AbstractIntroduction: Duodenal injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is rare but associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Methods: This study is a retrospective review of prospectively collected database of patients with postcholecystectomy complications. The study analysed 5 cases of duodenal injury secondary to laparoscopic cholecystectomy and managed by surgical team of our unit.
Results: Mean age of these 5 patients was 54.6 (45-65yrs) out of which 3 were males and 2 females. One case was dealt by immediate intraoperative duodenal repair on recognition of the injury. In other 4 cases, mean interval to re-surgery was 4.8 days. These 4 patients presented with septicaemia with peritonitis. Duodenorapphy with omental patch was done in 3 cases. Tube duodenostomy with feeding jejunostomy was done in one case. 4 out of 5 cases died due persistent sepsis and multiorgan failure. One patient survived with uneventful outcome.
Conclusion: Though rare, duodenal injury secondary to laparoscopic cholecystectomy is potentially a fatal complication. Early diagnosis and prompt management may minimize morbidity and mortality.