Post-transplant biliary complications using liver grafts from deceased donors older than 70 years:Retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND The shortage of liver grafts and subsequent waitlist mortality led us to expand the donor pool using liver grafts from older donors.AIM To determine the incidence,outcomes,and risk factors for biliary complications(BC)in liver transplantation(LT)using liver grafts from donors aged>70 years.METHODS Between January 1994 and December 31,2019,297 LTs were performed using donors older than 70 years.After excluding 47 LT for several reasons,we divided 250 LTs into two groups,namely post-LT BC(n=21)and without BC(n=229).This retrospective case-control study compared both groups.RESULTS Choledocho-choledochostomy without T-tube was the most frequent technique(76.2%in the BC group vs 92.6%in the non-BC group).Twenty-one patients(8.4%)developed BC(13 anastomotic strictures,7 biliary leakages,and 1 nonanastomotic biliary stricture).Nine patients underwent percutaneous balloon dilation and nine required a Rouxen-Y hepaticojejunostomy because of dilation failure.The incidence of post-LT complications(graft dysfunction,rejection,renal failure,and non-BC reoperations)was similar in both groups.There were no significant differences in the patient and graft survival between the groups.Moreover,only three deaths were attributed to BC.While female donors were protective factors for BC,donor cardiac arrest was a risk factor.CONCLUSION The incidence of BC was relatively low on using liver grafts>70 years.It could be managed in most cases by percutaneous dilation or Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy,without significant differences in the patient or graft survival between the groups.

Post-liver transplant biliary complications:Current knowledge and therapeutic advances

Liver transplantation is the current standard of care for end-stage liver disease and an accepted therapeutic option for acute liver failure and primary liver tumors.Despite the remarkable advances in the surgical techniques and immunosuppressive therapy,the postoperative morbidity and mortality still remain high and the leading causes are biliary complications,which affect up to one quarter of recipients.The most common biliary complications are anastomotic and non-anastomotic biliary strictures,leaks,bile duct stones,sludge and casts.Despite the absence of a recommended treatment algorithm many options are available,such as surgery,percutaneous techniques and interventional endoscopy.In the last few years,endoscopic techniques have widely replaced the more aggressive percutaneous and surgical approaches.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is the preferred technique when duct-to-duct anastomosis has been performed.Recently,new devices and techniques have been developed and this has led to a remarkable increase in the success rate of minimally invasive procedures.Understanding the mechanisms of biliary complications helps in their early recognition which is the prerequisite for successful treatment.Aggressive endoscopic therapy is essential for the reduction of morbidity and mortality in these cases.This article focuses on the common post-transplant biliary complications and the available interventional treatment modalities.

Single-operator cholangioscopy for biliary complications in liver transplant recipients

To evaluate cholangioscopy in addition to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for management of biliary complications after liver transplantation (LT).METHODSTwenty-six LT recipients with duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction who underwent ERCP for suspected biliary complications between April and December 2016 at the university hospital of Muenster were consecutively enrolled in this observational study. After evaluating bile ducts using fluoroscopy, cholangioscopy using a modern digital single-operator cholangioscopy system (SpyGlass DS™) was performed during the same procedure with patients under conscious sedation. All patients received peri-interventional antibiotic prophylaxis and bile was collected during the intervention for microbial analysis and for antibiotic susceptibility testing.RESULTSThirty-three biliary complications were found in a total of 22 patients, whereas four patients showed normal bile ducts. Anastomotic strictures were evident in 14 (53.8%) patients, non-anastomotic strictures in seven (26.9%), biliary cast in three (11.5%), and stones in six (23.1%). A benefit of cholangioscopy was seen in 12 (46.2%) patients. In four of them, cholangioscopy was crucial for selective guidewire placement prior to planned intervention. In six patients, biliary cast and/or stones failed to be diagnosed by ERCP and were only detectable through cholangioscopy. In one case, a bile duct ulcer due to fungal infection was diagnosed by cholangioscopy. In another case, signs of bile duct inflammation caused by acute cholangitis were evident. One patient developed post-interventional cholangitis. No further procedure-related complications occurred. Thirty-seven isolates were found in bile. Sixteen of these were gram-positive (43.2%), 12 (32.4%) were gram-negative bacteria, and Candida species accounted for 24.3% of all isolated microorganisms. Interestingly, only 48.6% of specimens were sensitive to prophylactic antibiotics.CONCLUSIONSingle-operator cholangioscopy can provide important diagnostic information, helping endoscopists to plan and perform interventional procedures in LT-related biliary complications.

Biliary complications following liver transplantation: Singlecenter experience over three decades and recent risk factors

AIM To identify independent risk factors for biliary complications in a center with three decades of experience in liver transplantation.METHODS A total of 1607 consecutive liver transplantations were analyzed in a retrospective study. Detailed subset analysis was performed in 417 patients, which have been transplanted since the introduction of Model of End-Stage Liver Disease(MELD)-based liver allocation. Risk factors for the onset of anastomotic biliary complications were identified with multivariable binary logisticregression analyses. The identified risk factors in regression analyses were compiled into a prognostic model. The applicability was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analyses with the log rank test were applied where appropriate. RESULTS Biliary complications were observed in 227 cases(14.1%). Four hundred and seventeen(26%) transplantations were performed after the introduction of MELD-based donor organ allocation. Since then, 21%(n = 89) of the patients suffered from biliary complications, which are further categorized into anastomotic bile leaks [46%(n = 41)], anastomotic strictures [25%(n = 22)], cholangitis [8%(n = 7)] and non-anastomotic strictures [3%(n = 3)]. The remaining 18%(n = 16) were not further classified. After adjustment for all univariably significant variables, the recipient MELD-score at transplantation(P = 0.006; OR = 1.035; 95%CI: 1.010-1.060), the development of hepatic artery thrombosis post-operatively(P = 0.019; OR = 3.543; 95%CI: 1.233-10.178), as well as the donor creatinine prior to explantation(P = 0.010; OR = 1.003; 95%CI: 1.001-1.006) were revealed as independent risk factors for biliary complications. The compilation of these identified risk factors into a prognostic model was shown to have good prognostic abilities in the investigated cohort with an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.702.CONCLUSION The parallel occurrence of high recipient MELD and impaired donor kidney function should be avoided. Risk is especially increased when post-transplant hepatic artery thrombosis occurs.

Risk factors of severe ischemic biliary complications after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND:Ischemia-related biliary tract complications remain high after orthotopic liver transplantation.Severe ischemic biliary complications often involve the hepatic duct bifurcation and left hepatic duct,resulting finally in obstructive jaundice.Prevention and management of such complications remain a challenge for transplant surgeons.METHODS:All 160 patients were followed up for at least 180 days after transplantation.One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and comparative univariate analysis were made using 3 groups (no complications;mild complications;severe complications),to analyze risk factors associated with biliary complications.Multiple logistic regression and linear regression analysis were used to analyze independent risk factors for severe ischemic biliary complications,after excluding other confounding factors.RESULTS:By ANOVA and comparative univariate analysis,the risk factors associated with biliary complications were preoperative bilirubin level (P=0.007) and T-tube stenting of the anastomosis (P=0.016).Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the use of T-tube and preoperative serum bilirubin were not independent risk factors for severe ischemic biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation.Chi-square analysis indicated that in the incidence of severe ischemic biliary lesions,bile duct second warm ischemic time longer than 60 minutes was a significant risk factor.Linear regression demonstrated a negative correlation between cold preservation time and warm ischemia time.CONCLUSIONS:Preoperative serum bilirubin level and the use of T-tube stenting of the anastomosis were independent risk factors for biliary complications after liver transplantation,but not for severe ischemic biliary complications.The second warm ischemia time of bile duct longer than 60minutes and prolonged bile duct second warm ischemia time combined with cold preservation time were significant risk factors for severe ischemic biliary complications after liver transplantation with grafts from non-heart-beating donors.

Biliary complications in recipients of living donor liver transplantation:A single-centre study

BACKGROUND Biliary complications(BCs)after liver transplantation(LT)remain a considerable cause of morbidity,mortality,increased cost,and graft loss.AIM To investigate the impact of BCs on chronic graft rejection,graft failure and mortality.METHODS From 2011 to 2016,215 adult recipients underwent right-lobe living-donor liver transplantation(RT-LDLT)at our centre.We excluded 46 recipients who met the exclusion criteria,and 169 recipients were included in the final analysis.Donors’and recipients’demographic data,clinical data,operative details and postoperative course information were collected.We also reviewed the management and outcomes of BCs.Recipients were followed for at least 12 mo post-LT until December 2017 or graft or patient loss.RESULTS The overall incidence rate of BCs including biliary leakage,biliary infection and biliary stricture was 57.4%.Twenty-seven(16%)patients experienced chronic graft rejection.Graft failure developed in 20(11.8%)patients.A total of 28(16.6%)deaths occurred during follow-up.BCs were a risk factor for the occurrence of chronic graft rejection and failure;however,mortality was determined by recurrent hepatitis C virus infection.CONCLUSION Biliary complications after RT-LDLT represent an independent risk factor for chronic graft rejection and graft failure;nonetheless,effective management of these complications can improve patient and graft survival.

Impact of biliary complications on quality of life in live-donor liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND Despite significant advancements in liver transplantation(LT)surgical procedures and perioperative care,post-LT biliary complications(BCs)remain a significant source of morbidity,mortality,and graft failure.In addition,data are conflicting regarding the health-related quality of life(HRQoL)of LT recipients.Thus,the success of LT should be considered in terms of both the survival and recovery of HRQoL.AIM To assess the impact of BCs on the HRQoL of live-donor LT recipients(LDLT-Rs).METHODS We retrospectively analysed data for 25 LDLT-Rs who developed BCs post-LT between January 2011 and December 2016 at our institution.The Short Form 12 version 2(SF 12v2)health survey was used to assess their HRQoL.We also included 25 LDLT-Rs without any post-LT complications as a control group.RESULTS The scores for HRQoL of LDLT-Rs who developed BCs were significantly higher than the norm-based scores in the domains of physical functioning(P=0.003),role-physical(P<0.001),bodily pain(P=0.003),general health(P=0.004),social functioning(P=0.005),role-emotional(P<0.001),and mental health(P<0.001).No significant difference between the two groups regarding vitality was detected(P=1.000).The LDLT-Rs with BCs had significantly lower scores than LDLT-Rs without BCs in all HRQoL domains(P<0.001)and the mental(P<0.001)and physical(P=0.0002)component summary scores.CONCLUSION The development of BCs in LDLT-Rs causes a lower range of improvement in HRQoL.

Role of biliary complications in chronic graft rejection after living donor liver transplantation

Postoperative biliary complications remain a substantial challenge after living donor liver transplantation,especially due to its heterogeneous clinical presentation.

Advances in endoscopic management of biliary complications after living donor liver transplantation: Comprehensive review of the literature

Apart from noticeable improvements in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive agents, biliary complications remain the major causes of morbidity and mortality after living donor liver transplantation(LDLT). Bile leakage and stricture are the predominant complications. The reported incidence of biliary complications is 15%-40%, and these are known to occur more frequently in living donors than in deceased donors. Despite the absence of a confirmed therapeutic algorithm, many approaches have been used for treatment, including surgical, endoscopic, and percutaneous transhepatic techniques. In recent years, nonsurgical approaches have largely replaced reoperation. Among these, the endoscopic approach is currently the preferred initial treatment for patients who undergo duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction. Previously, endoscopic management was achieved most optimally through balloon dilatation and single or multiple stents placement. Recently, there have been significant developments in endoscopic devices, such as novel biliary stents, as well as advances in endoscopic technologies, including deep enteroscopy, the rendezvous technique, magnetic compression anastomosis, and direct cholangioscopy. These developments have resulted in almost all patients being managed by the endoscopic approach. Multiple recent publications suggest superior long-term results, with overall success rates ranging from 58% to 75%. This article summarizes the advances in endoscopic management of patients with biliary complications after LDLT.

Endoscopic treatment of biliary complications after liver transplantation

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic treatment in patients who undergo OLTx or LRLTx and develop biliary complications. METHODS： This is a prospective, observational study of patients who developed biliary complications, after OLTx and LRLTx, with duct-to-duct anastomosis performed between June 2003 and June 2007. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography （ERCP） was considered unsuccessful when there was evidence of continuous bile leakage despite endoscopic stent placement, or persistence of stenosis after i year, despite multiple dilatation and stent placement. When the ERCP failed, a percutaneous trans-hepatic approach （PTC） or surgery was adopted. RESULTS： From June 2003 to June 2007, 261 adult patients were transplanted in our institute, 68 from living donors and 193 from cadaveric donors. In the OLTx group the rate of complications was 37.3%, while in the LRLTx group was 64.7%. The rate of ERCP failure was 19.4% in the OLTx group and 38.6% in LRLTx group. In OLTx group, i patient was retransplanted and 8 patients died. In the LRLTx group, 2 patients underwent OLTx and 8 patients died. The follow-up was 23.3±13.13 mo and 21.02± 14.10 mo, respectively.CONCLUSION： Albhough ERCP is quite an effective mode of managing post-transplant bile duct complications, a significant number of patients need other types of approach. Further prospective studies are necessary in order to establish whebher obher endoscopic protocols or new devices, could improve bhe current results.

Endoscopic management of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: Biliary complications are a serious problem in patients after liver transplantation and often require reoperation. This study was conducted to summarize the endoscopic diagnosis and management of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). METHODS: From December 2000 to November 2003, twelve endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies(ERCPs) were performed in 7 patients after OLT at Digestive Endoscopic Center of Changhai Hospital in Shanghai, China. The therapeutic maneuvers included endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), biliary stent placement, balloon and basket extraction, irrigation, and nasobiliary tube placement. A retrospective study was made to determine the types of biliary tract complications after OLT. The success of ERCP and therapeutic maneuvers was also evaluated. RESULTS: Biliary tract complications including biliary stricture, biliary leak, biliary sludge, and stump leak of the cyst duct were treated respectively by endoscopic sphincterotomy with sludge extraction, stricture dilation or endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage. Two of the 3 patients with proximal common bile duct stricture were successfully treated with ERCP and stent placement. Four patients with anastomotic stricture and/without bile leak were treated successfully by dilation and stent placement or endoscopic nosobiliary drainage. No severe ERCP-related complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP is an effective and accurate approach for the diagnosis of biliary tract complications after OLT, and placement of a stent is a safe initial treatment for biliary complications after liver transplantation.

Management of biliary complications after liver transplantation

Biliary complications(BC) currently represent a major source of morbidity after liver transplantation. Although refinements in surgical technique and medical therapy have had a positive influence on the reduction of postoperative morbidity, BC affect 5% to 25% of transplanted patients. Bile leak and anastomotic strictures represent the most common complications. Nowadays, a multidisciplinary approach is required to manage such complications in order to prevent liver failure and retransplantation.

High incidence of biliary complications in rat liver transplantation:Can we avoid it?

MM： To investigate how to reduce the incidence of biliary complications in rat orthotopic liver transplantation. METHODS： A total of 165 male Wistar rats were ran- domly divided into three groups： Group A, orthotropic liver transplantation with modified ＂two-cuff＂ technique; Group B, bile duct was cut and reconstructed without transplantation; and Group C, only laparotomy was performed. Based on the approaches used for biliary reconstruction, Group A was divided into two sub-groups： A1 （n = 30）, duct-duct reconstruction, and A2 （n = 30）, duct-duodenum reconstruction. To study the influence of artery reconstruction on bile duct complication, Group B was divided into four sub-groups： B1 （n = 10）, duct-duct reconstruction with hepatic artery ligation, B2 （n = 10）, duct-duct reconstruction without hepatic artery ligation, B3 （n = 10）, duct-duodenum reconstruction with hepatic artery ligation, and B4 （n = 10）, duct-duodenum recon- struction without hepatic artery ligation. The samples were harvested 14 d after operation or at the time when significant biliary complication was found. RESULTS： In Group A, the anhepatic phase was 13.7 ＋ 1.06 min, and cold ischemia time was 50.5 ＋ 8.6 min. There was no significant difference between A1 and A2 in the operation duration. The time for biliary reconstruction was almost the same among all groups. The success rate for transplantation was 98.3% （59/60）. Significant differ- ences were found in the incidence of biliary complications in Groups A （41.7%）, B （27.5%） and C （0%）. A2 was more likely to have biliary complications than A1 （50% vs 33.3%）. B3 had the highest incidence of biliary complica- tions in Group B. CONCLUSION： Biliary complications are almost in- evitable using the classical ＂two cuff＂ techniques, and duct-duodenum reconstruction is not an ideal option in rat orthotopic liver transplantation.

A Review on the Management of Biliary Complications after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Orthotopic liver transplantation is the definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinomas.Biliary complications are the most common complications seen after transplantation,with an incidence of 10-25%.These complications are seen both in deceased donor liver transplant and living donor liver transplant.Endoscopic treatment of biliary complications with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(commonly known as ERCP)has become a mainstay in the management post-transplantation.The success rate has reached 80%in an experienced endoscopist's hands.If unsuccessful with ERCP,percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography can be an alternative therapy.Early recognition and treatment has been shown to improve morbidity and mortality in post-liver transplant patients.The focus of this review will be a learned discussion on the types,diagnosis,and treatment of biliary complications post-orthotopic liver transplantation.

Early prevention and treatment of biliary tract complications after orthotopic liver transplantation

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevention and treatment of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). METHODS: OLT was performed in 18 patients with end-stage liver disease, including 6 patients with primary liver cancer. Except 1 patient was infused only through the portal vein, others were infused through the portal vein and hepatic artery of the donor. The biliary tract was reconstructed using choledochocholedostomic anastomosis in 17 patients, and using Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomic anastomosis in 1 patient. RESULTS: Four patients with biliary complication were found. In one patient, biliary leakage was found around the T-tube on day 14 postoperatively, and disappeared after re-opening of the tube. In one patient undergoing Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomic anastomosis, biliary leakage was found on day 12 postoperatively and reoperation was performed. The T-tube was removed from the anastomosis after reoperation, and abdominal infection was controlled, but high fever recurred on day 49 postoperatively. The patient died on day 52 postoperatively. Autopsy revealed biliary leakage and biliary tract necrosis. In another patient, biliary leakage was found on day 3 after operation, and was treated by adequate drainage. Four months after operation, biliary sludge in the common tract was found and treated successfully with oral chemolysis. But biliary sludge or stone recur on one and half year after OLT. Spincterotomy and basket extraction were performed via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and the biliary sludge or stone was cleared out. In case 4, biliary drainage tube cholangiogram showed anastomotic stenosis one month after operation. Three months later, biliary sludge or stone was found beyond anastomotic stenosis. After oral chemolysis (ursodeoxycholic acid) and irrigation with heparinized saline solution via the biliary drainage tube, the biliary sludge disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: To reduce the incidence of biliary complications, adequate infusion of the hepatic artery, complete slushing of the biliary tract, and reduction of injury to the blood supply of the donor biliary tract are essential. Most biliary complications can be treated successfully by non-operative treatment or minimally invasive operation.

Complications and treatment of migrated biliary endoprostheses:A review of the literature

Endoscopic biliary stent insertion is a well-established procedure. It is especially successful in treating postoperative biliary leaks, and may prevent surgical intervention. A routine change of endoprostheses after 3 mo is a common practice but this can be prolonged to 6 too. We reported a colonic perforation due to biliary stent dislocation and migration to the rectosigmoid colon, and reviewed the literature.

T-tube vs no T-tube for biliary tract reconstruction in adult orthotopic liver transplantation:An updated systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Whether to use a T-tube for biliary anastomosis during orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT)remains a debatable question.Some surgeons chose to use a T-tube because they believed that it reduces the incidence of biliary strictures.Advances in surgical techniques during the last decades have significantly decreased the overall incidence of postoperative biliary complications.Whether using a T-tube during OLT is still associated with the reduced incidence of biliary strictures needs to be re-evaluated.AIM To provide an updated systematic review and meta-analysis on using a T-tube during adult OLT.METHODS In the electronic databases MEDLINE,PubMed,Scopus,ClinicalTrials.gov,the Cochrane Library,the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trails Register,and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,we identified 17 studies(eight randomized controlled trials and nine comparative studies)from January 1995 to October 2020.The data of the studies before and after 2010 were separately extracted.We chose the overall biliary complications,bile leaks or fistulas,biliary strictures(anastomotic or non-anastomotic),and cholangitis as outcomes.Odds ratios(ORs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)were calculated to describe the results of the outcomes.Furthermore,the test for overall effect(Z)was used to test the difference between OR and 1,where P≤0.05 indicated a significant difference between OR value and 1.RESULTS A total of 1053 subjects before 2010 and 1346 subjects after 2010 were included in this meta-analysis.The pooled results showed that using a T-tube reduced the incidence of postoperative biliary strictures in studies before 2010(P=0.012,OR=0.62,95%CI:0.42-0.90),while the same benefit was not seen in studies after 2010(P=0.60,OR=0.76,95%CI:0.27-2.12).No significant difference in the incidence of overall biliary complications(P=0.37,OR=1.41,95%CI:0.66-2.98),bile leaks(P=0.89,OR=1.04,95%CI:0.63-1.70),and cholangitis(P=0.27,OR=2.00,95%CI:0.59-6.84)was observed between using and not using a T-tube before 2010.However,using a T-tube appeared to increase the incidence of overall biliary complications(P=0.049,OR=1.49,95%CI:1.00-2.22),bile leaks(P=0.048,OR=1.91,95%CI:1.01-3.64),and cholangitis(P=0.02,OR=7.21,95%CI:1.37-38.00)after 2010.A random-effects model was used in biliary strictures(after 2010),overall biliary complications(before 2010),and cholangitis(before 2010)due to their heterogeneity(I2=62.3%,85.4%,and 53.6%,respectively).In the sensitivity analysis(only RCTs included),bile leak(P=0.66)lost the significance after 2010 and a random-effects model was used in overall biliary complications(before 2010),cholangitis(before 2010),bile leaks(after 2010),and biliary strictures(after 2010)because of their heterogeneity(I2=92.2%,65.6%,50.9%,and 80.3%,respectively).CONCLUSION In conclusion,the evidence gathered in our updated meta-analysis showed that the studies published in the last decade did not provide enough evidence to support the routine use of T-tube in adults during OLT.

Digital single-operator cholangioscopy for biliary stricture after cadaveric liver transplantation

BACKGROUND Biliary strictures after liver transplantation(LT)remain clinically arduous and challenging situations,and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)has been considered as the gold standard for the management of biliary strictures after LT.Nevertheless,in the treatment of biliary strictures after LT with ERCP,many studies show that there is a large variation in diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic success rate.Digital single-operator peroral cholangioscopy(DSOC)is considered a valuable diagnostic modality for indeterminate biliary strictures.AIM To evaluate DSOC in addition to ERCP for management of biliary strictures after LT.METHODS Nineteen patients with duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction who underwent ERCP for suspected biliary complications between March 2019 and March 2020 at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital,Capital Medical University,were consecutively enrolled in this observational study.After evaluating bile ducts using fluoroscopy,cholangioscopy using a modern digital single-operator cholangioscopy system(SpyGlass DS^(TM))was performed during the same procedure with patients under conscious sedation.All patients received peri-interventional antibiotic prophylaxis.Biliary strictures after LT were classified according to the manifestations of choledochoscopic strictures and the manifestations of transplanted hepatobiliary ducts.RESULTS Twenty-one biliary strictures were found in a total of 19 patients,among which anastomotic strictures were evident in 18(94.7%)patients,while non-anastomotic strictures in 2(10.5%),and space-occupying lesions in 1(5.3%).Stones were found in 11(57.9%)and loose sutures in 8(42.1%).A benefit of cholangioscopy was seen in 15(78.9%)patients.Cholangioscopy was crucial for selective guidewire placement prior to planned intervention in 4 patients.It was instrumental in identifying biliary stone and/or loose sutures in 9 patients in whom ERCP failed.It also provided a direct vision for laser lithotripsy.A spaceoccupying lesion in the bile duct was diagnosed by cholangioscopy in one patient.Patients with biliary stricture after LT displayed four types:(A)mild inflammatory change(n=9);(B)acute inflammatory change edema,ulceration,and sloughing(n=3);(C)chronic inflammatory change;and(D)acute suppurative change.Complications were seen in three patients with post-interventional cholangitis and another three with hyperamylasemia.CONCLUSION DSOC can provide important diagnostic information,helping plan and perform interventional procedures in LT-related biliary strictures.

Technical aspects of biliary reconstruction in adult living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: The last decade has witnessed great progress in living donor liver transplantation worldwide. However, biliary complications are more common in partial liver transplantation than in whole liver transplantation. This is due to an impaired blood supply of the hilar bile duct during organ procurement and recipient surgery, commonly encountered anatomical variations, a relatively small graft duct, and complicated surgical techniques used in biliary reconstruction. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE and PubMed were searched for articles on 'living donor liver transplantation', 'biliary complication', 'anatomical variation', 'biliary reconstruction', 'stenting' and related topics. RESULT: In this review, biliary complications were analyzed with respect to anatomical variation, surgical techniques in biliary reconstruction, and protection of the arterial plexus of the hilar bile duct. CONCLUSION: Transecting the donor bile duct at the right place to secure a larger bile duct stump, anastomosing techniques, and stenting methods as well as preserving the blood supply to the bile duct are all important in reducing biliary complications.

Management issues in post living donor liver transplant biliary strictures

Biliary complications are common after living donor liver transplant(LDLT) although with advancements in surgical understanding and techniques, the incidence is decreasing. Biliary strictures are more common than leaks. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) is the first line modality of treatment of post LDLT biliary strictures with a technical success rate of 75%-80%. Most of ERCP failures are successfully treated by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD) and rendezvous technique. A minority of patients may require surgical correction. ERCP for these strictures is technically more challenging than routine as well post deceased donor strictures. Biliary strictures may increase the morbidity of a liver transplant recipient, but the mortality is similar to those with or without strictures. Post transplant strictures are short segment and soft, requiring only a few session of ERCP before complete dilatation. Long-term outcome of patients with biliary stricture is similar to those without stricture. With the introduction of new generation cholangioscopes, ERCP success rate may increase, obviating the need for PTBD and surgery in these patients.