Abstract
The results obtained using endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) in the management of postoperative
biliary complications of hepatic hydatid disease are presented. The outcome was favourable
in all eight patients treated with no associated morbidity or mortality. In three
patients the clinical manifestations of cholangitis resolved, and in five of six patients
the external bile fistula previously present for 26 to 68 days closed within 3 to
15 days. In one patient with a long-standing fistula (5 years) the bile outflow was
reduced from 600cc to 50-100cc per day. No complications due to EST were encountered.
The results show that EST can be considered the treatment of choice for biliary fistulae
following surgery for hepatic hydatid disease and for drainage of bile in patients
with cholangitis due to hydatid disease.
