Current Thoracic Surgery
2025 , Vol 10 , Issue 3
Bronchobiliary fistula causing gallstone formation in lung parenchyma: a rare case report
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
DOI :
10.26663/cts.2025.030
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Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is a rare condition characterized by an abnormal communication between
the biliary tract and the bronchial tree. In developing countries, it most commonly occurs as a complication
of hepatic hydatid cysts or amebic liver abscesses, whereas in developed countries, it is more frequently
associated with trauma or previous biliary surgery. Bilioptysis, defined as the expectoration of bilestained
sputum, is a pathognomonic symptom observed in most patients. The diagnostic and therapeutic
management of BBF requires a multidisciplinary and patient-specific approach, beginning with
noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures and sometimes requiring major surgical intervention.
This case is remarkable because, despite clinical findings suggestive of BBF, preoperative imaging
failed to demonstrate the fistulous tract. Moreover, the intraoperative discovery of gallstones within a
destructed lung parenchyma makes this case exceptionally rare.
Keywords :
bronchobiliary fistula, gallstones, bilioptysis, lung diseases, thoracic surgery