Cholangitis after Hemobilia: A Brief Overview

Hemobilia, defined as the hemorrhage into the biliary tract and blood clots in the bile duct is an uncommon cause of severe cholangitis. The majority of hemobilia are caused by iatrogenic and trauma, gallstones, inflammation, vascular disorders, and malignancy. Hemobilia can cause recurrent obstructive cholangitis and it may bring a fatal patient’s condition. The management of major hemobilia consists of hemostasis and reduction of biliary pressure to prevent or cure a cholangitis occurred in succession. Angiography and interventional radiologic intervention is regarded as the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment, respectively. However, the management of the cholangitis after hemobilia was technically challenging requiring multiple therapeutic choices including endoscopic approach. A further research is needed in this area.