ABSTRACT
Significant biliary injuries associated with abdominal trauma occur infrequently,
but they can result in considerable morbidity. To date, there is no classification
scheme for biliary injuries. Furthermore, the multidisciplinary approach that characterizes
care of hepatic vascular injuries is not nearly as well developed for biliary injuries.
This article proposes a new classification scheme for traumatic biliary injuries and
describes how a multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, gastroenterologists,
and interventional radiologists can improve the care of these patients. This classification
is based on the anatomic location of the injured duct and the location of the bile
leak (intra- versus extrahepatic biloma). This classification also has implications
on types of treatment that are recommended.
KEYWORDS
Bile duct - biloma - biliary fistula - trauma - liver laceration