Hemobilia Complicating Needle Liver Biopsy

Abstract

Massive hemobilia secondary to a needle liver biopsy developed in a 16-year-old boy with Hodgkin's disease. Cholecystectomy and common bile duct drainage failed to control the condition and the patients bled massively; management of the hemobilia was effected with left hepatic artery ligation. A review of the literature is presented, with a brief discussion of the clinical picture, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of this condition.