Bile leak after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has now become the preferred surgical approach to symptomatic cholelithiasis. With the widespread use of this technique there have appeared reports of complications. We report the case of a patient who developed a cystic duct stump bile leak after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Percutaneous drainage of the biloma, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and papillotomy led to resolution of the problem. The literature on cystic duct stump leaks after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is reviewed and the various therapeutic modalities are outlined.