A novel combined interventional radiologic and hepatobiliary surgical approach to a complex traumatic hilar biliary stricture.

INTRODUCTION:Benign strictures of the biliary system are challenging and uncommon conditions requiring a multidisciplinary team for appropriate management. PRESENTATION OF CASE:The patient is a 32-year-old male that developed a hilar stricture as sequelae of a gunshot wound. Due to the complex nature of the stricture and scarring at the porta hepatis a combined interventional radiologic and surgical approach was carried out to approach the hilum of the right and left hepatic ducts. The location of this stricture was found by ultrasound guidance intraoperatively using a balloon tipped catheter placed under fluoroscopy in the interventional radiology suite prior to surgery. This allowed the surgeons to select the line of parenchymal transection for best visualization of the stricture. A left hepatectomy was performed, the internal stent located and the right hepatic duct opened tangentially to allow a side-to-side Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (a Puestow-like anastomosis). DISCUSSION:Injury to the intrahepatic biliary ductal confluence is rarely fatal, however, the associated injuries lead to severe morbidity as seen in this example. Management of these injuries poses a considerable challenge to the surgeon and treating physicians. CONCLUSION:Here we describe an innovative multi-disciplinary approach to the repair of this rare injury.