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Complications

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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The complications of a biliary fistula include:

  • hyponatremia:
    • bile has a high sodium content
    • bile loss may produce a severe hyponatremia
    • hyponatraemia is more severe in an external fistula

  • inanition, undernourishment and weight loss:
    • bile is an emulsifying agent and serves an important role in the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins
    • malabsorption is particulary severe with external biliary fistulae
    • the resulting diarrhoea may impair protein and carbohydrate absorption

  • infection:
    • bile contains coliforms and occasionally, anaerobic bacteria
    • bile leakage into body cavities causes transient bacterial infection
    • bile stasis may result in an ascending cholangitis

  • gallstone ileus - only in internal fistulae

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