Laparoscopic repair of cholecystoduodenal fistula: report of two cases.

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery has become the standard of care for benign gallbladder disease.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We treated two middle-aged women having acute exacerbations of chronic gallbladder disease with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A cholecystoduodenal fistula was diagnosed intraoperatively in each case. These fistulae were repaired laparoscopically using an endoscopic stapling device without complication.

RESULTS

Each patient did well postoperatively and was discharged to home on the second postoperative day in good condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Biliary-enteric fistula is a known complication of chronic gallbladder disease that is traditionally considered a contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, we believe laparoscopic repair to be a safe and effective approach in the hands of surgeons with significant laparoscopic experience.