Hepatic subcapsular biloma: a rare complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration

Abstract

Purpose: Description of an unusual complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration.

Methods: Case report from experience at an Air Force tertiary care hospital in a 70-year-old woman undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Literature search for journal articles reporting similar complications using Medline, PubMed, and Ovid Internet search systems.

Results: A hepatic subcapsular biloma was diagnosed on postoperative day 11 from an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration. Review of the literature found only 2 other reports of this complication.

Conclusions: Hepatic subcapsular biloma is a rare complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Computed tomography is highly sensitive for diagnosing bilomas, and percutaneous drainage procedures are appropriate treatment. Imaging of the biliary tree should be performed early to determine the location and extent of bile leaks.