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. 2009:2009:628197.
doi: 10.1155/2009/628197. Epub 2009 Dec 21.

Painless obstructive jaundice secondary to a common bile duct abscess: a delayed sequela of cholecystectomy

Katherine Fairhurst  1 , Andrew Strickland, Franklin H G Bridgewater, Guy J Maddern
Affiliations

Painless obstructive jaundice secondary to a common bile duct abscess: a delayed sequela of cholecystectomy

Katherine Fairhurst et al. HPB Surg. 2009.

Abstract

Complications related to cholecystectomy are well described. Most occur in the early postoperative period and are recognised either at the time of, or shortly after surgery. Clinical sequelae occurring years following cholecystectomy are rare and infrequently reported. In addition, most delayed complications are related to the continuing presence or new formation of gallstones. In this paper we present a unique case of an abscess of the common bile duct wall, presenting with painless obstructive jaundice more than 30 years following an open cholecystectomy, without the presence of gallstones. The clinical presentation, investigations, and treatment are discussed with a review of other relevant reported cases in the literature.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Stricture of the proximal bile duct at ERCP.
Figure 2
Figure 2
CT demonstrating lesion arising from common bile duct (arrow) with the common bile duct stent seen more medially.
Figure 3
Figure 3
T-tube cholangiogram demonstrating resolution of the stricture.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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