Combined laparoscopic and endoscopic treatment for bile duct diseases

BACKGROUND: Clinical application of laparoscopy, duo- denoscopy and choledochoscopy has been accepted as a mini-invasive surgical therapy for bile duct diseases; but ei- ther endoscopic or laparoscopic therapy alone is disadvanta- geous in its narrow indications and in failure to give full play to the individual superiority. The present study was to evaluate the procedures and therapeutic results of combined laparoscopic and endoscopic treatment for bile duct disea- ses. METHODS: Clinical data of 1990 patients with bile duct diseases treated by combination of laparoscopy, duodenos- copy and choledochoscopy in two hospitals were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Patients with cholecystolithiasis and choledo- cholithiasis were treated with combined laparoscopy and duodenoscopy (n =1350) in a single operation with a cure rate of 93.6%. Those with choledocholithiasis (n =332) were treated with combined laparoscopy and choledocho- scopy with a cure rate of 100%. Combined laparoscopy, duo- denoscopy and choledochoscopy was used in 258 patients with choledocholithiasis (29 of them complicated with pan- creatitis) and 24 patients with Mirizzi's syndrome, with a cure rate of 100%. Laparoscopic choledochoenterostomy and preoperative endoscopic nasobiliary drainage were done in 26 patients with a cure rate of 100%. There were no serious operative complications. A follow-up study of 1051 patients for 3 months to 12 years (mean 7.8 years) showed that 10 patients had recurrence of stones but no stenosis of the bile duct. CONCLUSION: Combined laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures are mini-invasive and cause less pain and mini- mal operative complications.

Recurrence of choledocholithiasis following endoscopic bile duct clearance: Long term results and factors associated with recurrent bile duct stones

AIMTo evaluate the rate of recurrence of symptomatic choledocholithiasis and identify factors associated with the recurrence of bile duct stones in patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) for bile duct stone disease. METHODSAll patients who underwent ERCP and EST for bile duct stone disease and had their bile duct cleared from 1/1/2005 until 31/12/2008 was enrolled. All symptomatic recurrences during the study period (until 31/12/2015) were recorded. Clinical and laboratory data potentially associated with common bile duct (CBD) stone recurrence were retrospectively retrieved from patients’ files. RESULTSA total of 495 patients were included. Sixty seven (67) out of 495 patients (13.5%) presented with recurrent symptomatic choledocholithiasis after 35.28 ± 16.9 mo while twenty two (22) of these patients (32.8%) experienced a second recurrence after 35.19 ± 23.2 mo. Factors associated with recurrence were size (diameter) of the largest CBD stone found at first presentation (10.2 ± 6.9 mm vs 7.2 ± 4.1 mm, P = 0.024), diameter of the CBD at the first examination (15.5 ± 6.3 mm vs 12.0 ± 4.6 mm, P = 0.005), use of mechanical lithotripsy (ML) (P = 0.04) and presence of difficult lithiasis (P = 0.04). Periampullary diverticula showed a trend towards significance (P = 0.066). On the contrary, number of stones, angulation of the CBD, number of ERCP sessions required to clear the CBD at first presentation, more than one ERCP session needed to clear the bile duct initially and a gallbladder in situ did not influence recurrence. CONCLUSIONBile duct stone recurrence is a possible late complication following endoscopic stone extraction and CBD clearance. It appears to be associated with anatomical parameters (CBD diameter) and stone characteristics (stone size, use of ML, difficult lithiasis) at first presentation.

Successful endoscopic treatment of an intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct

We present a case of a 76-year-old man with right upper quadrant abdominal pain and weight loss,who was found to have an intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB)of the pancreaticobiliary subtype,deemed curatively resectable.The patient declined surgery and opted for endoscopic therapy.He underwent two sessions of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)-guided radiofrequency ablation(RFA).Ten months later,no evidence of recurrence was identified on repeat ERCP.To our knowledge,this is the first reported case of successful use of RFA as a primary treatment modality for resectable IPNB.

Safety and efficacy of Kaffes intraductal self-expanding metal stents in the management of post-liver transplant anastomotic strictures

BACKGROUND Endoscopic management is the first-line therapy for post-liver-transplant anas-tomotic strictures.Although the optimal duration of treatment with plastic stents has been reported to be 8-12 months,data on safety and duration for metal stents in this setting is scarce.Due to limited access to endoscopic retrograde cholan-giopancreatography(ERCP)during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in our centre,there was a change in practice towards increased usage and length-of-stay of the Kaffes biliary intraductal self-expanding stent in patients with suitable anatomy.This was mainly due to the theoretical benefit of Kaffes stents allowing for longer indwelling periods compared to the traditional plastic stents.METHODS Adult liver transplant recipients aged 18 years and above who underwent ERCP were retrospectively identified during a 10-year period through a database query.Unplanned admissions post-Kaffes stent insertion were identified manually through electronic and scanned medical records.The main outcome was the incidence of complications when stents were left indwelling for 3 months vs 6 months.Stent efficacy was calculated via rates of stricture recurrence between patients that had stenting courses for≤120 d or>120 d.RESULTS During the study period,a total of 66 ERCPs with Kaffes insertion were performed in 54 patients throughout their stenting course.In 33 ERCPs,the stent was removed or exchanged on a 3-month interval.No pancreatitis,perfor-ations or deaths occurred.Minor post-ERCP complications were similar between the 3-month(abdominal pain and intraductal migration)and 6-month(abdominal pain,septic shower and embedded stent)groups-6.1%vs 9.1%respectively,P=0.40.All strictures resolved at the end of the stenting course,but the stenting course was variable from 3 to 22 months.The recurrence rate for stenting courses lasting for up to 120 d was 71.4%and 21.4%for stenting courses of 121 d or over(P=0.03).There were 28 patients that were treated with a single ERCP with Kaffes,21 with removal after 120 d and 7 within 120 d.There was a significant improvement in stricture recurrence when the Kaffes was removed after 120 d when a single ERCP was used for the entire stenting course(71.0%vs 10.0%,P=0.01).CONCLUSION Utilising a single Kaffes intraductal fully-covered metal stent for at least 4 months is safe and efficacious for the management of post-transplant anastomotic strictures.

Duplication of the common bile duct manifesting as recurrent pyogenic cholangitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Duplication of the extrahepatic bile duct(DCBD)is an extremely rare congenital anomaly of the biliary system.There are five types of DCBD according to the latest classification.Among them,Type V is characterized by single drainage of the extrahepatic bile ducts.Reports on DCBD Type V are scarce.CASE SUMMARY A 77-year-old woman presented with recurrent epigastric pain but without fever or chills.Computed tomography revealed a dilated common bile duct(CBD)that harboured multiple choledocholithiasis.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)was performed,and the stones were extracted using a Dormia basket.She was discharged without any complications;however,she visited the emergency department a day after she was discharged due to epigastric pain and fever.Laboratory findings were suggestive of cholestasis.After urgent ERCP for stone removal,magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was performed to evaluate remnant choledocholithiasis.Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a DCBD Type Va and remnant choledocholithiasis in the right CBD.Both CBDs were accessed,and the stones were cleared successfully during a subsequent ERCP.CONCLUSION In this article,we report an extremely rare case of DCBD manifesting as recurrent pyogenic cholangitis.This case highlights the importance of recognizing DCBD because stones in the unrecognized bile duct could make the patient’s prognosis critical.

Surgical treatment of the biliary ductal stricture complicating localized left hepatolithiasis

AIM To summarize the experience in the clinical treatment of the biliary ductal strictures complicating localized left hepatolithiasis in recent two decades.

Association of extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease in a province of western Hungary with disease phenotype:Results of a 25-year follow-up study

AIM:IBD is a systemic disease associated with a large number of extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs).Our aim was to determine the prevalence of EIMs in a large IBD cohort in Veszprem Province in a 25-year follow-up study. METHODS:Eight hundred and seventy-three IBD patients were enrolled (ulcerative colitis/UC/:619,m/f:317/302, mean age at presentation:38.3 years,average disease duration:11.2 years;Crohn's disease/CD/:254,m/f:125/129, mean age at presentation:32.5 years,average disease duration:9.2 years).Intestinal,extraintestinal signs and laboratory tests were monitored regularly.Any alteration suggesting an EIMs was investigated by a specialist. RESULTS:A total of 21.3% of patients with IBD had EIM (UC:15.0%,CD:36.6%).Age at presentation did not affect the likelihood of EIM.Prevalence of EIMs was higher in women and in CD,ocular complications and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) were more frequent in UC.In UC there was an increased tendency of EIM in patients with a more extensive disease.Joint complications were more frequent in CD (22.4% vsUC 10.2%,P<0.01).In UC positive family history increased the risk of joint complications (OR:3.63).In CD the frequency of type-1 peripheral arthritis was increased in patients with penetrating disease (P=0.028).PSC was present in 1.6% in UC and 0.8% in CD.Dermatological complications were present in 3.8% in UC and 10.2% in CD,the rate of ocular complications was around 3% in both diseases.Rare complications were glomerulonephritis,autoimmune hemolytic anaemia and celiac disease. CONCLUSION:Prevalence of EIM in Hungarian IBD patients is in concordance with data from Western countries.The high number of EIM supports a role for complex follow-up in these patients.

Iatrogenic bile duct injuries:Etiology,diagnosis and management

Iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDI) remain an important problem in gastrointestinal surgery. They are most frequently caused by laparoscopic cholecystectomy which is one of the commonest surgical procedures in the world. The early and proper diagnosis of IBDI is very important for surgeons and gastroenterologists, because unrecognized IBDI lead to serious complications such as biliary cirrhosis, hepatic failure and death. Laboratory and radiological investigations play an important role in the diagnosis of biliary injuries. There are many classifications of IBDI. The most popular and simple classification of IBDI is the Bismuth scale. Endoscopic techniques are recommended for initial treatment of IBDI. When endoscopic treatment is not effective, surgical management is considered. Different surgical reconstructions are performed in patients with IBDI. According to the literature, Roux- en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is the most frequent surgical reconstruction and recommended by most authors. In the opinion of some authors, a more physiological and equally effective type of reconstruction is end- to-end ductal anastomosis. Long term results are the most important in the assessment of the effectiveness of IBDI treatment. There are a few classifications for the long term results in patients treated for IBDI; the Terblanche scale, based on clinical biliary symptoms, is regarded as the most useful classification. Proper diagnosis and treatment of IBDI may avoid many serious complications and improve quality of life.

Success rate and complications of endoscopic extraction of common bile duct stones over 2 cm in diameter

BACKGROUND:Clinically,common bile duct (CBD) stones >2 cm are difficult to remove by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).To evaluate this observation,the rates of successful clearance of CBD stones and complications were compared between ERCP extraction of CBD stones of >2 cm and <2 cm in diameter.METHODS:All patients who had undergone endoscopic extraction of CBD stones at the Endoscopy Center of Shanghai First People’s Hospital from May 2004 to May 2008 were reviewed.Patients with CBD stones of >2 cm in diameter were enrolled in the >2 cm group.Two matched controls with CBD stones of <2 cm in diameter were selected for each enrolled patient (<2 cm group).Patient characteristics,success rates,and complications during and after ERCP were compared.RESULTS:Seventy-two patients constituted the >2 cm group and 144 patients were in the <2 cm group.No significant differences were found in the patient characteristics,except for stone size and CBD diameter.Both the overall success rate and the success rate in the first ERCP session were lower in the >2 cm group (77.8% and 58.3%,respectively) than in the <2 cm group (91.7% and 83.3%,P<0.01).During ERCP,the incidence of hypoxemia (30.6%) and hemorrhaging papillae (18.1%) in the >2 cm group was higher than in the <2 cm group (13.2% and 6.3%,P<0.05).After ERCP,the rates of delayed papillae hemorrhage (13.9%),hyperamylasemia (23.6%),acute pancreatitis (8.3%) and biliary infection (18.1%) were higher in the >2 cm group than in the <2 cm group (3.5%,11.1%,2.1%,and 2.8%,respectively,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The success rate of endoscopic extraction of CBD stones of >2 cm in diameter was lower but the complication rate was higher than that of stones of <2 cm in diameter.

Bile duct cyst in adults:Interventional treatment,resection,or transplantation?

Cystic dilatations of the bile ducts may be found along the extrahepatic biliary tree,within the liver,or in both of these locations simultaneously.Presentation in adults is often associated with complications.The therapeutic possibilities have changed considerably over the last few decades.If possible,complete resection of the cyst(s)can cure the symptoms and avoid the risk of malignancy.According to the type of bile duct cyst,surgical procedures include the Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and variable types of hepatic resection.However,the diffuse forms of Todani type Ⅴ cysts(Caroli disease and Caroli syndrome)in particular remain a therapeutic problem,and liver transplantation has become an important option.The mainstay of interventional treatment for Todani typeⅢbile duct cysts is via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.The diagnostic term"bile duct cyst"comprises quite different pathological and clinical entities.Interventional therapy,hepatic resection,and liver transplantation all have their place in the treatment of this heterogeneous disease group.They should not be seen as competitive treatment modalities,but as complementary options.Each patient should receive individualized treatment after all of the clinical findings have been considered by an interdisciplinary team.

Current status of peroral cholangioscopy in biliary tract diseases

Peroral cholangioscopy(POC) is an important tool for the management of a selected group of biliary diseases. Because of its direct visualization, POC allows targeted diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. POC can be performed using a dedicated cholangioscope that is advanced through the accessory channel of a duodenoscope or via the insertion of a small-diameter endoscope directly into the bile duct. POC was first described in the 1970 s, but the use of earlier generation devices was substantially limited by the cumbersome equipment setup and high repair costs. For nearly ten years, several technical improvements, including the single-operator system, high-quality images, the development of dedicated accessories and the increased size of the working channel, have led to increased diagnostic accuracy, thus assisting in the differentiation of benign and malignant intraductal lesions, targeting biopsies and the precise delineation of intraductal tumor spread before surgery. Furthermore, lithotripsy of difficult bile duct stones, ablative therapies for biliary malignancies and direct biliary drainage can be performed under POC control. Recent developments of new types of conventional POCs allow feasible, safe and effective procedures at reasonable costs. In the current review, we provide an updated overview of POC, focusing our attention on the main current clinical applications and on areas for future research.

Comparison of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)and Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography(MRCP)in Bile Duct Imaging

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in diagnosing bile duct pathologies. Materials and Methods: We documented the data of 171 patients with both ERCP and MRCP between January 2009 and December 2010 at the Konya Education and Research Hospital. Results: Of the 171 patients, 100 (58.5%) were female and 71 (41.5%) were male. The median age was 63 (55 to 89). ERCP was used to diagnose bile duct stones in 102 (59%) patients, bile duct tumour in 14 (8%) patients, hydatic cysts opening up to the bile duct in 4 (2%) patients and bile duct stenosis in 3 (1.8%) patients. For the detection of bile duct stones, MRCP had a sensitivity of 92%, a specificity of 74% and a diagnostic accuracy of 83%. For bile duct tumours, MRCP had a sensitivity of 85%, a specificity of 98% and a diagnostic accuracy rate of 92%. Conclusion: In our centre, the results of MRCP and ERCP were similar for the last two years. However, MRCP was superior with respect to diagnosis as it was cheaper and non-invasive. Thus, ERCP should be preferred for therapeutic processes.

Impact of previous cyst-enterostomy on patients' outcome following resection of bile duct cysts

AIM:To analyze the impact of previous cyst-enterostomy of patients underwent congenital bile duct cysts(BDC)resection.METHODS:A multicenter European retrospective study between 1974 and 2011 were conducted by the French Surgical Association.Only Todani subtypes I and IVb were included.Diagnostic imaging studies and operative and pathology reports underwent central revision.Patients with and without a previous history of cystenterostomy(CE)were compared.RESULTS:Among 243 patients with Todani types I and IVb BDC,16 had undergone previous CE(6.5%).Patients with a prior history of CE experienced a greater incidence of preoperative cholangitis(75%vs 22.9%,P<0.0001),had more complicated presentations(75%vs 40.5%,P=0.007),and were more likely to have synchronous biliary cancer(31.3%vs 6.2%,P=0.004)than patients without a prior CE.Overall morbidity(75%vs 33.5%;P<0.0008),severe complications(43.8%vs 11.9%;P=0.0026)and reoperation rates(37.5%vs 8.8%;P=0.0032)were also significantly greater in patients with previous CE,and their Mayo Risk Score,during a median follow-up of 37.5 mo(range:4-372 mo)indicated significantly more patients with fair and poor results(46.1%vs 15.6%;P=0.0136).CONCLUSION:This is the large series to show that previous CE is associated with poorer short-and longterm results after Todani types I and IVb BDC resection.

Portal hypertensive biliopathy: A single center experience and literature review

Portal hypertensive biliopathy (PHB) is characterized by anatomical and functional abnormalities of the intrahepatic, extrahepatic and pancreatic ducts, in patients with portal hypertension associated to extrahepatic portal vein obstruction and less frequently to cirrhosis. These morphological changes, consisting in dilatation and stenosis of the biliary tree, are due to extensive venous collaterals occurring in an attempt to decompress the portal venous blockage. It is usually asymptomatic until it progresses to more advanced stages with cholestasis, jaundice, biliary sludge, gallstones, cholangitis and finally biliary cirrhosis. Imaging mo-dalities of the biliary tree such as Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography are essential to establish the diagnosis and the need of therapeutical interventions. Once the diagnosis is established, treatment with ursodesoxycholic acid seems to be beneficial. Decompression of the biliary tree to dilate, remove stones or implant biliary prosthesis by endoscopic or surgical procedures (hepato-yeyunostomy) usually resolves the cholestatic picture and prevents septic complications. The ideal treatment is the decompression of the portal system, with transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt or a surgical porto-systemic shunt. Unfortunately, few patients will be candidates for these procedures due to the extension of the thrombotic process. The purpose of this paper is to report the first 3 cases of PHB seen in a Colombian center and to review the literature.

Portal biliopathy

Portal biliopathy refers to cholangiographic abnormalities which occur in patients with portal cavernoma. These changes occur as a result of pressure on bile ducts from bridging tortuous paracholedochal, epicholedochal and cholecystic veins. Bile duct ischemia may occur due prolonged venous pressure effect or result from insufficient blood supply. In addition, encasement of ducts may occur due fibrotic cavernoma. Majority of patients are asymptomatic. Portal biliopathy is a progressive disease and patients who have long standing disease and more severe bile duct abnormalities present with recurrent episodes of biliary pain, cholangitis and cholestasis. Serum chemistry, ultrasound with color Doppler imaging, magnetic resonance imaging with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and magnetic resonance portovenography are modalities of choice for evaluation of portal biliopathy. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography being an invasive procedure is indicated for endotherapy only. Management of portal biliopathy is done in a stepwise manner. First, endotherapy is done for dilation of biliary strictures, placement of biliary stents to facilitate drainage and removal of bile duct calculi. Next portal venous pressure is reduced by formation of surgical porto-systemic shunt or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. This causes significant resolution of biliary changes. Patients who persist with biliary symptoms and bile duct changes may benefit from surgical biliary drainage procedures(hepaticojejunostomy or choledechoduodenostomy).

Role of endoscopy in the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC) is a rare but prominent fibroinflammatory cholangiopathy which can affect individuals of essentially any age. It carries a median survival of 15-20 years, regardless of age at diagnosis, and is a foremost risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma. Given the chronic and progressive nature of PSC, its inherent risk for biliary tract and other complications, and the paucity of effective pharmacotherapies, endoscopy plays a major role in the care of many patients with this disorder. In this review, we discuss the endoscopic management of PSC, including established and evolving approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of its benign as well as malignant sequelae. Owing to the rarity of PSC and dearth of high-quality evidence, we propose pragmatic approaches based on both currently available data and expert opinion.

Risk factors of choledocholithiasis formation after liver transplantation

Systematic study of risk factors for biliary stone post-liver transplantation is rarely performed. To investigate the risk factor of choledocholithiasis formation after liver transplantation, we c onducted a case-control study. Fourteen patients were selected into a study group. The stones of the bile duct of the patients were confirmed and treated successfully by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. For univariate analysis, we selected carefully some potential risk factors such as cold ischemia time, warm ischemia time, and biliary stricture. The results revealed that cold ischemia time and biliary stenosis were significant predictors. But multivariate analysis revealed that only biliary stenosis was a significant risk factor. In conclusion, biliary stenosis is a risk factor of bile duct stones formation after liver transplantation. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is effective and safe in the diagnosis or treatment of bile duct stones after liver transplantation.

Biloma: An unusual complication in a patient with pancreatic cancer

The term biloma describes an encapsulated collection of bile within the abdomen, usually secondary to bile duct disruption. The commonest causes reported in the literature are iatrogenic （secondary to hepatobUiary surgery）, trauma or complications due to choledocho- lithiasis. A few cases have been reported as complica- tions of cholangiocarcinoma or acute cholecystitis. We report the case of a 64-year-old man initially diagnosed with a non-obstructive malignancy of the pancreas, who developed a spontaneous intrahepatic biloma 8 mo later. This was identified following a 1-wk history of fever, rigors and icterus. The biloma was identified on computed tomography and subsequently drained under ultrasound guidance. Forty-eight hours later, a stent was inserted endoscopically into his common bile duct and he made an uneventful in-hospital recovery. We believe this is the first documented case of spontaneous intrahepatic biloma to occur secondary to pancreatic malignancy.

Steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis and associated primary sclerosing cholangitis treated with infliximab

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is an infrequent extraintestinal manifestation of ulcerative colitis.Damage to bile ducts is irreversible and medical therapies to prevent progression of the disease are usually ineffective.We describe a patient with long-standing ulcerative colitis,which was refractory to corticosteroid therapy who developed primary sclerosing cholangitis(biochemical stage Ⅱ/Ⅳ) in the course of his pancolitis.Treatment with infliximab(5 mg/kg as an induction dose followed by maintenance doses every two months) was indicated because of steroid-dependent disease associated to primary sclerosing cholangitis as well as sacroiliitis and uveitis and previous episode of severe azathioprinerelated hepatic toxicity.At present,after two years of follow-up,the patient is asymptomatic with normal liver tests and complete resumption of daily life activities.This case draws attention to the usefulness of antitumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy for the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis as extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease.

Donation after cardio-circulatory death liver transplantation

The renewed interest in donation after cardio-circulatory death (DCD) started in the 1990s following the limited success of the transplant community to expand the donation after brain-death (DBD) organ supply and following the request of potential DCD families. Since then, DCD organ procurement and transplantation activities have rapidly expanded, particularly for nonvital organs, like kidneys. In liver transplantation (LT), DCD donors are a valuable organ source that helps to decrease the mortality rate on the waiting lists and to increase the availability of organs for transplantation despite a higher risk of early graft dysfunction, more frequent vascular and ischemia-type biliary lesions, higher rates of re-listing and re-transplantation and lower graft survival, which are obviously due to theinevitable warm ischemia occurring during the declaration of death and organ retrieval process. Experimental strategies intervening in both donors and recipients at different phases of the transplantation process have focused on the attenuation of ischemia-reperfusion injury and already gained encouraging results, and some of them have found their way from pre-clinical success into clinical reality. The future of DCD-LT is promising. Concerted efforts should concentrate on the identification of suitable donors (probably Maastricht category Ⅲ DCD donors), better donor and recipient matching (high risk donors to low risk recipients), use of advanced organ preservation techniques (oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion, normothermic machine perfusion, venous systemic oxygen persufflation), and pharmacological modulation (probably a multi-factorial biologic modulation strategy) so that DCD liver allografts could be safely utilized and attain equivalent results as DBD-LT.