Surgical Management of Bile Duct Injuries During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Retrospective Analysis of 20 Cases

Objectives: This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcomes of surgical repair techniques applied in bile duct injuries occurring during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).
Methods: A total of 20 patients who developed bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and subsequently under-went surgical reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, timing of injury recognition, type of injury according to the Strasberg classification, surgical techniques employed, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay were evaluated.
Results: Thirteen patients were female (65%) and seven were male (35%), with a mean age of 57.6 years (range: 19–90). According to the Strasberg classification, the most common injury type was Type E2 (70%), followed by Type E1 (25%) and Type E3 (5%). Rouxen-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed in 85% of cases. Concomitant vascular injury was present in two patients. The mean length of hospital stay was 7.2 days. Postoperative bile leakage developed in two patients and was successfully managed using interventional or conservative approaches.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical reconstruction are crucial in the management of bile duct injuries. Even in cases of delayed diagnosis, successful clinical outcomes can be achieved in experienced centers through a multidisciplinary approach.

Keywords: Bile duct injury, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Strasberg classification, hepaticojejunostomy