Biliary fistula

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Biliary fistula
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Jaundice, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting
Complications	Biliary peritonitis, sepsis, bile duct obstruction
Onset	Variable, depending on cause
Duration	Can be acute or chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Gallstones, surgical complications, trauma, infection
Risks	Cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, biliary tract surgery
Diagnosis	Imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, MRI), cholangiography
Differential diagnosis	Biliary atresia, cholangitis, pancreatitis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgical repair, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), antibiotics
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies; depends on underlying cause and treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Biliary Fistula is a type of fistula that occurs between the biliary tract and the skin or any other part of the body. It is a rare condition that can result from surgery, trauma, or disease.

Definition

A biliary fistula is an abnormal connection that allows bile to flow from the liver and gallbladder into areas where it should not be. This can cause a variety of symptoms and complications, depending on where the fistula is located and how much bile is leaking.

Types

There are several types of biliary fistulas, including:

• External biliary fistulas: These occur when bile leaks out of the body, usually through the skin.
• Internal biliary fistulas: These occur when bile leaks into another part of the body, such as the stomach or intestines.
• Postoperative biliary fistulas: These are a complication of surgery on the biliary tract.

Causes

Biliary fistulas can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Surgery: This is the most common cause of biliary fistulas. They can occur as a complication of gallbladder surgery or liver surgery.
• Trauma: Injuries to the abdomen can damage the biliary tract and cause a fistula.
• Disease: Certain diseases, such as gallstones or cancer, can cause biliary fistulas.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a biliary fistula can vary, depending on where the fistula is located and how much bile is leaking. They may include:

• Jaundice: This is a yellowing of the skin and eyes that occurs when bile builds up in the body.
• Abdominal pain: This can occur if the fistula is causing inflammation or infection.
• Fever: This can occur if the fistula is causing an infection.

Treatment

The treatment for a biliary fistula depends on the cause and severity of the condition. It may include:

• Surgery: This is often necessary to repair the fistula and prevent further complications.
• Medication: This can help to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
• Dietary changes: This can help to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

See also

• Biliary tract
• Fistula
• Gallbladder surgery
• Liver surgery

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