Rothberg M L, Klingman R R, Peetz D, Ferraris V A, Berry W R
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Albany Medical College, New York.
Ann Thorac Surg. 1994 Feb;57(2):472-5. doi: 10.1016/0003-4975(94)91022-7.
Thoracobiliary fistulas are a commonly reported complication of subphrenic or liver abscesses and biliary tract obstruction. However, they are a rare and unusual complication of traumatic thoracoabdominal wounds. Due to their rarity, the experience of any one surgeon is minimal, and there is a paucity of information available in the literature regarding their treatment. We describe a case of a traumatic thoracobiliary fistula, review the existing literature, and discuss the proper management of this potentially lethal sequela of trauma.