Pleuro-biliary fistula--a delayed complication following open cholecystectomy

Abstract

A 24-year-old lady presented with bilious expectoration and history suggestive of obstructive jaundice, 16 months following open cholecystectomy. Pleurocentesis was done, followed by intercostal drainage, which drained about 300 mL bilious fluid per day for a month. Her symptoms of obstructive jaundice were relieved. A pleuro-biliary fistula was demonstrated by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram, HIDA scan and ERCP, which showed complete cut-off at the lower end. The patient underwent bilio-enteric bypass with gastric access loop, with complete healing of the pleuro-biliary fistula.