Bile leak

A bile leak is an abnormal escape of bile from the biliary tree into the peritoneal cavity or surrounding tissues, often occurring postoperatively after cholecystectomy or liver surgery. Clinically, it is significant as it can lead to bile peritonitis, infection, and sepsis, necessitating prompt diagnosis and management to prevent serious complications. A key association is with biliary tract injuries, which can occur during surgical procedures involving the liver or gallbladder.