Thoracobiliary fistulas, Literature review and a case report of fistula closure with omentum majus

Abstract

Thoracobiliary fistulas are pathological communications between the biliary tract and the bronchial tree (bronchobiliary fistulas) or the biliary tract and the pleural space (pleurobiliary fistulas). We report of an iatrogenic bronchobiliary fistula which developed after the radiofrequency ablation of a colorectal carcinoma metastasis of the liver. We also present the closure of the bronchobiliary fistula with the greater omentum as a possible manner of fistula closure, which was not reported previously according to the knowledge of the authors. Apart from that, we have reviewed etiology, pathogenesis, predilection formation points, the clinical picture, diagnostic possibilities, and therapeutic options for thoracobiliary fistulas. The authors discuss the clinical case in comparison with the literature.