Subcapsular hepatic hematoma after guide wire injury during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: management and review

Abstract

Complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) that are associated with the guide wire are fortunately rare, but may be more common than is reported. We describe the case of a 43-year-old woman with obstructive jaundice from metastatic pancreatic cancer who underwent an elective ERCP for biliary stent placement. This was complicated by guide wire-associated injury that resulted in the development and eventual rupture of a subcapsular hepatic hematoma and which was successfully treated with nonsurgical management. If identified and treated rapidly, using a multidisciplinary approach (i. e., with medical, interventional radiology, and surgical input), such patients can be conservatively managed.