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Management of post cholecystectomy vascular injuries

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... Right hepatic artery injury is the most common vascular injury, with a rate of 92% in the adult series. However, vascular injuries are often not diagnosed without imaging or autopsy [9]. ...
... In the adult series, some authors performed routine CTA in every case with biliary complications after cholecystectomy to reveal any accompanying arterial injury; however, others performed CT angiography only in patients with prolonged BL. CTA is not performed in most cases with hepatic artery injuries [3,9]. ...
... Another recommendation is the Hepp-Couinad approach-that is, widening the anastomosis toward the left hepatic duct. Here, the aim is to move away from the distal confluence, which is sensitive to ischemia in cases with right hepatic artery injury [3,9]. In our case, it was observed that the distal part of the bile duct confluence went completely into necrosis. ...
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Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is among the most common surgeries in adults and is increasing in the pediatric age group. However, data are lacking on complications of the surgery and their treatment in children. Although many case series can be found that address hepatic artery injury after cholecystectomy in adults, we could not find similar publications in the English literature relating to the pediatric age group. This report shares the complex diagnosis and treatment process of a six-year-old female patient who presented with jaundice eight months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During the treatment process, it was observed that the common bile duct went into lysis in the late period due to haptic artery injury. The treatment continued with redo hepaticojejunostomy and catheters passed through the anastomosis line in the patient, who had anastomotic stenosis after hepaticojejunostomy. Twenty-four months after the patient’s first operation, she had no active complaints. Complications may occur months after a cholecystectomy. In this case, arterial injury should be kept in mind. We wanted to contribute by presenting the first case in the literature on hepatic artery injury in the pediatric age group.
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Bile duct injury (BDI) remains the most serious complication of cholecystectomy. With laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), the incidence has become more frequent. This study verifies the current incidence, mechanism, presentation, and treatment of BDI occurring during LC in general surgical practice. Anonymous retrospective multicenter survey. Department of surgery at a university referral center, collecting data from general surgical units. Data from 56 591 patients who underwent LC between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2000, in 184 hospitals in Italy were analyzed. Current incidence, mechanism, presentation, and treatment of BDI occurring during LC in general surgical practice. Two hundred thirty-five BDIs were reported, with an overall incidence of 0.42%. There were no risk factors in 80.0% of the patients. Poor identification of the anatomical features of the hepatic pedicle was the most frequently reported cause (36.8%), and technical problems accounted for 27.0% of causes. The incidence of BDI was higher during cholecystitis (P<.001) and decreased with increasing number of LCs performed by the surgical teams (P<.01). There was no difference in incidence according to technique (French or US) or to routine or selective intraoperative cholangiography. One hundred eight BDIs (46.0%) were recognized intraoperatively and immediately repaired in 89.8% of patients. One hundred twenty-seven BDIs (54.0%) were diagnosed postoperatively, the dominant manifestation being biliary fistula (44.1%). This study confirms a higher incidence of BDI during LC. It highlights the relevance of the number of previously performed LCs and of the correct surgical technique to avoid BDI. The need for correct procedures, adequate expertise of the repairing surgeon in BDI repairs, and a multidisciplinary approach in the management of BDI is emphasized.
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The aim of this study was to describe three cases of major vascular injuries after laparoscopic cholecystectomy depicted on magnetic resonance (MR) examination. Three female patients (mean age, 32 years; range, 22-39 years) were studied with clinical suspicion of bilio-vascular injuries after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. All MR examinations were performed within 24 h after the laparoscopic procedure. MR imaging was evaluated for major vascular injuries involving the arterial and portal venous system, for bile duct discontinuity, presence or absence of biliary dilation, stricture, excision injury, free fluid and collections. In the first patient, a type-IV Bismuth injury with associated intrahepatic bile ducts dilation was observed. Contrast-enhanced MR revealed lack of enhancement in the right hepatic lobe due to occlusion of the right hepatic artery and the right portal branch. This patient underwent right hepatectomy with hepatico-jejunostomy. In the other two cases, no visualization of the right hepatic artery and the right portal branch was observed on MR angiography. In the first case, the patient underwent right hepatectomy; in the second case, because of stable liver condition, the patient was managed conservatively. MR imaging combined with MR angiography and MR cholangiography can be performed emergently in patients with suspicion of bilio-vascular injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy allowing the simultaneous evaluation of the biliary tree and the hepatic vascular supply that is essential for adequate treatment planning.
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Common bile duct (CBD) injury during cholecystectomy is a significant source of patient morbidity, but its impact on survival is unclear. To demonstrate the relation between CBD injury and survival and to identify the factors associated with improved survival among Medicare beneficiaries. Retrospective study using Medicare National Claims History Part B data (January 1, 1992, through December 31, 1999) linked to death records and to the American Medical Association's (AMA's) Physician Masterfile. Records with a procedure code for cholecystectomy were reviewed and those with an additional procedure code for repair of the CBD within 365 days were defined as having a CBD injury. Survival after cholecystectomy, controlling for patient (sex, age, comorbidity index, disease severity) and surgeon (procedure year, case order, surgeon specialty) characteristics. Of the 1 570 361 patients identified as having had a cholecystectomy (62.9% women), 7911 patients (0.5%) had CBD injuries. The entire population had a mean (SD) age of 71.4 (10.2) years. Thirty-three percent of all patients died within the 9.2-year follow-up period (median survival, 5.6 years; interquartile range, 3.2-7.4 years), with 55.2% of patients without and 19.5% with a CBD injury remained alive. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for death during the follow-up period was significantly higher (2.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]; 2.71-2.88) for patients with a CBD injury than those without CBD injury. The hazard significantly increased with advancing age and comorbidities and decreased with the experience of the repairing surgeon. The adjusted hazard of death during the follow-up period was 11% greater (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02-1.20) if the repairing surgeon was the same as the injuring surgeon. The association between CBD injury during cholecystectomy and survival among Medicare beneficiaries is stronger than suggested by previous reports. Referring patients with CBD injuries to surgeons or institutions with greater experience in CBD repair may represent a system-level opportunity to improve outcome.
Article
Combined vasculobiliary injury is a serious complication of cholecystectomy. This study examined medium- to long-term outcomes after such injury. Patients referred to this institution with Strasberg type E bile duct injuries were identified from a prospectively maintained database (1990-2010). Long-term outcomes were evaluated by chart review. Sixty-three patients were referred with bile duct injury alone (45 patients) or vasculobiliary injury (18). Thirty patients (48 per cent) had septic complications before transfer. Twenty-six patients (41 per cent) had long-term biliary complications over a median follow-up of 96 (range 12-245) months. Nine patients (3 with bile duct injury, 6 with vasculobiliary injury) required further interventions after a median of 22 (8-38) months; five required biliary surgical revision and four percutaneous dilatation of biliary strictures. Vasculobiliary injury and injury-related sepsis were independent risk factors for treatment failure: hazard ratio 7·79 (95 per cent confidence interval 2·80 to 21·70; P < 0·001) and 4·82 (1·69 to 13·68; P = 0·003) respectively. Outcome following bile duct injury repair was worse in patients with concomitant vasculobiliary injury and/or sepsis.
Article
Extreme vasculobiliary injuries usually involve major hepatic arteries and portal veins. They are rare, but have severe consequences, including rapid infarction of the liver. The pathogenesis of these injuries is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of injury through an analysis of clinical records, particularly the operative notes of the index procedure. Biliary injury databases in two institutions were searched for data on extreme vasculobiliary injuries. Operative notes for the index procedure (cholecystectomy) were requested from the primary institutions. These notes and the treatment records of the tertiary centres to which the patients had been referred were examined. Radiographs from the primary institutions, when available, as well as those from the tertiary centres, were studied. Eight patients with extreme vasculobiliary injuries were found. Most had the following features in common. The operation had been started laparoscopically and converted to an open procedure because of severe chronic or acute inflammation. Fundus-down cholecystectomy had been attempted. Severe bleeding had been encountered as a result of injury to a major portal vein and hepatic artery. Four patients have required right hepatectomy and one had required an orthotopic liver transplant. Four of the eight patients have died and one remains under treatment. Extreme vasculobiliary injuries tend to occur when fundus-down cholecystectomy is performed in the presence of severe inflammation. Contractive inflammation thickens and shortens the cystic plate, making separation of the gallbladder from the liver hazardous.
Article
Biliary injuries are frequently accompanied by vascular injuries, which may worsen the bile duct injury and cause liver ischemia. We performed an analytical review with the aim of defining vasculobiliary injury and setting out the important issues in this area. A literature search of relevant terms was performed using OvidSP. Bibliographies of papers were also searched to obtain older literature.  Vasculobiliary injury was defined as: an injury to both a bile duct and a hepatic artery and/or portal vein; the bile duct injury may be caused by operative trauma, be ischaemic in origin or both, and may or may not be accompanied by various degrees of hepatic ischaemia. Right hepatic artery (RHA) vasculobiliary injury (VBI) is the most common variant. Injury to the RHA likely extends the biliary injury to a higher level than the gross observed mechanical injury. VBI results in slow hepatic infarction in about 10% of patients. Repair of the artery is rarely possible and the overall benefit unclear. Injuries involving the portal vein or common or proper hepatic arteries are much less common, but have more serious effects including rapid infarction of the liver. Routine arteriography is recommended in patients with a biliary injury if early repair is contemplated. Consideration should be given to delaying repair of a biliary injury in patients with occlusion of the RHA. Patients with injuries to the portal vein or proper or common hepatic should be emergently referred to tertiary care centers.
Article
• This study included 71 cadavers used for anatomical dissection that had undergone cholecystectomies. Of these five, 7% had some type of hepatic artery injury. The subjects all had survived at least 1 year after cholecystectomy and had normal livers. The mechanisms of this injury, its pathophysiology, and its prevention are discussed. (Arch Surg. 1991;126:137-138)
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After delineating hepatic arterial flow in 20 patients, we dispute the concept that hepatic arteries are end arteries. Selective arteriography shows retrohepatic arterial flow 10 hours after interruption of hepatic arteries. When either the right or the left hepatic artery is interrupted adjacent to the liver, intrahepatic translobar vessels establish flow in the ligated system. Such intrahepatic vessels between the right and left rami cannot be portrayed by cadaver liver perfusions, nor are they apparent on arteriograms of normal subjects. If the common hepatic artery is interrupted, revascularization occurs through inferior phrenic, pancreaticoduodenal and intercalary de novo arteries. Hepatic necrosis after hepatic-artery ligation in man is rare if portal-vein flow and oxygenation are optimum until arterial flow is reconstituted. Complete dearterialization of the human liver cannot be accomplished by simple ligature or excision. (N Engl J Med 290:993–996, 1974)
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The development of collateral vessels after hepatic artery ligation and total dearterialization of the liver was studied in ten patients. A rapid development of collateral vessels occurred, most often via the phrenicoabdominal and intercostal arteries. Filling of the arterial hepatic tree was obtained at aortography already four days after hepatic artery ligation, which was the earliest time studied.
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To evaluate management strategies for the treatment of patients with postcholecystectomy bile duct strictures. Retrospective study. The Hepatobiliary Unit of Hammersmith Hospital, London, England. One hundred thirty consecutive patients referred for treatment of postcholecystectomy bile duct strictures. The majority (80 patients [61.5%]) had undergone multiple operative procedures before referral, and 81 (62.3%) had undergone at least one previous stricture repair. At referral, more than half of the patients had a stricture involving the confluence of the bile ducts (n = 78 [60%]), and 23 (17.7%) had evidence of portal hypertension. Perioperative mortality, stricture recurrence, and long-term outcome. One hundred twenty-two patients (94%) underwent operative treatment: 110, stricture repair alone; four, portosystemic shunt and stricture repair; and eight, miscellaneous operative procedures. Among the 110 patients treated by stricture repair alone, there was an operative mortality rate of 1.8% (n = 2), and 79 patients (76%) had a good result, with no biliary symptoms and no need for intervention during mean follow-up of 7.2 years (range, 1 to 13 years). Twenty-two patients (21%) required either radiological intervention or operative revision of the biliary-enteric anastomosis, but 11 (50%) of these patients subsequently did well and had no biliary symptoms. Thus, 90 patients (87%) had a good or excellent long-term result after initial or follow-up treatment. There were no deaths among the 108 patients who underwent stricture repair alone by direct suture techniques. Factors influencing mortality included hypoalbuminemia, an elevated serum bilirubin level, and the presence of liver disease and portal hypertension. Preoperative factors influencing failure of the stricture repair in long-term follow-up included discontinuity of the right and left ducts at the time of stricture repair (Bismuth grade 4) and three or more previous attempts at operative repair before referral to our center. Operative repair of bile duct strictures using direct sutured techniques remains the procedure with which alternative methods will need to be compared, with close attention to long-term outcome.
Article
This study evaluated, in a large, heterogeneous population, the outcome of open cholecystectomy as it is currently practiced. SUMMARY BACKGROUND AND DATA: Although cholecystectomy has been the gold standard of treatment for cholelithiasis for more than 100 years, it has recently been challenged by the introduction of several new modalities including laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Efforts to define the role of these alternative treatments have been hampered by the lack of contemporary data regarding open cholecystectomy. A population-based study was performed examining all open cholecystectomies performed by surgeons in an eastern and western state during a recent 12-month period. Data compiled consisted of a computerized analysis of Uniformed Billing (UB-82) discharge analysis information from all non-Veterans Administration (VA), acute care hospitals in California (Office of Statewide Planning and Development [OSHPD]) and in Maryland (Health Services Cost Review Commission [HSCRC]) between January 1, 1989, and December 31, 1989. This data base was supplemented with a 5% random sample of Medicare UB-82 data from patients who were discharged between October 1, 1988, and September 30, 1989. Patients undergoing cholecystectomy were identified based on diagnosis-related groups (DRG-197 and DRG-198), and then classified by Principal Diagnosis and divided into three clinically homogeneous subgroups: acute cholecystitis, chronic cholecystitis, and complicated cholecystitis. A total of 42,474 patients were analyzed, which represents approximately 8% of all patients undergoing cholecystectomy in the United States in any recent 12-month period. The overall mortality rate was 0.17% and the incidence rate of bile duct injuries was approximately 0.2%. The mortality rate was 0.03% in patients younger than 65 years of age and 0.5% in those older than 65 years of age. Mortality rate, length of hospital stay, and charges were all significantly correlated (p < 0.001) with age, admission status (elective, urgent, or emergent), and disease status. These data indicate that open cholecystectomy currently is a very safe, effective treatment for cholelithiasis and is being performed with near zero mortality. The ultimate role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy needs to be defined in the context of current and contemporary data regarding open cholecystectomy.
Article
Complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy were evaluated by a survey of surgical department chairpersons at 4,292 US hospitals. The 77,604 cases were reported by 1,750 respondents. Laparotomy was required for treatment of a complication in 1.2% of patients. The mean rate of bile duct injury (exclusive of cystic duct) was 0.6% and was significantly lower at institutions that had performed more than 100 cases. Bile duct injuries were recognized postoperatively in half of the cases and most frequently required anastomotic repair. Intraoperative cholangiography was practiced selectively by 52% of the respondents and routinely by 31%. Bowel and vascular injuries, which occurred in 0.14% and 0.25% of cases, respectively, were the most lethal complications. Postoperative bile leak was recognized in 0.3% of patients, most commonly originating from the cystic duct. Eighteen of 33 postoperative deaths resulted from operative injury. These data demonstrate that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with low rates of morbidity and mortality but a significant rate of bile duct injury.
Article
Obstructive jaundice is a factor which effects hepatic blood flow and the relative contribution of the hepatic arterial flow and portal venous flow. In this study, and were measured in conscious dogs and the influence of biliary obstruction and drainage was investigated. Hepatic arterial flow (HAF) and portal venous flow (PVF) after biliary obstruction and subsequent drainage were continuously measured in conscious dogs using implantable transit time ultrasonic flow-meters. After biliary obstruction hepatic arterial flow rapidly increased compared to the pre-obstructed values(p < 0.01), while portal venous flow was significantly decreased (p < 0.01). Total hepatic blood flow was initially increased (p < 0.01) until 2 hours after obstruction. It then decreased gradually. After 2 weeks, it was less than the pre-obstructed values, but this was not significant. Biliary drainage was performed after 2 weeks. Hepatic arterial flow subsequently decreased (p < 0.01) and portal venous flow increased (p < 0.05). Blood flow did not change. Biliary obstruction resulted in significant changes in liver circulation. Biliary drainage facilitated recovery from these changes.
Article
Vasculobiliary injury (VBI) is a well-recognized complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). In patients with failed primary management of bile duct injury (BDI), an assessment of the hepatic arterial system may be important to determine the presence of VBI. This study was conducted to determine the incidence of VBI in patients with failed primary management of LC-related BDI and to establish a potential correlation between the level of BDI and the incidence of VBI. A retrospective review was conducted on 18 patients referred for failed primary management of LC-related BDI who underwent prospective arteriography as part of the preoperative work-up. Of the 18 patients who sustained BDI, Bismuth level 4 lesions were found in 7 patients (39%), level 3 in 8 patients (44%), and level 2 in 3 patients (17%). VBI was identified on arteriography in 11 patients (61%). VBI was present in 71% of patients with level 4 lesions, 63% of patients with level 3 lesions, and 33% of patients with level 2 lesions. The time interval from primary management to its failure was longer in VBI than in BDI alone. We have observed a high incidence of VBI in patients with failed primary management of LC-related BDI. Arterial disruption may affect the outcome of primary management of BDI.
Article
To compare the clinical presentation and results of treatment of postcholecystectomy bile duct injuries in patients with and without arterial injuries. Incidence and impact of arterial injuries in patients with a postcholecystectomy biliary injury are unknown, although they are claimed to increase the risk of septic complications, difficulty of biliary repair and risk of recurrent stricture. Fifty-five patients referred for postcholecystectomy biliary strictures and who underwent surgical repair were prospectively evaluated by celiac and superior mesenteric angiography. Circumstance and presenting symptoms of the biliary injury in patients with and without vascular injury as well as intra- and postoperative outcome in the 43 patients who underwent a Hepp-Couinaud biliary repair were compared. Incidence of vascular injury was 47%, the most frequent of which was right-sided hepatic artery disruptions (36%). Indication of cholecystectomy (cholecystitis, 42 vs. 45%), technique of resection (laparoscopy, 80 vs. 79%) as well as delay of recognition and presenting symptom of the biliary injury were comparable in patients with and without vascular injury. Among patients undergoing a biliary repair, the level of the biliary injury (Bismuth's type III or IV 63% vs. 54%), duration of surgery, and incidence of postoperative complications (21 vs. 21%) were also comparable in patients with and without arterial injury. One patient in each group experienced recurrent biliary stricture. The discovery of a disruption of the right branch of the hepatic artery should not affect management of the biliary stricture when if a Hepp-Couinaud repair is performed.
Article
Because most bile duct injuries involve the common hepatic duct, the right hepatic artery, which is nearby, can also be injured. Reports on the frequency and significance of right hepatic artery injury (RHAI) associated with bile duct injury are sparse but suggest that RHAI increases mortality and decreases the success of the biliary repair. We studied the incidence, mechanism, and consequences of RHAI accompanying major bile duct injury. A total of 261 laparoscopic bile duct injuries were analyzed. Distribution was as follows: class I, 6%; class II, 22%; class III, 61%; and class IV, 11%. RHAI was present in 84 cases (32%): class I, 6%; class II, 17%; class III, 35% (P < 0.04 vs. class I/II); and class IV, 64% (P < 0.007 vs. class I/II/III). RHAI was more commonly associated with abscess, bleeding, hemobilia, right hepatic lobe ischemia, and subsequent hepatectomy (54% with RHAI vs. 11% without RHAI; P < 0.0001). RHAI had no influence on the success of the bile duct injury repair or on the mortality rate. Complications occurred more often with RHAI among cases repaired by the primary surgeon (41% RHAI vs. 2% no RHAI; P < 0.0001) but not among repairs by a biliary surgeon (3% RHAI vs. 2% no RHAI, P=NS; P < 0.0001 primary vs. biliary surgeon). RHAI increased morbidity, and occurred more often with class III and IV injuries reflecting the mechanisms of these injuries. RHAI did not increase the mortality rate or alter the success of biliary repair. Among biliary injuries repaired by the primary surgeon, RHAI was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative abscess, bleeding, hemobilia, hepatic ischemia, and the need for hepatic resection. A similar increase in the complication rate was not seen in patients treated by a biliary specialist.
Article
Major bile duct injuries usually need operative repair and remain a challenge even for surgeons who specialize in hepatobiliary surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate management and short- and long-term outcomes of patients with major complications after cholecystectomy. Data were analysed for 54 patients who underwent operation for major bile duct injuries after cholecystectomy between January 1990 and January 2002. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for the development of biliary complications. Complete follow-up data were available for all 54 patients (median duration 61.9 (range 2.6-154.3) months). All underwent Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Three patients (6 per cent) died from biliary tract complications during follow-up. Long-term biliary complications occurred in ten patients (19 per cent). Nine patients developed biliary stricture of whom five developed secondary biliary cirrhosis. A successful long-term result was achieved in 50 (93 per cent) of 54 patients, including those who required subsequent procedures. Biliary reconstruction in the presence of peritonitis (P = 0.002), combined vascular and bile duct injuries (P = 0.029), and injury at or above the level of the biliary bifurcation (P = 0.012) were significant independent predictors of poor outcome. Successful repair of bile duct injuries after cholecystectomy can be achieved in specialized hepatobiliary units.
Article
Biliary injury during cholecystectomy can be managed successfully by biliary reconstruction in the majority of patients; however, a proportion of patients may require hepatic resection or even liver transplantation. Data on all patients referred with biliary injuries were recorded prospectively. The details of patients who required hepatic resection or transplantation were analyzed and compared to those patients managed with biliary reconstruction alone. From November 1984 until November 2003 there were 119 patients referred with Strasberg grade E injuries to the biliary tree, 14 of whom (9 women, 5 men) required hepatic resection or transplantation. The median age of these 14 patients was 48 (range: 30-81) years. Nine patients were considered for hepatic resection, and of these six underwent right hepatectomy, two had a left lateral sectionectomy, and one patient was deemed unfit for surgery and underwent metal stenting of the right hepatic duct. All patients are alive and remain well. Five patients developed hepatic failure and were considered for liver transplantation. Two patients who were unfit for transplantation died, and another died while on the waiting list for transplantation. The remaining two patients underwent liver transplantation, and one of them died from overwhelming sepsis. Concomitant vascular injury was demonstrated in 8 of the 14 patients (57%), and in 3 of the 4 (75%) patients that died. Hepatic atrophy or sepsis after biliary injury can be managed successfully with hepatic resection. Liver transplantation is required occasionally for patients with secondary biliary cirrhosis, but is rarely successful for early hepatic failure following iatrogenic biliary injury.
Article
Portal hypertension (PHT) is seen in 15% to 20% of patients with postcholecystectomy benign biliary stricture (BBS). Preliminary portosystemic shunt (PSS) has been recommended to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with direct stricture repair. Single-center experience of primary repair without preceding PSS in patients of BBS with PHT and a patent portal vein is presented. A retrospective study of 13 patients with postcholecystectomy BBS with PHT managed between January 1, 2000 and March 31, 2006. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed in 11 patients. There was no major morbidity or mortality with minor complications seen in 3 patients. The median duration of surgery was 3.5 hours with a median blood loss of 300 mL. All patients were asymptomatic at a median follow-up of 17 months. Hepaticojejunostomy can be performed safely without prior portal decompression in patients with postcholecystectomy BBS complicated by PHT but with a patent portal vein.
How to treat a postoperative stenosis? In: Bismuth H, Lazorthes F, editors. Operative injury of the common bile duct
  • H Bismuth
Bismuth H. How to treat a postoperative stenosis? In: Bismuth H, Lazorthes F, editors. Operative injury of the common bile duct. Paris: Masson; 1981. p. 47e107.