Introduction: Pleurobiliary (PBF) and bronchobiliary (BBF) fistula is a rare complication seen in patients treated at hepatobiliary units with very scarce literature data. The aim of this study was to evaluate causes and management of patients with PBF and BBF. Methods: Clinical data of all patients hospitalized in the Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery (Medical University of Warsaw) between years 2008 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed in order to identify patients with PBF or BBF. Data concerning primary disease, cause of fistula, treatment approach and clinical outcomes were collected. Results: Nine individuals with suspected PBF and BBF were identified. Further analysis revealed 7 patients with confirmed PBF or BBF. Two patients were excluded because both liver abscess and pleural empyema showed no radiologic signs of communication. Four out of 7 patients were diagnosed with BBF and 3 out of 7 patients had PBF. In 5 and 2 patients fistula occurred after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and liver resection, respectively. Initial endoscopic management with biliary stenting was sufficient in 3 patients, while remaining 4 patients required pleurocentesis. One patient required mechanical ventilation following endoscopy. In addition, 2 patients with BBF underwent partial pneumonectomy. Conclusions: Pleurobiliary and bronchobiliary fistulas most commonly occur after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. Majority of cases can be successfully treated applying endoscopic treatment and percutaneous drainage, yet BBF is often associated with the need of surgical management.
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