This case contributes to the body of knowledge, emphasizing the role of imaging in diagnosis and the effectiveness of minimally invasive management strategies. It highlights the educational value of recognizing early postoperative complications, thereby enhancing patient safety and care.

Intrahepatic biloma after intraoperative cholangiography

A woman in her 30s presented to the emergency department with a month-long history of postprandial epigastric pain radiating to her back. The diagnosis of cholecystolithiasis and suspected choledocholithiasis was made, and the patient underwent cholecystectomy with cholangiography using standard technique. The surgery was complicated by an intrahepatic bile duct injury attributed to high injection pressure during cholangiography. She developed an intrahepatic collection that was drained and confirmed the diagnosis of biloma. In this case report, we discuss a rare complication of intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and consider a way to prevent it.

Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRCP to localize bile leakage after liver trauma and surgery: impact on treatment and outcome

OBJECTIVES

Bile leakage (BL) is a challenging complication after hepatobiliary surgery and liver trauma. Gadolinium ethoxybenzyl (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is used to diagnose BL non-invasively. We assessed the value of Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRCP in the detection of postoperative and post-traumatic BL hypothesizing that exact identification of the leakage site is pivotal for treatment planning and outcome.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 39 trauma and postoperative patients who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRCP for suspected BL. Three readers rated the presence of BL and leakage site (intraparenchymal, central, peripheral ± aberrant or disconnected ducts). Imaging findings were compared to subsequent interventional procedures and their complexity and outcome.

RESULTS

BL was detected in Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRCP in 25 of patients and was subsequently confirmed. Sites of BL differed significantly between postoperative (central [58%] and peripheral [42%]) and trauma patients (intraparenchymal [100%]; p < 0.001). Aberrant or disconnected ducts were diagnosed in 8%/26% of cases in the postoperative subgroup. Inter-rater agreement for the detection and localization of BL was almost perfect (Κ = 0.85 and 0.88; p < 0.001). Intraparenchymal BL required significantly less complex interventional procedures (p = 0.002), whereas hospitalization and mortality did not differ between the subgroups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRCP reliably detects and exactly locates BL in postoperative and trauma patients. Exact localization of biliary injuries enables specific treatment planning, as intraparenchymal leakages, which occur more frequently after trauma, require less complex interventions than central or peripheral leaks in the postoperative setting. As a result of specific treatment based on exact BL localization, there was no difference in the duration of hospitalization or mortality.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRCP is a reliable diagnostic tool for exactly localizing iatrogenic and post-traumatic biliary leakage. Its precise localization helps tailor local therapies for different injury patterns, resulting in comparable clinical outcomes despite varying treatments.

KEY POINTS

• Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRCP enables adequate detection and localization of bile leakages in both postoperative and post-traumatic patients. • The site of bile leakage significantly impacts the complexity of required additional interventions. • Intraparenchymal bile leakage is commonly seen in patients with a history of liver trauma and requires less complex interventions than postoperative central or peripheral bile leakages, while hospitalization and mortality are similar.

Do not get stumped: multimodality imaging findings of early and late post-cholecystectomy complications

Cholecystectomy is the most performed intra-abdominal surgical procedure in the US, with 1.2 million performed annually, and is predominantly performed laparoscopically. Although largely safe, laparoscopic cholecystectomy results in higher rates of abdominal symptoms consisting of abdominal pain and dyspepsia, which may persist or recur, collectively known as post-cholecystectomy syndrome. This article aims to (1) provide an overview of post-cholecystectomy syndrome with an emphasis on biliary complications and emergent imaging findings, (2) illustrate the spectrum of imaging findings of early and late post-cholecystectomy complications, (3) enumerate the role of various imaging modalities in evaluating post-cholecystectomy complications and address the role of selective trans-catheter coil embolization in managing bile leaks, and (4) discuss pearls and pitfalls in imaging following cholecystectomy. While common first-line imaging modalities for post-cholecystectomy complications include CT and sonography, ERCP and MRCP can delineate the biliary tree with greater detail. Scintigraphy has a higher sensitivity and specificity than CT or sonography for diagnosing bile leak and may preclude the need for ERCP. Post-operative complications include biliary duct injury or leak, biliary obstruction, remnant gallbladder/cystic duct stones and inflammation, biliary dyskinesia, papillary stenosis, and vascular injury. Subtle cases resulting in lethal outcomes, such as hemorrhage from the gallbladder bed without major vessel injury, have also been described. Cases presented will include biliary complications such as post-cholecystectomy stump cholecystitis, nonbiliary complications such as subcapsular hematoma, and normal post-surgical findings such as oxidized regenerated cellulose. Post-operative biliary complications can cause significant morbidity and mortality, and thus familiarity with the expected post-surgical appearance of the gallbladder fossa and biliary tract, as well as understanding the spectrum of complications and associated multimodality imaging findings, are essential for emergency radiologists and those practicing in the acute care setting to direct appropriate patient management. Furthermore, many of the postoperative complications can be managed by noninvasive percutaneous interventional procedures, from drain placement to cystic artery and cystic duct stump embolization.

Subcapsular Biloma following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Endoscopic Biliary Sphincterotomy: A Case Report with a Mini Review of Literature

A biloma is a loculated, extrahepatic, intra-abdominal bile collection. It is an unusual condition with an incidence of 0.3-2% and is usually a result of choledocholithiasis, iatrogenic injury or abdominal trauma causing disruption to the biliary tree. Rarely, it will occur spontaneously, resulting in spontaneous bile leak. We herein present a rare case of biloma as a complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A 54-year-old patient experienced right upper quadrant discomfort, following ERCP, endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy and stenting for choledocholithiasis. Initial abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography revealed an intrahepatic collection. Percutaneous aspiration under ultrasound guidance of yellow-green fluid confirmed the diagnosis, indicated infection and contributed to effective management. Most likely, a distal branch of the biliary tree was injured during the insertion of the guidewire through the common bile duct. Magnetic resonance image/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography contributed in the diagnosis of two seperate bilomas. Even though post ERCP biloma is an unusual complication, differential diagnosis of patients with right upper quadrant discomfort following an iatrogenic or traumatic event should always include biliary tree disruption. A combination of radiological imaging for diagnosis and minimal invasive technique to manage a biloma can prove to be successful.

Special presentation of bronchobiliary fistula after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: A case report

RATIONALE

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a widely adopted treatment for advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, several complications may occur, such as hepatic artery injury, nontarget embolization, pulmonary embolism, hepatic abscess, biloma, biliary strictures, and hepatic failure. However, bronchobiliary fistula is rarely mentioned before.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 65-year-old man with HCC underwent the TACE procedure, and then he encountered fever, dyspnea, abdominal pain, and abundant yellowish purulent bronchorrhea.

DIAGNOSIS

Bronchobiliary fistula was diagnosed based on the computed tomography (CT) scan of his chest, which revealed the right lower lobe of his lung was connected to a hepatic cystic lesion.

INTERVENTIONS

Percutaneous transhepatic cystic drainage was performed, and we obtained yellowish bile, showing the same characteristics as the patient's bronchorrhea.

OUTCOMES

We kept drainage of his biloma and provided supportive care as the patient wished. Unfortunately, the patient passed away due to progressive right lower lobe pneumonia 2 weeks later.

LESSONS

This case exhibits a typical CT scan image that was helpful for the diagnosis of post-TACE bronchobiliary fistula. Post-TACE bronchobiliary fistula formation hypothesis includes biliary tree injuries with subsequent biloma formation and diaphragmatic injuries. Moreover, the treatment of bronchobiliary fistula should be prompt to cease pneumonia progression. Therefore, we introduce this rare complication of post-TACE bronchobiliary fistula in hopes that future clinicians will keep earlier intervention in mind.

Perihepatic Biloma in a Non-cirrhotic Patient After Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)

Biloma is an intrahepatic or extrahepatic collection of bile within the abdominal cavity. It can occur spontaneously, or as a result of trauma to the biliary tree. The clinical presentation can be variable and non-specific. Early diagnosis is crucial given the high mortality rate. Diagnostic modalities include abdominal ultrasound, hepatobiliary scintigraphy, computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment options include interventional radiology (IR)-guided drainage, endoscopic drainage, or surgical drainage with a bile leak repair. We report a case of a middle-aged non-cirrhotic patient who presented with abdominal pain and was noted to have extensive portal vein thrombosis. She underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) with thrombectomy and the hospital course was complicated by elevated liver enzymes and found to have intrahepatic biloma requiring IR-guided drainage.

Management of Biliary Complications in Liver Transplant Recipients

Biliary complications are often referred to as the Achilles' heel of liver transplantation (LT). The most common of these complications include strictures, and leaks. Prompt diagnosis and management is key for preservation of the transplanted organ. Unfortunately, a number of factors can lead to delays in diagnosis and make adequate treatment a challenge. Innovations in advanced endoscopic techniques have increased non-surgical options for these complications and in many cases is the preferred approach.

Endoscopic internal drainage of complex bilomas and biliary leaks by transmural or transpapillary/transfistulary access

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Bilomas most frequently result from postoperative bile leaks. The endoscopic conventional treatment is sphincterotomy ± stent placement. In complex cases, such as altered anatomy or failure of conventional treatment, transpapillary/transfistulary (TP/TF) drainage or EUS-guided transmural drainage (EUS-TD) may obviate additional biliary surgery. This study reports our experience with treating biloma secondary to refractory biliary leak with TP/TF drainage or EUS-TD and evaluates the safety and outcomes associated with this approach.

METHODS

This observational study focused on consecutive patients managed for biliary leakage (diagnosis based on imaging and/or bile outflow from a surgical drain) at a tertiary care hospital (2007-2017). TP/TF drainage was performed by double-pigtail stent(s) placement to drain the biloma through the leak during ERCP. For EUS-TD, plastic stent(s) were placed under EUS control. Primary outcomes were a composite of clinical success (patient free of sepsis after percutaneous drain removal and, in patients with benign disease, removal of all endoscopically placed stents, without need for reintervention) and biloma regression (<3 cm) at last follow-up.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (men, 57%; median age, 55 years) were included. Most biliary leaks resulted from cholecystectomy (27%) and hepatectomy (50%). Initial EUS-TD and TP/TF drainage were performed in 14 (47%) and 16 (53%) patients, respectively. At last follow-up (median, 33.2 months), clinical success and primary outcome were achieved in 70.4% of patients (EUS-TD, 75%; TP/TF, 67%). Additional surgery was necessary in 1 patient. Rate of serious adverse events was 23% (7/30), of which 13% (4/30) were procedure related. There were 4 deaths during the course of treatment, 2 of which were related to endoscopic interventions (hemorrhage and fibrillation).

CONCLUSIONS

TP/TF drainage or EUS-TD is technically feasible with high clinical success and may avoid the need for additional surgery in complex cases or in patients with altered anatomy.

Noninvasive Imaging Prior to Biliary Interventions

Noninvasive imaging is a crucial and initial step in the diagnostic algorithm of patients with suspected biliary pathology and directs the subsequent diagnostic and therapeutic workup, including the endoluminal and percutaneous biliary interventions. This article reviews the current noninvasive imaging methods for the evaluation of biliary system and further discusses their roles in the diagnostic workup of different biliary disease.

MRI evaluation of bile duct injuries and other post-cholecystectomy complications

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common procedures performed each year and can be associated with various post-operative complications. Imaging is integral to diagnosis and management of patients with suspected cholecystectomy complications, and a thorough understanding of normal and abnormal biliary anatomy, risk factors for biliary injury, and the spectrum of adverse events is crucial for interpretation of imaging studies. Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) enhanced with hepatobiliary contrast agent is useful in delineating biliary anatomy and pathology following cholecystectomy. In this article, we provide a protocol for contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the biliary tree. We also review the classification and imaging manifestations of post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries in addition to other complications such as bilomas, retained/dropped gallstones, and vascular injuries.

Spontaneous Biloma Secondary to Choledocholithiasis

A biloma is a collection of bile located outside the bile duct which occurs as a result of iatrogenic and traumatic injuries. Spontaneous biloma is rare and is associated with choledocholithiasis. Diagnosis is performed using an ultrasound, a computed tomography scan, and a nuclear magnetic resonance scan, and is confirmed by drainage and subsequent biochemical analysis of the fluid sample. The first treatment option is percutaneous drainage, and if not successful, endoscopic biliary drainage should be performed. We report a case of a 46-year-old patient with a spontaneous biloma associated with choledocholithiasis.

Spontaneous cystic biloma after laparoscopic cholecystectomy treated conservatively: A case report

Introduction

Biloma forms due to common bile duct (CBD) injury as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy complication. Spontaneous localized biloma forming cysts in the biliary duct is rare.

Presentation of case

We report a 47-year-old male with complaint of a painful lump in the upper abdomen two months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) found a large epigastric cyst mass, without any signs of CBD injury. Patient was managed with percutaneous drainage in the outpatient clinic and kept the contents of the drainage bag for evaluation. After two months follow-up the outcome was favorable.

Discussion

Biloma forming cysts is a very rare complication post laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Biloma most common occurs as free fluid in the abdominal cavity. Clinical diagnostics, intraoperative historical evaluation and support with MRCP may determine the treatment options. Decision to manage with non-operative procedures by percutaneous drainage and evaluations of the patient in the outpatient clinic had a favorable outcome.

Conclusion

Post laparoscopic biloma cysts are a very rare case. Management with percutaneous drainage in an outpatient clinic and ambulatory drainage is an effective and safe procedure.

Biliary complications after liver transplantation: current perspectives and future strategies

Importance

Liver transplantation (LT) is a life-saving therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease and with acute liver failure, and it is associated with excellent outcomes and survival rates at 1 and 5 years. The incidence of biliary complications (BCs) after LT is reported to range from 5% to 20%, most of them occurring in the first three months, although they can occur also several years after transplantation.

Objective

The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidences on pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and therapeutic management of BCs after LT.

Evidence Review

a literature review was performed of papers on this topic focusing on risk factors, classifications, diagnosis and treatment.

Findings

Principal risk factors include surgical techniques and donor's characteristics for biliary leakage and anastomotic biliary strictures and vascular alterations for non- anastomotic biliary strictures. MRCP is the gold standard both for intra- and extrahepatic BCs, while invasive cholangiography should be restricted for therapeutic uses or when MRCP is equivocal. About treatment, endoscopic techniques are the first line of treatment with success rates of 70-100%. The combined success rate of ERCP and PTBD overcome 90% of cases. Biliary leaks often resolve spontaneously, or with the positioning of a stent in ERCP for major bile leaks.

Conclusions and Relevance

BCs influence morbidity and mortality after LT, therefore further evidences are needed to identify novel possible risk factors, to understand if an immunological status that could lead to their development exists and to compare the effectiveness of innovative surgical and machine perfusion techniques.

A Case of Candidal Infection of Large Biloma After CT-Guided Liver Biopsy Confirming Autoimmune Hepatitis

Bilomas are unexpected post-procedural complications of cholecystectomies, hepatic resections, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and-rarely-liver biopsies. While uncommon, this should remain high on the differential in a patient presenting with sudden postop sepsis even in the absence of significant liver injury. Diagnosis involves coordination between interventional radiology, gastroenterology, and internal medicine. This involves a precise clinical history, invasive radiological techniques, and advanced interventional endoscopic solutions for diagnosis and treatment. This is a case of a biloma that occurred as a consequence of a post-hepatic biopsy and resulted in fungal infection, rather than its more common bacterial counterpart. Due to the unusual circumstances, a more circuitous route to the correct diagnosis and treatment was undertaken.

Gd-EOB-DTP-enhanced MRC in the preoperative percutaneous management of intra and extrahepatic biliary leakages: does it matter?

Postoperative bile leakage is a common complication of abdominal surgical procedures and a precise localization of is important to choose the best management. Many techniques are available to correctly identify bile leaks, including ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), being the latter the best to clearly depict "active" bile leakages. This paper presents the state of the art algorithm in the detection of biliary leakages in order to plan a percutaneous biliary drainage focusing on widely available and safe contrast agent, the Gb-EOB-DPA. We consider its pharmacokinetic properties and impact in biliary imaging explain current debates to optimize image quality. We report common sites of leakage after surgery with special considerations in cirrhotic liver to show what interventional radiologists should look to easily detect bile leaks.

An Update on Iatrogenic Biliary Injuries: Identification, Classification, and Management

Common bile duct injury is a feared complication of cholecystectomy, with an incidence of 0.1% to 0.6%. A majority of injuries go unnoticed at index operation, and postoperative diagnosis can be difficult. Patient presentation can vary from vague abdominal pain to uncontrolled sepsis and peritonitis. Diagnostic evaluation typically begins with ultrasound or CT scan in the acute setting, and source control is paramount at time of presentation. In a stable patient, hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan can be useful in identifying an ongoing bile leak, which requires intervention. A variety of diagnostic techniques define biliary anatomy. Treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Acute Abdomen Secondary to a Spontaneous Perforation of the Biliary Tract, a Rare Complication of Choledocholithiasis

INTRODUCTION

The spontaneous perforation of the biliary tract (SPBT) is an extremely rare cause of peritonitis, which was first described by Freeland in 1982, to date only around 70 cases have been reported. Here we present a case of spontaneous perforation of the biliary tract, in a patient with choledocholithiasis, which was treated with ultrasound-guided drainage and ERCP.

CASE REPORT

A 51-year-old male was admitted to the emergency room for 15-day evolution jaundice, localized pain in the right flank and hypochondrium of 3days. He had a history of cholecystectomy 15 years ago and 4 episodes of cholangitis, the last one in 2015. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed, that showed evidence of choledocholithiasis, in addition to a possible biliary leakage. The patient was treated with ultrasound-guided drainage and ERCP successfully.

DISCUSSION

Spontaneous perforation of the biliary tract is a disease entity in which wall of the extrahepatic or intrahepatic duct is perforated without any traumatic or iatrogenic injury. The clinical presentation varies from nonspecific abdominal pain to biliary peritonitis, in most of the cases forming bilomas. Universal management involves decompression of the biliary tree and repair of the leak site.

CONCLUSION

The spontaneous perforation of the biliary tract is a disease that represents a diagnostic challenge. The treatment in the patients with SPBT is not well established and has to be individualized for each case, depending on the history of the patient, the site of perforation, the time of evolution, the suspicion of infection, and the patient status.

A giant and insidious subphrenic biloma formation due to gallbladder perforation mimicking biliary cystic tumor: A case report

Gallbladder perforation (GBP) represents a rare, but potentially life-threatening, complication of acute cholecystitis. GBP is subdivided into three categories whereas the development of biloma is extremely rare. The present case study reports on a 40-year-old man with a 10-year history of calculus cholecystitis, who was referred to The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing, China) for the surgical treatment of an emerging massive hepatic entity with insidious symptoms and normal laboratory tests. A preoperative imaging study demonstrated the collection with internal septations and mural nodules, but no visible communication with the biliary system. Given the suspected biliary cystic tumor, a laparotomy was performed and the lumen was scattered with papillae. An intraoperative frozen section examination illustrated a simple hepatic cyst. Biochemical analysis of the collection and histopathology of the gallbladder and capsule substantiated the diagnosis of biloma formation due to GBP. The purpose of the present case report was to demonstrate how a pinhole-sized perforation with extravasation of unconcentrated bile from the gallbladder may result in insidious clinical presentation and an undetected leak site. According to the clinicopathological characteristics and composition, formation of biloma should be classified as type IV GBP. To differentiate bilomas with intracystic septations and mural nodules from BCTs is difficult via a preoperative examination, and the definitive diagnosis should be based on a histological examination. Laparotomy with frozen section examination may be the optimal approach in such a case.

Diagnosis and Management of Postoperative Biliary Leaks

Postoperative biliary leaks have become more common in the past three decades since the development of laparoscopic biliary surgery. The role of the radiologist and interventional radiologist is important in the diagnosis and treatment of such complications, and can play an adjunctive role in the definitive surgical repair. Ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, nuclear medicine cholescintigraphy studies, and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiograms (PTC) are the various imaging modalities used for diagnosis. Interventional radiology treatment involves percutaneous drainage of bilomas, characterization of the biliary tree and assessment of the site of ductal injury with PTC, and biliary diversion with external biliary drainage.