ERCP for the treatment of bile leak after partial hepatectomy and fenestration for symptomatic polycystic liver disease

AIM: To describe endoscopic treatment of bile leaks in these patients and to identify risk factors in these patients which can predict the development of bile leaks. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study examining consecutive patients who underwent partial hepatectomy for polycystic liver disease (PLD) and developed a postoperative bile leak managed endoscopically over a ten year period. Each case was matched with two controls with PLD who did not develop a postoperative bile leak. RESULTS: Ten cases underwent partial hepatectomy with fenestration for symptoms including abdominal distention, pain and nausea. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) showed anatomic abnormalities in 1 case. A biliary sphincterotomy was performed in 4 cases. A plastic biliary stent was placed with the proximal end at the site of the leak in 9 cases; in 1 case two stents were placed. The overall success rate of ERCP to manage the leak was 90%. There were no significant differences in age, gender, comorbidities, duration of symptoms, history of previous surgery or type of surgery performed between cases and controls. CONCLUSION: ERCP with stent placement is safe and effective for management of post-hepatectomy bile leak in patients with PLD.