Endobronchial Watanabe Spigot in the treatment of bronchobiliary fistula

Abstract

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is a rare condition in which an abnormal communication exists between the bile ducts and the bronchial tree. Malignancy is the most common etiology of BBF, although many others are possible. A 74-year-old male patient with an inoperable Klatskin tumor presented with a complaint of yellow-green sputum and cough; the patient underwent fiber-optic bronchoscopy based on a preliminary diagnosis of bronchobiliary fistula. Using fiber-optic rigid bronchoscopy, the laterobasal segment of the lower right lung lobe was occluded using three pieces of 5-mm Endobronchial Watanabe Spigot. Bile drainage subsequently ceased. A bronchoscopic approach provides an alternative option for BBF treatment, particularly in patients who choose not to undergo surgery, or for whom surgery is not an option due to their underlying general condition.