Published online Aug 14, 2016. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i30.6955
Peer-review started: December 19, 2015
First decision: January 13, 2016
Revised: February 3, 2016
Accepted: March 1, 2016
Article in press: March 1, 2016
Published online: August 14, 2016
Despite the ongoing decrease in the frequency of complications after hepatectomy, biliary fistulas still occur and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Here, we report on an unusual technique for managing biliary fistula following left hepatectomy in a patient in whom the right posterior segmental duct joined the left hepatic duct. The biliary fistula was treated with a combined radiologic and endoscopic procedure based on the “rendezvous technique”. The clinical outcome was good, and reoperation was not required.
Core tip: Despite the ongoing decrease in the frequency of complications after hepatectomy, biliary fistulas still occur and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. In most literature reports, surgical treatment is the gold standard for management of biliary fistula but is associated with greater morbidity. We report on an unusual technique for managing biliary fistula following left hepatectomy in a patient in whom the right posterior segmental duct joined the left hepatic duct. The biliary fistula was treated with a combined radiologic and endoscopic procedure based on the “rendezvous technique” without the need for reoperation.