Complications following T-tube & C-tube Drainage of the Common Bile Duct

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the complications of T-tube (Kehr) and C- tube (Cystic) drainage used for biliary drainage, following biliary surgery. We evaluate all possible complications, related to the tube in situ, during cholangiography and following t- tube removal retrospectively, during a 4- year period 2016-2019. T-tubes were inserted in 48 patients, with 11 (22.8%) patients experiencing complications related to T-tube. A broad spectrum of complications was found, ranging from biliary-specific complications such as a biliary leak, biliary peritonitis, and retained stones, to systemic general complications as wound infection, pulmonary thromboembolism, and internal hemorrhage. Although this retrospective study has underestimated the incidence of T-tube complications, it has demonstrated significant morbidity related to T-tube use, which poses the need for replacement by minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Keywords

• choledochotomy
• T-tube
• C-tube
• CBD exploration
• ES
• ERCP