Massive hemobilia: a clinical study of 20 patients / 中华肝胆外科杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo investigate the etiology, diagnosis and choice of treatment for massive hemobilia. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 20 patients with massive hemobilia treated from August 1998 to August 2008. ResultsInitially conservative therapy was used on 20 patients and bleeding stopped in 4 patients. For the seven patients who were treated with hepatic artery angiography and embolization, bleeding stopped in 6 patients. 10 patients were treated by operation and bleeding stopped in all these patients. No patient died in this series. ConclusionsHepatic artery angiography and embolization should be used to treat patients with massive hemobilia. Surgery should be offered if conservative therapy and hepatic artery embolization fail.