Duodenal perforations after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Duodenal perforations after laparoscopic cholecystectomies are rarely reported. The aim of this study is to focus on this complication and to suggest ways to reduce its occurrence and avoid diagnostic mistakes and therapeutical delays that could be fatal. We reviewed four personal cases and a number of others reported in the literature. Duodenal perforations are caused by improper use of the irrigator-aspirator device when retracting the duodenum, or by electrosurgical and laser burns. A duodenal perforation should be suspected in cases of bile leakage, peritonitis, intraabdominal or retroperitoneal collections, high serum or drainage amylase concentration, absence of bile leakage from the biliary tree, and the existence of a retroduodenal mass. Diagnosis requires a gastrografin upper GI series. Differential diagnosis is mainly with biliary lesions and other causes of peritonitis. Relaparoscopy may require intraoperative upper GI endoscopy or Kocher's duodenal mobilization to detect the perforation. Early diagnosis allows primary repair, usually by laparoscopy. Perforations of the duodenal cap are easier to diagnose and have a better prognosis than those of the descending duodenum. A lumbar abscess is a frequent complication. Received: 27 May 1998/Accepted: 14 September 1998