Early specialist repair of biliary injury

Abstract

Background: Considerable debate surrounds the tuning of repair of injury to the common bile duct following cholecystectomy. In the absence of sepsis or significant peritoneal soiling, repair within the first week may be optimal. This study compared the outcome of early (within the first 2 weeks) and delayed (between 2 weeks and 6 months) repair. Methods: Data on all patients referred with biliary injuries were recorded prospectively. In the absence of sepsis or significant peritoneal soiling, repair was considered within 2 weeks. Results: Between November 1988 and November 2003, 123 patients were referred with injury to the biliary tree. Repair of the injury had been attempted in 55 patients..