Embolization of post-biliary sphincterotomy bleeding refractory to medical and endoscopic therapy: technical results, clinical efficacy and predictors of outcome

To retrospectively analyse the technical and clinical outcomes of embolotherapy for post-biliary sphincterotomy bleeding refractory to medical and endoscopic therapy, and in addition, to analyse factors potentially influencing 30-day mortality. From November 1998 to November 2012, 34 patients underwent percutaneous embolotherapy for post-biliary sphincterotomy bleeding refractory to medical and endoscopic treatment. Demographic, laboratory, angiographic, and clinical follow-up data were collected. Indication for initial endoscopic sphincterotomy was benign (n = 28) or malignant (n = 6) disease. A precut sphincterotomy followed by sphincterotomy was performed in 13 patients (38 %), whereas the remaining 21 patients (62 %), underwent only sphincterotomy. Seven patients (20.6 %) were still on antithrombotic medication at the time of sphincterotomy. Angiographic evaluation revealed contrast extravasation (n = 31), pseudoaneurysm (n = 2), or a combination of both (n = 1). Embolization was successful in 33 of 34 patients (97 %). Recurrent bleeding occurred in three patients (9 %), and 30-day mortality was 20.6 % (n = 7). Factors significantly influencing 30-day mortality were INR (P = 0.008) and aPTT (P = 0.012). Angiographic embolization is very effective in stopping post-biliary sphincterotomy bleeding refractory to medical and endoscopic therapy. The rate of rebleeding is acceptably low, but 30-day mortality remains significant. Haemostatic disorders appear to significantly influence 30-day survival. aEuro cent Transcatheter embolization is very effective in stopping major post-biliary sphincterotomy bleeding aEuro cent The rate of rebleeding is acceptably low aEuro cent Haemostatic disorders appear to significantly influence 30-day survival.