Congenital bronchobiliary fistula in adults

Congenital bilio-bronchial fistula in an adult: a review of literature and video demonstration of laparoscopic fistula tract excision

This article presents a review of the literature on congenital bilio-bronchial fistula (BBF), a rare anomaly characterized by abnormal communication between the bile duct and respiratory tract. Congenital BBF often presents with bilioptysis in early neonates and infants; however, patients with no overt symptoms may occasionally present in adulthood. Our literature search in Medline from 1850 to 2023 revealed 42 reported cases of congenital BBF, primarily managed with thoracotomy and excision of the fistula tract. About one-third of these cases required multiple surgeries due to associated biliary anomalies. The review underscores the importance of diagnostic imaging, including bronchoscopy, in identifying and delineating the extent of the fistula. It also highlights the evolving surgical management, with recent cases showing the efficacy of minimally invasive approaches such as laparoscopy and thoracoscopy. In addition to the literature review, we report a young female patient with a history of recurrent respiratory infections presenting with bilioptysis and extensive left lung damage. Initial management included bronchoscopy-guided glue instillation, left thoracotomy, and pneumonectomy. Following the recurrence of symptoms, the patient was successfully treated with laparoscopic excision of the fistula tract. In recent times, minimally invasive approaches such as laparoscopy and thoracoscopy, with excision of the fistula tract are gaining popularity and have shown good results. We suggest biliary communication being the high-pressure end, tackling it transabdominal may prevent recurrent problems.

Congenital bronchobiliary fistula: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Congenital bronchobiliary fistula is a rare developmental abnormality with an abnormal fistula between the respiratory system and biliary tract. The aim of this report is to analyze and summarize the clinical features and experience of diagnosing and treating congenital bronchobiliary fistula (CBBF) occurring in the neonatal period.

CASE SUMMARY

The onset of symptoms was 3 d after birth in our patient with progressive cyanosis and respiratory distress, and a large amount of green fluid was noticed in her respiratory secretion. We performed computed tomography (CT), fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and cholangiography to make a diagnosis, as well as fistulography with a bronchoscope for the first time. These examinations provided us with valuable images to make a correct diagnosis. The fistula was dissected and removed with excellent results. Surgical removal of the fistula was successful, and the baby recovered well and was discharged. She has been followed for 4 mo without any signs of discomfort.

CONCLUSION

The main symptom of CBBF is bile-like sputum. CT, bronchoscopy, fistulography, and intraoperative cholangiography can provide important evidence for diagnosis. Surgical resection of the fistula is the first choice of treatment.

Two cases of bronchobiliary fistula: Case report

A bronchobiliary fistula, or a biliobronchial fistula (BBF), is a rare condition. It results from an abnormal connection between the biliary and bronchial trees, and is characterized by pathognomonic bilious sputum with suspicious pneumonia. Traditionally, an infectious disease, such as a hydatid infection, has been known to cause a BBF, but BBFs have recently become associated with tumors. In every case, procedures and treatments differ between centers, from simple conservative management to invasive surgical procedures. This case report presents two patients who had BBF after liver resection. Symptoms of each patients were treated and controlled successfully by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage tube insertion. We hope that this report helps in the management of BBF in other cases.

Congenital tracheobiliary fistula combined with hypoplastic common hepatic duct: Management by percutaneous transhepatic drainage

Congenital tracheobiliary or bronchobiliary fistula is a rare developmental anomaly with a persistent communication between the biliary system and the trachea or bronchus. We report a case of a congenital tracheobiliary fistula and hypoplastic common hepatic duct associated with hypoplastic left heart syndrome in a 5-day old boy presenting with bilious endotracheal-tube secretions. The tracheobiliary fistula was treated by surgical resection. Subsequent cholangiography demonstrated dilated intrahepatic bile ducts and a residual fistulous tract with cystic proximal stump that were successfully decompressed by transhepatic drainage catheters before corrective biliary surgery.

Management of acquired bronchobiliary fistula: A systematic literature review of 68 cases published in 30 years

AIM: To outline the appropriate diagnostic methods and therapeutic options for acquired bronchobiliary fistula (BBF).

METHODS: Literature searches were performed in Medline, EMBASE, PHMC and LWW (January 1980-August 2010) using the following keywords: biliobronchial fistula, bronchobiliary fistula, broncho-biliary fistula, biliary-bronchial fistula, tracheobiliary fistula, hepatobronchial fistula, bronchopleural fistula, and biliptysis. Further articles were identified through cross-referencing.

RESULTS: Sixty-eight cases were collected and reviewed. BBF secondary to tumors (32.3%, 22/68), including primary tumors (19.1%, 13/68) and hepatic metastases (13.2%, 9/68), shared the largest proportion of all cases. Biliptysis was found in all patients, and other symptoms were respiratory symptoms, such as irritating cough, fever (36/68) and jaundice (20/68). Half of the patients were treated by less-invasive methods such as endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage. Invasive approaches like surgery were used less frequently (41.7%, 28/67). The outcome was good at the end of the follow-up period in 28 cases (range, 2 wk to 72 mo), and the recovery rate was 87.7% (57/65).

CONCLUSION: The clinical diagnosis of BBF can be established by sputum analysis. Careful assessment of this condition is needed before therapeutic procedure. Invasive approaches should be considered only when non-invasive methods failed.

Congenital tracheobiliary fistula: a case report with review of literature

Congenital tracheo-or-bronchobiliary fistula is a rare anomaly. Here, we present a malnourished child with persistent and recurrent respiratory symptoms. Flexible bronchoscopy and imaging studies were carried out to ascertain the diagnosis, anatomy and associated anomalies prior to surgery. Patient underwent successful corrective surgery with complete resolution of symptoms.

Detection of a suspected bronchobiliary fistula by hepatobiliary scintigraphy

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) represents a rare but severe complication in patients affected by liver metastases. Although a clinical suspicion can arise when specific clinical signs, in particular biliptysis, are present, conventional imaging modalities often fail to confirm the diagnosis. We present a case of a patient affected by colon cancer with liver metastases previously treated with partial right-sided hepatectomy and multiple thermo-ablative treatments combined with chemotherapy, who manifested a septic fever associated with productive cough and biliptysis. Diagnosis of BBF was confirmed only by hepatobiliary scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-heptoiminodiacetic acid.

Congenital bronchobiliary fistula in a 65-year-old woman

Congenital bronchobiliary fistula (CBBF) is quite a rare malformation and the diagnosis is usually made within a few hours or years from birth because of lower respiratory diseases beginning from early infancy. Surgical repair is necessary. Of the 29 cases reported, 4 occurred in adults aged 22-32 years. We detected CBBF incidentally in a 65-year-old woman. During bronchoscopy and thoracic computed tomographic study of the pulmonary nodules, we found an accessory bronchus descending from the carina and composed of a dark green secretion that contained 10% bilirubin. Drip infusion cholangiography revealed air in the left bile duct. Cholescintigraphy showed dilatation of the left bile duct and radiotracer pooling at the top edge of the left hepatic lobe. These findings indicated a narrow fistula between the airway and biliary duct. We attributed the patient's long survival without major complications to the narrowness of the communication. To our best knowledge, this is the fifth and oldest reported adult diagnosed with CBBF.

A Case of Bronchobiliary Fistula in the Setting of Adult Polycystic Kidney and Liver Disease, with a Review of the Literature

A case of bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) was demonstrated in the setting of polycystic kidney and liver disease (PCKLD) by hepatobiliary scintigraphy. High-resolution noncontrast computed tomography through the liver showed a polycystic liver. A calcified cyst adjacent to the dome of the liver appeared to have a fistulous connection with the lung on coronal reconstructions. Hepatobiliary scan confirmed the fistulous connection. In a review of the literature, BBF has been associated with hydatid cyst disease, trauma, postsurgical states, and malignancy. As demonstrated by this case, BBF is difficult to diagnose and requires a high clinical index of suspicion. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy is the imaging modality of choice to confirm BBF, and PCKLD should be added to the list of antecedent etiologies.

Congenital bronchobiliary fistula in association with right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia

A case of congenital bronchobiliary fistula is reported in conjunction with another congenital anomaly, right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The liver was herniated through the diaphragmatic defect into the right chest where a fistula tract was identified from the surface of the liver to the right mainstem bronchus. The patient was treated successfully.

FÍSTULA BÍLIO-BRÔNQUICA: RELATO DE CASO E REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

No presente trabalho é relatado um caso de paciente portadora de fístula bílio-brônquica (FBB) secundária a coledocolitíase tratada no Hospital da Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes e é feita uma revisão da literatura pertinente ao assunto. Tratava-se de uma paciente, 35 anos, feminino, parda, cujo quadro clínico inicial era dor em hipocôndrio direito, de caráter contínuo, acompanhada de icterícia do tipo obstrutivo e bilioptise que atingia até um litro em 24 horas. O diagnóstico foi confirmado por radiografia simples de abdome e ultra-sonografia abdominal. O tratamento consistiu em laparotomia, colecistectomia, coledocotomia com retirada de dois cálculos, drenagem de vias biliares, colangiografia intra-operatória e liberação da cápsula hepática da cúpula frênica direita. A evolução pós-operatória foi satisfatória, com regressão da bilioptise no pós-operatório imediato. Houve regressão progressiva da icterícia em torno do sétimo dia do pós-operatório. A paciente foi estudada com broncografia após 24 meses que mostrou não haver alterações anatômicas dos brônquios basilares direitos pela inundação biliar. A paciente encontra-se no sétimo ano de seguimento sem evidência da doença.

Bronchobiliary fistula. A rare complication of chronic pancreatitis

CONCLUSIONS

Bronchobiliary fistula is an in frequent manifestation of common bile duct obstruction. The slowly progressive narrowing of the common duct by the fibrosis of chronic pancreatitis is an even more rare mechanism of such fistula formation with only two cases having been reported previously. A third case of bronchobiliary fistula caused by chronic pancreatitis is presented and its successful management is discussed.

BACKGROUND

A 54-yr-old male with known chronic pancreatitis presented with a cough productive of copious amounts of bile and with pulmonary infiltrates.

METHODS

Diagnosis of bronchobiliary fistula was made based on HIDA scan and confirmed by operative cholangiogram.

RESULTS

Successful correction of this fistula was accomplished by operative closure of the fistulous tract and diversion of the narrowed bile duct by hepaticojejunal bypass.