Bilioportal fistula as a sequela to choledocholithiasis: a case report

Gas embolism during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: diagnosis and management

Air embolism is rarely diagnosed and is often fatal. The diagnosis is often not made in a timely manner given the rapid and severe clinical deterioration that often develops, frequently leading to cardiac arrest. Many patients are only diagnosed post-mortem. With the increasing use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, air embolism should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients who experience sudden clinical deterioration during or immediately after the procedure. Clinical suspicion is key in the diagnosis and management of air embolism. Use of precordial Doppler ultrasound and transesophageal echocardiogram can aid in the diagnosis of air embolism. Once the diagnosis is made, supportive management of airway, breathing and circulation is pivotal. Advanced cardiac life support should be initiated when necessary. Fluid resuscitation and vasopressors can improve cardiac output. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be considered when possible in cases of suspected cerebral air embolism cases to improve neurological outcome. A multidisciplinary team approach and effective communication with experts, potentially including an anesthesiologist, cardiologist, intensivist, radiologist and surgeon, can improve the outcome in air embolism.

Portobiliary fistula following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The laparoscopic approach has replaced open surgery as the gold standard for cholecystectomy. This technique is, however, associated with a greater incidence of bile duct injuries (BDIs). We report a case of portobiliary fistula (PBF), a rare complication of BDI, occurring post laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). PBF has been reported after procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and pathologies such as liver abscesses, but only once previously in the setting of LC. We discuss the management of this patient with apparent dual pathology, and summarise other aetiologies that may give rise to this condition.