[Massive hemobilia. Review of the literature. Apropos of 2 cases].

Two cases of hemobilia are reported; the first caused by a liver biopsy procedure, and the second ensuing an accidental liver laceration. In both cases, arteriography led to diagnosis and the ligature of the right hepatic artery stopped the hemorrhage with complete success. A review of the literature emphasizes the nowadays leading prevalence of iatrogenic hemobilia followed by those resulting from blunt abdominal liver trauma. Diagnostic facilities are reviewed and selective arteriography is stressed as being the more useful technique. From a therapeutical standpoint interventional radiology and surgery are both given their own place.