Bronchobiliary fistula after ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma adjacent to the diaphragm: Case report and literature review

Cholecystopleural fistula: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Gallstone with acute cholecystitis is one of the most common diseases in the clinic. If the disease is serious, gallbladder gangrene, perforation, and sepsis may be caused. Gallbladder diseases rarely cause thoracic-related complications, especially pleural fistula, which is very rare in clinical practice.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 52-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department for 1 month with recurrent right middle and upper abdominal pain.

DIAGNOSIS

Computed tomography diagnosis: cholecystitis and peri-inflammation, small abscess around the base of the gallbladder, local peritonitis, and bilateral pleural effusion.

INTERVENTIONS

After admission, conservative treatment was given. On the 4th day of admission, the symptoms worsened, and an emergency catheter drainage was performed on the right thoracic cavity to extract 900 mL of dark yellow effusion. After the operation, a large amount of bili-like fluid was continuously drained from the thoracic drainage tube. After the iatrogenic biliary fistula caused by thoracic puncture was excluded, cholecystopleural fistula was considered to be cholecystopleural fistula. On the 6th day of admission, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) + cholecystography + Oddi sphincterotomy + laminating biliary stent was performed in the emergency department, and cholecystopleural fistula was confirmed during the operation.

OUTCOMES

The patient recovered well after surgery, computed tomography examination on the 20th day after surgery indicated that pleural effusion was significantly reduced, and the patient was cured and discharged. The patient returned to the hospital 8 months after the ERCP operation to pull out the bile duct-covered stent. The patient did not complain of any discomfort after the postoperative follow-up for 3 years, and no recurrence of stones, empyema, and other conditions was found.

CONCLUSION

Cholecystopleural fistula is one of the serious complications of acute cholecystitis, which is easy to misdiagnose clinically. If the gallbladder inflammation is severe, accompanied by pleural effusion, the pleural effusion is bili-like liquid, or the content of bilirubin is abnormally elevated, the existence of the disease should be considered. Once the diagnosis is clear, active surgical intervention is needed to reduce the occurrence of complications. Endoscopic therapy (ERCP) can be used as both a diagnostic method and an important minimally invasive treatment.

Selective bronchial occlusion for acquired bronchobiliary fistula caused by treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: A case series

Acquired bronchobiliary fistula (ABBF) is very rare among the complications that occur in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after treatment. Although surgery and drainage have been the main methods for treating ABBF for a long time, they are not entirely suitable for patients with refractory ABBF resulting from HCC therapy. In this study, we present four cases of ABBF caused by HCC treatment, who were treated using selective bronchial occlusion (SBO). Among the 4 patients with ABBF treated with SBO, 3 cases successfully blocked ABBF with SBO, and the treatment success rate was 75%. All successfully treated patients reported disappearance of symptoms of bilioptysis and cough was alleviated. No life-threatening adverse reactions were reported following SBO intervention, and no deaths occurred. We believe that the use of video bronchoscopy to place a self-made silicone plug in the bronchus to treat refractory ABBF is a feasible palliative treatment, which can significantly improve the condition of ABBF patients.

Endobronchial closure of broncho-biliary fistula using Amplatzer device: Case report

Broncho-biliary fistula (BBF) is an extremely rare but serious medical condition resulting from pathological communication between the biliary system and the bronchial tree. Treatment options include both surgical and non-surgical approaches. Several endobronchial techniques, such as the spigot and glue, can be used for this purpose. This report discusses a patient who developed a broncho-biliary fistula following a liver biopsy. The BBF was diagnosed during bronchoscopy and successfully treated with an endobronchial Amplatzer device. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of the Amplatzer device to manage BBF.

Bronchobiliary fistula after stenting of biliary duct as the management of iatrogenic bile duct injury during elective cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Bronchobiliary fistula is a rare and complex entity defined by an abnormal communication between the biliary and bronchial systems. The etiopathogenesis is not completely understood, but the most common factors implicated are hepatobiliary tumors, biliary obstruction, iatrogenic damage or trauma.

METHODS

Here we present a case of a 69-year-old man that developed a bronchobiliary fistula and a pulmonary abscess after migration of a bile duct stent placed as part of the treatment of an iatrogenic bile duct injury that occurred during elective cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

A conservative approach, that included broad-spectrum antibiotic, removal of the stent, and sphincterotomy, was enough for the closure of the fistula and resolution of the symptoms.

CONCLUSION

We emphasize the importance of prompt recognition of this entity and a concerted therapeutic strategy to optimize the probability of success, avoiding the destructive consequences of the bile in the pulmonary parenchyma and septic complications.

Endobronchial Watanabe Spigot Placement for Hepatic Abscess and Bronchobiliary Fistula Following Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

A bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is an uncommon but severe complication after radiofrequency ablation (RFA). However, the definitive salvage methods are controversial. We herein report a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatic abscess and BBF following RFA. We also review previous reports of BBF after RFA. The patient was a man in his 70s who underwent RFA for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma in the subphrenic area. Despite percutaneous transhepatic abscess drainage, bilioptysis persisted. Finally, the BBF was occluded with an endobronchial Watanabe spigot under fiber-optic bronchoscopy. Placing an endobronchial Watanabe spigot should be considered as a salvage therapy for refractory BBF following RFA.

Percutaneous microwave ablation‑induced hepatic artery‑pulmonary artery fistula: A rare case report

Microwave ablation (MWA) is safe and effective for patients with unresectable primary and secondary hepatic tumors, but it also has a series of complications. The present study reported on the case of a 60-year-old male patient with progression of solitary liver metastasis who underwent multiple courses and lines of chemotherapy. Hepatic artery-pulmonary artery fistula due to thermal damage may occur after MWA for hepatic tumor adjacent to the diaphragm. Symptomatic improvement was achieved by trans-arterial embolization and hepatic arteriography indicated complete occlusion of the fistula. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged three days later. This rare complication should be taken into consideration in clinical treatment.

Case report: Biliobronchial fistula after biliary tract stenosis

Biliobronchial fistula (BBF) is a rare abnormality resulting from congenital or acquired communication between the bile ducts and the bronchial tree. Patients often suffer from chronic cough, dyspnea, and bilioptysis, a pathognomonic symptom of this condition. Conservative methods such as less-invasive procedures are gradually consolidating. Nonetheless, surgery remains the primary treatment, especially in more complex cases. We present the case of a 44-year-old woman with a chronic cough, no verified periods of fever, cyclic jaundice, and episodes of yellowish sputum. She had undergone cholecystectomy in 2018 and had been hospitalized several times since for pneumonia treatment. All consequent investigations for mycobacteriosis were negative. When referred to our hospital, she had cyclic jaundice and parenchymal consolidation in the right lower lobe. Suspected bilioptysis motivated the search for a biliobronchial fistula. Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) confirmed stenosis of the biliary tract and fistulous path, and sputum analysis indicated high bilirubin levels. External biliary bypass was performed as an initial conservative and definitive therapy due to the presence of liver cirrhosis. Although BBF is a rare condition when bilioptysis is suspected, a diagnostic investigation should be initiated. Our case study proposes two criteria for diagnosis: an imaging exam demonstrating the fistulous path and confirmation of bilirubin in the sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). When diagnosed, surgical correction should be performed.

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.

Use heat with caution! Pleurobiliary fistula after hepatocellular carcinoma microwave ablation in lymphoma patient: A case study

Thermal ablation by microwave ablation (MWA) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a frequently used technique for hepatic lesion treatment due to its low rate of complications. Surgery, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and yttrium-90 (Y-90) transarterial radioembolization (TARE) are other ways to treat hepatic lesions. Thoracobiliary fistula (TBF) is a rare side effect of thermal ablation. Other side effects include vascular injury, damage to the biliary system, and infection. We present the case of a 62-year-old male patient who has a history of lymphoma and was diagnosed with a hepaticellular carcinoma lesion on follow-up CT in segment VII, which appeared in close relation to the right diaphragm. The patient had been through several interventional procedures, including Y-90 therapy, TACE, and MWA with thermal impact, which resulted in a biloma forming and ramping up the progression of pleurobiliary fistula, which is confirmed by HIDA scan, this case highlights the significance of monitoring patients after thermal ablation, particularly in cases of large justa-diaphragmatic tumors, to detect any diaphragmatic or biliary tree injuries.

Bilioptysis associated with alcohol hepatitis without evidence of bronchobiliary fistula: A rare case report

The presence of bilirubin in the sputum is uncommon but, when present, is most commonly associated with the presence of bronchobiliary fistula, which could be associated with a number of underlying conditions. However, the finding of bilioptysis without bronchobiliary fistula is uncommon, with one associated mechanism postulated to involve increased capillary membrane permeability. This case report describes a patient presenting with bilioptysis while being medically managed with prednisolone for severe alcoholic hepatitis. The patient developed hospital‐acquired pneumonia during her hospitalization associated with bilioptysis, resulting in progressive respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support. Alcohol‐related pulmonary dysfunction alters pulmonary immune processes, leading to increased susceptibility to pulmonary infection and disrupting the basal alveolar epithelial membrane, thus increasing permeability. This patient's findings were in the absence of a bronchobiliary or bronchopleural fistula, and we hypothesize that increased capillary membrane permeability was contributory to the bilioptysis in this case.

Multimodal Approach to Acquired Bronchobiliary Fistula Secondary to Hepaticojejunostomy Stricture Following Yttruim-90 Therapy

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is an abnormal connection between the bronchial system and the biliary tree. It pathognomonically presents with bilioptysis (production of bilious-tinged sputum) and is associated with mortality rates up to 12.7%. Here we present a 56-year-old male with stage IV neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer status post pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. The patient developed an acquired BBF secondary to repeated Yttrium-90 radioembolization therapy that resulted in complete stenosis of the hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) anastomosis. The diagnosis was confirmed using cholescintigraphy and bronchoscopy. Biliary decompression with percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram was unsuccessful, necessitating resection of the HJ anastomosis with salvage bilioenteric reconstruction using Kasai-type anastomosis between the pancreaticobiliary limb and hepatic duct. Complete resolution was noted following surgery. Although a minimally invasive approach to treatment of BBF may be favorable, patients with previous biliary reconstruction may warrant multimodal treatments including percutaneous procedures and complex surgical reconstructions.

Biliothoracic Fistula after Microwave Ablation of Liver Metastasis : Literature Review

Microwave ablation is a safe and effective interventional approach, widely used in the treatment of unresectable primary or metastatic hepatic lesions. Thoracobiliary fistula is a rare postablation complication that can be treated with a conservative or surgical approach. We reviewed aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnostic possibilities, and therapeutic options for biliothoracic fistula developed after microwave ablation of liver metastasis. Furthermore, we reported our experience of successful conservative management of a nonhealing thoracobiliary fistula occurred after percutaneous thermal ablation of colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Our case supports a conservative approach based on percutaneous biliary system decompression and synthetic glue embolization for the treatment of combined biliopleural and biliobronchial fistula.