Iatrogenic bile duct injury: a stitch in time

Abstract

Intraoperative bile duct injuries often are difficult to be identified intraoperatively can lead to a variety of complications and require complex surgical procedures for their definitive treatment. With multiple complicated treatment options, these injuries become a therapeutic challenge. We present a case of a 49-year-old lady diagnosed with symptomatic gallstone disease who underwent open cholecystectomy in an outside hospital, during which she had an iatrogenic bile duct injury which was diagnosed postoperatively. She was promptly referred to a higher centre. After investigations, the patient underwent a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with a subhepatic drain. The patient was discharged post-successful recovery on post-op day 7. Iatrogenic bile duct injury can be missed intraoperatively in a cholecystectomy. The patient provides non-specific symptoms, and a high degree of suspicion can help in early diagnosis. Prompt treatment by an experienced hepatobiliary surgeon is necessary for the successful treatment of the condition.