Endoscopic recanalization following accidental ligation of the common hepatic duct. A new technique.

Bile duct injury is a known complication of cholecystectomy. While minor injuries can be treated endoscopically, successful endoscopic management of complete ligation of the common hepatic duct (CHD) has not been described. Our aim was to report a novel technique for endoscopic recanalization of accidently ligated CHD. We demonstrated a 75 year old woman presented with a small bile leak and complete ligation of the CHD after open cholecystectomy subjected to successful biliary endoscopic recanalization. Cholangiogram demonstrated resolution of the bile leak and minimal residual narrowing of the CHD. Endoscopic intervention following biliary needle puncture access may avoid surgery in patients with CHD ligation or complex stenosis.