Location of bile leak predicts the success of ERCP performed for postoperative bile leaks.

BACKGROUND

ERCP is effective for treating a bile leak (BL) after cholecystectomy (CCY), but few data exist on its effectiveness after hepatobiliary surgery (HBS).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of ERCP for treating BLs after HBS compared with BLs after cholecystectomy and to identify factors associated with treatment success.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Academic tertiary-care referral center.

PATIENTS

Patients referred from 2001 to 2009 for ERCP treatment of BL after cholecystectomy or HBS.

INTERVENTIONS

ERCP.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Resolution of BL after a single ERCP.

RESULTS

A total of 223 patients were identified and 46 were excluded. Fifty underwent ERCP for treatment of BL after HBS and 127 after CCY. A single ERCP was successful at resolving BL in 89% of patients. Failure occurred in 7 HBS patients (14%) and 12 CCY patients (9%) (P = .379). After multiple ERCPs, success improved to 95% of the CCY group and 86% of the HBS group (P = .033). HBS patients underwent 30% more ERCPs (P = .049). ERCP was 3.3 times more likely to be successful in patients with cystic duct or duct of Luschka BLs (P = .028). Patients undergoing biliary stent placement were significantly more likely to have successful outcomes (odds ratio 71.0, P < .001). Surgical history or biliary sphincterotomy did not affect outcome. Odds of treatment failure were 3.5 times higher for each additional ERCP performed (P < .001).

LIMITATIONS

Single-center, retrospective study.

CONCLUSIONS

ERCP is effective for treating postoperative BLs. Location of a BL and placement of a biliary stent are the best predictors of endoscopic treatment success.