Outcomes of Endoscopic Stenting for Traumatic Biliary and Pancreatic Fistulae

Abstract

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the trauma patient is limited. Therefore, reporting of outcomes is sparse in the literature. The purpose of this study was to review outcomes of patients who underwent ERCP for traumatic biliopancreatic injury. We retrospectively reviewed 1550 ERCPs, from a prospectively maintained database, performed by a single surgical endoscopist consulted by the trauma surgical service for the management of traumatic fistulae. Referral was made for patients with high output (greater than 200 mL/d) and/or persistent (failure to resolve within 30 days) fistulae and traumatic biliary stricture. Primary end point was postprocedural complications. Secondary end points included patient characteristics, stents placed, and duration of stenting. Seventeen patients underwent a total of 31 ERCPs for biliary and/or pancreatic injury resulting from abdominal trauma (eight penetrating, nine blunt). Fourteen patients had ERCP after laparotomy, with a mean interval to ERCP of 74 days. In three patients, ERCP was the only intervention required. Fourteen biliary stents were placed, seven of which were metallic. Ten pancreatic stents were placed; one proximally migrated but was successfully retrieved. Four patients had both ducts simultaneously stented. The mean duration of stenting was 158 days. All fistulae resolved after stenting. There were no serious complications.