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Posttraumatic bile leaks: role of diagnostic imaging and impact on patient outcome

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of bile leaks on patient morbidity and hospital course following blunt and penetrating liver trauma. Forty patients who underwent hepatobiliary scintigraphy after trauma were included. Scintigraphic results were classified as follows: free intraperitoneal bile leak, contained bile leak, and no bile leak. Outcomes measured were length of hospital stay, number of procedures required, and number of subsequent imaging studies. Bile leaks were identified in 25% of patients. Eight percent had free intraperitoneal leaks, 18% contained bile leaks, and 73% had no bile leak. One study was nondiagnostic due to poor hepatic function. Mean hospitalization was as follows: free bile leak group, 53 days; contained bile leak group, 10 days; no bile leak group, 14 days. Patients with free intraperitoneal bile leak had more imaging studies and procedures than patients without free bile leak. Patients with liver injury and free intraperitoneal bile leak have longer hospitalizations and undergo more therapeutic procedures than those without, who respond to conservative management.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 88 East Newton Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA

    Keith W. Fleming

  2. Section of Body Imaging, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 88 East Newton Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA

    Brian C. Lucey & Jorge A. Soto

  3. Section of Nuclear Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, 88 East Newton Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA

    M. Elizabeth Oates

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  1. Keith W. Fleming
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  2. Brian C. Lucey
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  3. Jorge A. Soto
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  4. M. Elizabeth Oates
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Correspondence to Keith W. Fleming.

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Fleming, K.W., Lucey, B.C., Soto, J.A. et al. Posttraumatic bile leaks: role of diagnostic imaging and impact on patient outcome. Emerg Radiol 12, 103–107 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-005-0453-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-005-0453-9

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