Pseudoaneurysm of the left hepatic artery - a complication following laparoscopic cholecystectomy - a case report

Abstract

Pseudoaneurysms of the hepatic artery are infrequent, but potentially fatal. The classical triad of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, pain in the right upper quadrant and obstructive jaundice described by Quincke is present in 32% of patients. Apart from the performance of percutaneous techniques, such lesions are fundamentally produced as a result of surgery. The causal surgical techniques may sometimes be quite complex, though in other cases they are common (e.g. laparoscopic cholecystectomy). Knowledge of such aneurysms is therefore of great interest for general surgeons, with a view to prompt diagnosis and adequate management of potential digestive bleeding. In such cases endoscopy and retrograde cholangiography may be performed before arteriography. Scientifica Medica 2010;42(2):95-97