Role of interventional therapy in hepatic artery stenosis and non-anastomosis bile duct stricture after orthotopic liver transplantation

AIM: To analyze the clinical manifestations and the effectiveness of therapy in patients with orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT)-associated hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) and non-anastomosis bile duct stricture. METHODS: Nine cases were diagnosed as HAS and non-anastomosis bile duct stricture. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed in four HAS cases, and expectant treatment in other fi ve HAS cases; percutaneous transhepatic bile drainage, balloon dilation, stent placement were performed in all nine cases. RESULTS: Diffuse intra-and extra-bile duct stricture was observed in nine cases, which was associated with bile mud siltation and biliary infection. Obstruction of the bile duct was improved obviously or removed. Life span/ follow-up period was 13-30 mo after PTA of four HAS cases, 6-23 mo without PTA of other fi ve cases. CONCLUSION: Progressive, non-anastomosis, and diffuse bile duct stricture are the characteristic manifestations of HAS and non-anastomosis bile duct stricture after OLT. These are often associated with bile mud siltation, biliary infection, and ultimate liver failure. Interventional therapy is signifi cantly benefi cial.

AIM： To analyze the clinical manifestations and the effectiveness of therapy in patients with orthotopic liver bansplantation （OLT）-associated hepatic artery stenosis （HAS） and non-anastomosis bile duct stricture. METHODS： Nine cases were diagnosed as HAS and non-anastomosis bile duct stricture. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty （PTA） was performed in four HAS cases, and expectant treatment in other five HAS cases, percutaneous transhepatic bile drainage, balloon dilation, stent placement were performed in all nine cases. RESULTS： Diffuse intra- and extra-bile duct stricture was observed in nine cases, which was associated with bile mud siltation and biliary infection. Obstruction of the bile duct was improved obviously or removed. Life span/ follow-up period was 13-30 mo after PTA of four HAS cases, 6-23 mo without PTA of other five cases. CONCLUSION： Progressive, non-anastomosis, and diffuse bile duct stricture are the characteristic manifestations of HAS and non-anastomosis bile duct stricture after OLT. These are often associated with bile mud siltation, biliary infection, and ultimate liver failure. Interventional therapy is significantly beneficial.