UC Irvine

Pseudoaneurysm of the hepatic and/or less frequently the cystic artery is a rare but potentially fatal complication following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. While the procedure is safe with minimal morbidity, complications do occur even in experienced hands. Moreover, patient selection is of utmost importance. These aneurysms usually present with hemobilia a few weeks after surgery; however, free rupture into the peritoneal cavity can occur. Transarterial embolization is the initial management approach when available and feasible. We present a case of a ruptured hepatic pseudoaneurysm three weeks after laparoscopic conversion to open cholecystectomy. The aim is to shed light on this rare but potentially fatal complication.