External biliary fistula

Management of a complex cholecystocutaneous fistula with laparoscopic retrieval of gallstones embedded in the abdominal wall

Cholecystocutaneous fistula is a rare surgical entity caused by an abnormal connection between the gallbladder epithelium and the skin. These complex cases have historically required an open surgical approach and are difficult to manage. We present a rare case of a 65-year-old male patient, with chronic lithiasic cholecystitis and cholecystocutaneous fistula. The patient underwent a laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy, dissection of the fistula tract, and removal of the impacted stones from the abdominal wall. With appropriate expertize, a completely laparoscopic approach is acceptable and the technical challenges can be predicted and overcome through careful pre-operative planning.

Spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula secondary to xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, a rare variant of cholecystitis, may infrequently be complicated by spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of a 75-year-old Saudi Arabian man who presented with "a painful area of redness" (cellulitis) over his right upper abdomen. Abdominal computed tomography revealed multiple collections, which were drained surgically. A discharging sinus was identified, and a fistulogram revealed cholecystocutaneous fistula during his follow-up visit. The patient underwent laparoscopic management and recovered uneventfully. Final histopathological evaluation confirmed acute-on-chronic xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis .

CONCLUSIONS

Although rare, surgeons should consider cholecystocutaneous fistula in the differential diagnosis of anterior abdominal wall abscesses, particularly in patients with concurrent or background symptoms of gallbladder disease. We report the first case of laparoscopic management for cholecystocutaneous fistula in Saudi Arabia.

Mistaken identity: an unexpected case of spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula formation

We describe the case of a 78-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with a 2-week history of a superficially developing mass in the lower right abdominal wall, fluctuant and non-tender with overlaying erythematous skin changes. Though resembling an abdominal wall abscess and initially listed for a simple incision and drainage, diagnostic uncertainty encouraged further investigation. CT and ultrasound confirmed the mass appeared to be in continuity with the gallbladder fossa, with the lumen also containing small bowel medially. While awaiting a multidisciplinary team discussion, the patient re-presented with concern over discharge appearing at the site of the mass. On inspection, we noted black flecks and small stones. This case describes the unusual and rare presentation of a cholecystocutaneous fistula. The patient was managed conservatively and remains clinically well.

Cholecystocutaneous fistula incidence, Etiology, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis and treatment. A literature review

Cholecystocutaneous Fistula (CCF) is a type of external biliary fistula, which connects the gallbladder with the skin. Thilesus first described this phenomenon in 1670. There is usually a history of calculi in the gallbladder or neglected gallbladder disease. The incidence of CCF is rare, most patients are elderly females with the mean age of 72.8 years old. They usually present with chronic calculus cholecystitis or a history of a previous surgical intervention. US, CT, MRI, MRCP and (CT or X-ray) fistulogram are used to confirm the diagnosis. CT was more significant than US in identifying the track of the fistula and the fluid that runs throw it. CCF patients presented with systemic symptoms (fever, nausea and vomiting) or local symptoms. RUQ region is the most common site of external opening. Open cholecystectomy with excision of the fistulous tract is considered an acceptable option for treatment and it is curative in most cases. However, laparoscopic approach can be another option with experience surgeons.

Spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula: empirically treated for a missed diagnosis, managed by laparoscopy

A 70-year-old woman was referred to our hospital from primary health centre with complaints of pain in the abdomen, swelling and discharging sinus in the right hypochondrium since 2 years. She had received anti-tubercular treatment for 18 months as the wedge biopsy of the sinus tract suggested granulomatous lesion. As the symptoms did not subside she was referred to our hospital. Her blood investigation reports at our hospital were normal. Ultrasound of the abdomen suggested cholelithiasis with normal common bile duct. CT fistulogram findings were diagnostic of cholecystocutaneous fistula (CCCF). She underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and excision of the sinus tract. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Indiscriminate usage of anti-tubercular drugs should be discouraged and possibility of CCCF should be considered in patients presenting with discharging sinus in the anterior abdominal wall. CT fistulogram is helpful in making diagnosis of CCCF. Cholecystectomy with excision of the sinus tract is the treatment of choice.

Surgical treatment of giant liver hydatid cysts: comparison of cystojejunostomy and partial cystectomy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare partial cystectomy and internal drainage of the cyst cavity with cystojejunostomy for the surgical treatment of giant hepatic hydatid cysts.

METHODS

Patients who underwent any type of surgical treatment between March 2009 and May 2013 for giant hepatic hydatid cysts were retrospectively evaluated. The data collected included demographic variables, diagnostic methods, surgical procedures, morbidity and mortality rates.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients who underwent surgery for giant hepatic hydatid cysts were included. There were 16 (57 %) female patients, with a mean age of 32.8 years. The diagnostic methods primarily included abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography, which were performed in 62 % of the patients. The patients were divided into two groups with respect to the treatment modality: Group A (n = 13) treated with cystojejunostomy and Group B (n = 15) treated with partial cystectomy. The overall rate of cavity-related complications was 25 % in Group B, whereas none of the patients in Group A had a cavity-related complication during the follow-up period (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Cystojejunostomy is an effective and safe surgical approach for the treatment of giant hepatic hydatid cysts, with a lower rate of morbidity than partial cystectomy, and thus may be the surgical treatment of choice for giant hepatic hydatid cysts.

Can occult cystobiliary fistulas in hepatic hydatid disease be predicted before surgery?

BACKGROUND

Biliary fistulas because of the cystobiliary communication is the most frequent and undesirable postoperative complication of hepatic hydatid surgery. We aimed to identify the predicting factors of the occult cystobiliary communication in this study.

METHODS

The patients who underwent surgical treatment for hepatic hydatid disease between 2003 and 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients who had jaundice history, preoperative high total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels, dilated bile duct in preoperative radiologic imagings were not included the study. Patients were divided into two groups: group A; without postoperative biliary fistula, group B; with biliary fistula. The two groups were compared according to preoperative descriptive findings, cystic specialties, and laboratory findings.

RESULTS

There were 53 patients and 15 patients in groupA and groupB, respectively. The 20 (37.7%) of 53 patients were male in group A and the 10 (66.7%) patients were male in group B (p<0.05). The age, number of cysts, Garbi scores of cysts, the rate of recurrent cysts, the level of preoperative bilirubin, alkalene phosphatase, and transaminases were similar in both groups (p>0.05). GGT was significantly different between two groups (p<0.05). The cystotomy + drainage, cystotomy + omentopexy, and intracystic biliary suture rates were similar in both groups. Postoperative non biliary complications were determined in 4 (7.5%) patients in group A and 7 patients (46.7%) in group B (p<0.05). Hospital stay was longer in group B significantly (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, GGT as a laboratory [corrected] test for predicting occult CBC preoperatively have been shown to be useful in the clinical practice. However, larger prospective studies are needed on this subject. Occult cysto-biliary fistulas can only be exposed during surgery when suspected by a surgeon. If occult CBC is found, the opening in the biliary system should be sutured with absorbable material, with or without cystic duct drainage. If no biliary opening is found, cystic duct drainage may be performed if preoperative factors predict the presence of CBC. As the development of external biliary fistulas increases the morbidity and the hospitalization period, novel surgical methods to prevent the development of bile fistulas are required in such patients.

Spontaneous external biliary fistula: a rare complication of cholangiocarcinoma

A 68-year-old woman presented with yellowish discharge oozing from a fistula opening in the upper epigastric area that had persisted for one month prior to her visit. The patient had undergone a left lateral segmentectomy of the liver ten years prior for treatment of intrahepatic duct (IHD) stones. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed focal stricture and proximal dilatation of remnant IHD and a 1 cm-sized rim-enhancing lesion located under the surgical bed of the abdominal wall surrounding the dilated remnant IHD. Despite conservative management including nasobiliary drainage, no further improvement was anticipated. Partial hepatectomy and fistulectomy were performed for pathologic diagnosis and treatment of the enhancing lesion. Histopathology revealed adenocarcinoma. In this case, cholangiocarcinoma might have arisen in association with IHD stones and then developed a choledocho-cutaneous fistula as a clinical manifestation.

Occult cystobiliary communication presenting as postoperative biliary leakage after hydatid liver surgery: are there significant preoperative clinical predictors?

BACKGROUND

Occult cystobiliary communication (CBC) presents with biliary leakage, if the cystobiliary opening cannot be detected and repaired at operation. We investigated the clinical signs associated with the risk of occult CBC in the preoperative period by studying patients who developed biliary leakage after hydatid liver surgery.

METHODS

We analyzed the records of 191 patients treated for hydatid liver cyst. Postoperative biliary leakage developed in 41 patients (21.5%). Independent predictive factors were established by logistic regression analysis using clinical parameters, whose cutoff values were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

Postoperative biliary leakage presented as external biliary fistula in 31 (75.6%) of 41 patients, as biliary peritonitis in 6 (14.6%) and as cyst cavity biliary abscess in 4 (9.8%). Independent clinical predictors of occult CBC, represented by biliary leakage, were alkaline phosphatase > 250 U/L, total bilirubin > 17.1 micromol/L, direct bilirubin > 6.8 micromol/L, gamma-glutamyl transferase > 34.5 U/L, eosinophils > 0.09 and cyst diameter > 8.5 cm. Multilocular or degenerate cysts increased the risk of biliary leakage (p = 0.012). Postoperative complication rates were 53.7% in the patients with biliary leakage, and 10.0% (p < 0.001) in those without. The mean postoperative hospital stay was longer in patients with biliary leakage (14.3 [and standard deviation {SD} 1.9] d) than in those without (7.3 [SD 2.3] d) (p < 0.001). Nineteen (61.3%) of 31 biliary fistulae closed spontaneously within 10 days. The remaining 12 (38.7%) fistulae closed within 7 days after endoscopic sphincterotomy.

CONCLUSION

Factors that predict occult CBC due to hydatid liver cyst were identified. These factors should allow the likelihood of CBC to be determined and, thus, indicate the need for additional procedures during operation to prevent the complications of biliary leakage.

Endoscopic therapy in the management of hepatobiliary hydatid disease

Hydatid disease constitutes a serious public health problem throughout the world, especially in endemic areas, despite the use of various kinds of preventive measures. Currently, there are three treatment options for hepatic hydatid disease including surgery, PAIR (puncture, aspiration, injection, and re-aspiration), and chemotherapy with benzimidazole compounds. Each of these therapeutic modalities has limitations depending on the individual case. The authors review the use of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of hepatobiliary hydatid disease (HHD) to clarify its place in the treatment algorithm among surgical, medical, and percutaneous measures. ERCP in the preoperative period: (1) defines the cystobiliary relationship to help in surgery planning, (2) permits evaluation for acute conditions like cholangitis and obstruction so that subsequent surgery can be performed on an elective basis, (3) may give permanent cure specifically in cases of frank intrabiliary rupture if evacuation of biliary tract and cystic cavity is manageable, and (4) when combined with preoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy may decrease the incidence of the development of postoperative external fistula. ERCP in the postoperative period: (1) can help to clarify the causes of ongoing or recurrent symptoms or laboratory abnormalities, (2) may help to resolve the obstruction or cholangitis due to residual material in biliary ducts, (3) may provide the chance to manage postoperative external biliary fistulae, and (4) may be a realistic solution for secondary biliary strictures. Considering the current literature and adding this experience, the authors propose a new treatment algorithm in HHD including medical, surgical, PAIR, and ERCP-related therapies. To illustrate the algorithm, a case is presented of a patient who had a persistent external biliary fistula in the postoperative period and was managed successfully by endoscopic approach.