Intrahepatic Biliary Disruption

Abstract

After employing balloon-tipped biliary catheters for nearly two years without recognized difficulty, we recently experienced two instances of intrahepatic biliary disruption. Complete resolution of the intrahepatic cavities eventually occurred after more than four weeks of T-tube drainage. Catheter-precipitated intrahepatic ductal rupture is easily prevented if the short length, modest diameter, and relatively fragile nature of these conduits is appreciated, and if care is taken to inflate the Fogarty balloon slowly and withdraw the catheter gently.