Anesthetic Management of Acute Airway Decompensation in Bronchobiliary Fistula Due to Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A Case Report

This case report describes the acute and multidisciplinary management anesthesiologists performed for an intra-operative bronchobiliary fistula during a routine endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for a patient with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. During the procedure, an unexpected rapi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Anesthesia Research
Main Authors: Andrew J. Warburton, Randal A. Serafini, Adam Von Samek
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2813-5806/2/3/17
Description
Summary:This case report describes the acute and multidisciplinary management anesthesiologists performed for an intra-operative bronchobiliary fistula during a routine endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for a patient with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. During the procedure, an unexpected rapid airway deterioration was encountered due to bile infiltration of the right bronchus and anesthesia circuit, necessitating (1) emergent extubation and reintubation with bronchoscopy, (2) extubation and reintubation with double-lumen endotracheal tube with right-bronchial blocker, and (3) transportation of the patient from endoscopy to interventional radiology for biliary drain placement. Overall, this case highlights a rare but serious consideration for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who may present with a bronchobiliary fistula and the steps taken to prevent total airway compromise and ensure rapid patient stabilization through coordination with advanced gastroenterology, interventional pulmonology, and interventional radiology.
ISSN:2813-5806