Sump syndrome following choledochoduodenostomy

Abstract

Sump syndrome is a rare long-term complication of side-to-side choledochoduodenostomy (CDD), a common surgical procedure in patients with biliary tract disease in the era before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In the setting of a side-to-side CDD, the bile does not drain through the distal common bile duct (CBD) anymore. Therefore, the part of the CBD distal from the CDD anastomosis consequently transforms into a poorly drained reservoir, making this so-called “sump” prone to accumulation of debris. These patients are prone to cholangitis. We present a case of a 56-year-old woman with a history of side-to-side CDD 8 years ago who presented with cholangitis and ruptured liver abscess. Sump syndrome was diagnosed by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage was done for the ruptured liver abscess. After endoscopic debris removal and antibiotic treatment, the patient recovered well. In the ERCP era, little is known about CDD and its long-term complications. Therefore, this report provides an opportunity to refresh the knowledge and raise awareness of this syndrome.