Iatrogenic Pathology of the Liver, Gallbladder and Pancreas

Abstract

This chapter presents a synthesis of data regarding iatrogenic injuries of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas. For each of these organs, medical drug-induced lesions are presented. The second part of the chapter includes the consequences of diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions for the above-mentioned organs. The liver is the second most common organ involved in drug effects, following the skin. Its destruction can be an indication for transplantation. The hepatic disorders include metabolic disturbances, cholestasis, hepatitis, cirrhosis and risk of malignancy. The biliary channels can be injured during open surgical interventions or laparoscopic cholecystectomy, leading to fistulae, peritonitis, bilirrhagia and even death. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be associated with local complications, such as pancreatitis and cholangitis, but pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and pneumoretroperitoneum are also encountered in rare cases.

Keywords: Adverse drug reaction, Allergy, Bilirrhagia, Cholangiopancreatography, Cholecystectomy, Cholestasis, Cirrhosis, Gallbladder, Hematoma, Hepatitis, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Hepatoportal sclerosis, Iatrogenic, Liver, Pancreas, Pancreatitis, Peritonitis.