Complex Intrahepatic Lithiasis: A Case Report of Combined Treatment With Surgical Exploration of the Bilioenteric Anastomosis and Laser Lithotripsy by Cholangioscopy

Abstract

Intrahepatic lithiasis, or hepatolithiasis, is an endemic disease in southeast Asia, although, with immigration from Eastern countries, the incidence of this pathology is rising worldwide. The Latin American experience demonstrates morbidity and mortality compatible with other Western countries, but minimally invasive procedures are lacking. We demonstrate a case of a combined surgical and endoscopic approach for stone clearance. We present a case of a 47-year-old female patient with biliary enteric anastomosis to treat recurrent pyogenic cholangitis resulting from intrahepatic lithiasis. The patient was admitted to the emergency room, presented with a new episode of cholangitis, and submitted to transcutaneous hepatobiliary drainage. The multidisciplinary approach, including the endoscopic and surgical teams, successfully performed the stone clearance with laser lithotripsy and stone removal by open access. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient did not present any sign of recurrence after one year. A combined surgical and endoscopic approach achieved short-term clinical and technical success in this novel case. Moreover, individualizing cases requiring open surgical access is feasible, which allows a combined endoscopic approach with safety.