[Management for pseudoaneurysm of cystic artery with an arterio-biliary fistula after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a rare case of hemobilia].

Abstract Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered to be the gold standard for treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis, it is associated with an increased risk of biliary and vascular injury compared to the traditional technique. Massive hemobilia is a rare but potentially life-threatening cause of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Arterio-biliary fistula is an uncommon cause of hemobilia. We describe a case of cystic artery pseudo-aneurysm causing arterio-biliary fistula and presenting as severe melaena and cholangitis that occurred 7 months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Gastroduodenoscopy failed to establish the exact source of bleeding and hepatic artery angiography and selective embolization of the pseudo-aneurysm successfully controlled the bleeding. Pseudo-aneurysm of the hepatic artery is mostly iatrogenic due to biliary intervention, as demonstrated in this case. Transarterial embolization is considered the first line of intervention to stop the bleeding for most causes of hemobilia. Hemobilia is a rare complication that should be considered when managing patients with bleeding or jaundice even several months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.