Endoscopie management of bile leaks after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Biliary leaks were detected in eleven of 16 patients with bile duct injuries following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Leak occurred at the cystic duct in 9 patients and at the common bite duct in 2 patients. These 11 patients were treated by various endoscopic methods. Endoscopic therapy included stenting alone in S patients, stent placement and sphinglerotomy in 3 patients, and insertion of nasobiliary tube drainage in 3 patients. Permanent healing of the leakage was obtained in 100% of cases without significant complications of the procedures. Endoscopic therapy is safe and effective for post-cholecystectomy bile leaks.