Introduction : Iatrogenic Bile duct injury (BDI) remains a significant complication following cholecystectomy worldwide. There is no standardized registry about the incidence and treatment-related costs of bile duct injuries in Philippines. We aimed to determine the prevalence and impact on patients with major biliary duct injuries managed in our respective centers, and to use this pilot study to produce a registry for BDI at the national level.

Methods : Patients referred due to bile duct injury as a complication of cholecystectomy from 2009 to 2019 were included. Healthcare costs were calculated by summing their treatment-related costs in our respective centers. Patient demographics, operative procedures, complications, mortality, and financial costs of care were examined. Statistical analysis was performed to compare patient demographics, complications following definitive management, mortality, late biliary stricture, length of stay, and financial cost. Financial costs included hospitalization, operating room and surgeon’s fees, and Quality of Life was assessed in terms of physical burden and psychological impact through patient interview and survey.

Results : Forty patients were enrolled and bilio-enteric reconstruction was performed in 19 patients. Comparison of stricture types with total costs, days of hospitalization, and outpatient clinic costs revealed significant differences. Mean total cost of corrective surgeries was Php 300,000 (5,000 USD). Patients who were treated for BDI reported significantly low Quality of Life Scores and greater difficulty with their physical burden.

Conclusions : The long-term impact of BDI is considerable, both in terms of clinical outcomes such as physical and psychosocial condition and financial impact. Only a few studies address the financial