Bronchobiliary fistula: A case report

Fewer than 20 cases of bronchobiliary fistula have been reported in the literature. In this report a newborn female infant was referred for investigation of gastroesophageal reflux. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and 24-hour pH monitoring revealed severe reflux. A fundoplication was carried out. In the immediate postoperative period bile was noticed coming from the endotracheal tube. Bronchoscopy revealed an abnormal opening just to the left of the carina. Fistulography and HIDA scanning confirmed the presence of a bronchobiliary fistula. A right thoracotomy was used to divide the fistula. The child made an uncomplicated recovery. Pathological examination of the excised specimen demonstrated tissue most consistent with an esophageal origin.