Percutaneous Treatment of Postoperative Bile Leaks with Coil Embolization After Cholecystectomy

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate safety and efficiency of percutaneous coil embolization in patients with bile leakage aftercholecystectomy.Methods: Patients who underwent percutaneous coil embolization for treatment of bile leakage between January2016- January 2018 were included in this retrospective case series study. Technical success, procedure related complications, time for leak stoppage and catheter indwelling time were evaluated.Results: There were 5 patients (4 men, mean age 60 years) who were treated with percutaneous embolization of bileleak. Technical and clinical success were 100%. Most common procedure related complication was pain at catheterinsertion site. There was no major complication. Mean time for cessation of leakage was 2 days (Range: 1-3) after embolization and mean duration of the percutaneous catheters was 12 days (Range: 9-14).Conclusion: Percutaneous coil embolization is a safe and effective method in management of bile leaks after cholecystectomy. Early decision of embolization of the leak source may improve the quality of life and clinical outcomes. Prospective larger studies are needed to determine the role of percutaneous embolization in this specific clinical scenario.