Late biliary tract complications after orthotopic liver transplantation: diagnostic and therapeutic role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Percutaneous transhepatic techniques for management of biliary anastomotic strictures in living donor liver transplant recipients

AIM

To retrospectively analyze the percutaneous transhepatic techniques and their outcome in the management of biliary strictures in living donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrieved the hospital records of 400 LDLT recipients between 2007 and 2015 and identified 45 patients with biliary strictures. Among them, 17 patients (37.8%) (Male: female = 13:4; mean age, 36.1 ± 17.5 years) treated by various percutaneous transhepatic biliary techniques alone or in combination with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were included in the study. The technical and clinical success of the percutaneous management was analyzed.

RESULTS

Anastomotic strictures associated with leak were found in 12/17 patients (70.6%). Ten out of 12 (83.3%) patients associated with leak had more than one duct-duct anastomoses (range, 2-3). The average duration of onset of stricture in patients with biliary leak was 3.97 ± 2.68 months and in patients with only strictures it was 14.03 ± 13.9 months. In 6 patients, endoscopic-guided plastic stents were placed using rendezvous technique, plastic stent was placed from a percutaneous approach in 1 patient, metallic stents were used in 2 patients, cholangioplasty was performed in 1 patient, N-butyl- 2-cyanoacrylate embolization was done in 1 child with biliary-pleural fistula, internal-external drain was placed in 1 patient, and only external drain was placed in 5 patients. Technical success was achieved in 12/17 (70.6%) and clinical success was achieved in 13/17 (76.5%) of the patients. Posttreatment mean time of follow-up was 19.4 ± 13.7 months. Five patients (29.4%) died (two acute rejections, one metabolic acidosis, and two sepsis).

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous biliary techniques are effective treatment options with good outcome in LDLT patients with biliary complications.

Endoscopic management of biliary strictures post-liver transplantation

Biliary complications play a significant role in morbidity of liver transplant recipients. Biliary strictures occur between 10%-25% of patients with a higher incidence in living donor recipients compared to deceased donors. Strictures can be classified as either anastomotic or non-anastomotic and may be related to ischemic events. Endoscopic management of biliary strictures in the post-transplant setting has become the preferred initial approach due to adequate rates of resolution of anastomotic and non-anastomotic strictures (NAS). However, several factors may increase complexity of the endoscopic approach including surgical anatomy, location, number, and severity of bile duct strictures. Many endoscopic tools are available, however, the approach to management of anastomotic and NAS has not been standardized. Multi-disciplinary techniques may be necessary to achieve optimal outcomes in select patients. We will review the risk factors associated with the development of bile duct strictures in the post-transplant setting along with the efficacy and complications of current endoscopic approaches available for the management of bile duct strictures.

Outcome of liver transplantation in patients with prior bariatric surgery

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming the leading cause of disease resulting in liver transplantation (LT). As a result of this trend, more LT candidates are presenting with prior history of bariatric surgery (BS). Over the last decade, 960 patients underwent LT at our institution; 11 (1.1%) had prior BS. The most common type of BS was Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 9) with 1 sleeve gastrectomy and 1 jejunoileal bypass. A total of 9 patients underwent LT alone, and 2 underwent simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation. The most common indication for LT was nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (n = 10) with 5 having additional diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease. The 30-day reoperation rate was 36.4% (n = 4); indications were bile duct repair (n = 3) and wound repair (n = 1). In the first 6 months after LT, biliary complications were seen in 54.5% (n = 6) of the patients. Both patient and graft survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 81.8% (n = 9) and 72.7% (n = 8), respectively. A total of 8 patients (72.7%) had indications for liver biopsy after LT; significant macrovesicular steatosis was found in 2 (18.2%). In patients with a history of alcohol consumption, 2 (40.0%) relapsed after LT. Two patients (18.2%) had a history of diet-controlled diabetes before LT; 1 of these patients became insulin dependent after LT. Mean body mass index (BMI) at LT was 31.0 ± 5.7 kg/m² . Mean BMI at 1, 6, and 12 months after LT was 28.3 ± 5.8, 28.0 ± 3.2, and 31.0 ± 6.6 kg/m² , respectively. Mean preoperative albumin was 2.6 ± 0.6 mg/dL. Patients showed improvement in albumin after LT, with mean albumin of 2.7 ± 0.6 and 3.2 ± 0.5 mg/dL at 1 and 3 months, respectively. The liver profile was stable after LT, with mean aspartate aminotransferase of 32.9 ± 18.4 and 26.6 ± 19.8 IU/L and alanine aminotransferase of 28.0 ± 17.5 and 30.2 ± 17.0 IU/L at 6 and 12 months, respectively. In conclusion, outcomes of LT patients with prior BS are comparable with other transplant recipients with regards to patient and graft survival and post-LT complication rates. Liver Transplantation 23 1415-1421 2017 AASLD.

Risk factors of intra-abdominal bacterial infection after liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To explore the risk factors of intra-abdominal bacterial infection (IAI) after liver transplantation (LT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

A series of 82 HCC patients who received LT surgeries in our department between March 2004 and April 2010 was recruited in this study. Then we collected and analyzed the clinical data retrospectively. Statistical analysis system (SPSS) software was adopted to perform statistical analysis. Chi-square test, t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to analyze the clinical data and compute the significance of the incidences of early-stage IAI after LT for HCC patients. Binary logistic regression was performed to screen out the risk factors, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to compute the independent risk factors.

RESULTS

A series of 13 patients (13/82, 15.9%) had postoperative IAI. The independent risk factors of postoperative intra-abdominal bacterial infections after LT for HCC patients were preoperative anemia [Hemoglobin (HGB) <90 g/L] and postoperative abdominal hemorrhage (72 hours >400 mL), with the odds ratios at 8.121 (95% CI, 1.417 to 46.550, P=0.019) and 5.911 (95% CI, 1.112 to 31.432, P=0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative IAI after LT in patients with HCC was a common complication. Preoperative moderate to severe anemia, as well as postoperative intra-abdominal hemorrhage more than 400 mL within the first 72 hours might independently indicate high risk of IAI for these patients.

Hepatic transplantation: postoperative complications

Advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppression have made orthotopic liver transplantation a first-line treatment for many patients with end-stage liver disease. The early detection and treatment of postoperative complications has contributed significantly to improved graft and patient survival with imaging playing a critical role in detection. Complications that can lead to graft failure or patient mortality include vascular abnormalities, biliary abnormalities, allograft rejection, and recurrent or post-transplant malignancy. Vascular abnormalities include stenosis and thrombosis of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and inferior vena cava, as well as hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, and celiac stenosis. Biliary abnormalities include strictures, bile leak, obstruction, recurrent disease, and infection. While imaging is not used to diagnose allograft rejection, it plays an important role in identifying complications that can mimic rejection. Ultrasound is routinely performed as the initial imaging modality for the detection and follow-up of both early and delayed complications. Cholangiography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography are used to characterize biliary complications and computed tomography is used to confirm abnormal findings on ultrasound or for the evaluation of postoperative collections. The purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate the imaging appearances and management of complications associated with liver transplantation.

[Biliary cast syndrome in non-liver surgery patients]

Biliary cast describes the presence of casts within the biliary tree. It is resultant sequel of cholangitis and hepatocyte damage secondary to bile stasis and bile duct injury. Biliary cast syndrome was first reported in patient undergone liver transplantation. The pathogenesis of biliary cast is not clearly identified, but proposed etiologic factors include post-transplant bile duct damage, ischemia, biliary infection, or post-operative biliary drainage tube. Although biliary casts are uncommon, most of biliary cast syndrome are reported in the liver transplant or hepatic surgery patients. A few reports have been published about non-transplant or non-liver surgery biliary cast. We report two cases of biliary cast syndrome in non-liver surgery patients.

Optimized endoscopic treatment of ischemic-type biliary lesions after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Biliary strictures are the most common complication after liver transplantation. A particular problem is ischemic-type biliary lesions (ITBLs), which are often responsible for graft failure and early retransplantation. Although some encouraging results of successful endoscopic treatment have been reported, this has not yet resulted in a standardized therapeutic approach to date.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate an optimized algorithm for the endoscopic treatment of ITBLs.

SETTING AND PATIENTS

All adult patients who underwent liver transplantation at the University of Essen between April 1998 and July 2006.

DESIGN

Retrospective outcome analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Success or failure of 2 different therapeutic algorithms in terms of normalization of cholestasis parameters and graft survival.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients who had undergone liver transplantation and had an endoscopically determined diagnosis of ITBL were identified. The median interval between liver transplantation and first endoscopic intervention was 242.5 (range, 16-3677) days. Patients received a median of 6 treatment sessions (range 2-13) every 8 to 10 weeks. In 16 of 48 patients, a combination of balloon dilation (BD) and implantation of a plastic endoprosthesis (BD+EP) was performed; in the remaining 32 patients, BD alone was performed. Overall, endoscopic therapy was successful in 73%. BD+EP was successful in 5 of 16 (31%) and BD alone in 30 of 32 patients (91%; P = .0027). In the BD+EP group, severe cholangitis developed in 25% of patients, but only 12% of the BD group (P = .01). The median duration of therapy was 374 (range 11-808) days. Six of 48 patients underwent retransplantation because of chronic graft rejection at a median of 1288 (range 883-4204) days after the primary liver transplantation. Six of 48 patients underwent hepaticojejunostomy because of unsuccessful endoscopic therapy, and 1 patient underwent surgery because of portal vein thrombosis.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective design.

CONCLUSIONS

An endoscopic treatment regimen for ITBLs, preferably BD alone, could prolong the time to or could completely avoid surgical revision and early retransplantation and seems to be superior to endoscopic stenting.

Safety and efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with post-liver transplant biliary complications: results of a cohort study with long-term follow-up

Background/Aims

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the standard approach for the management of biliary complications in liver transplant patients; however, its safety and efficacy have not been established in this setting. This study was performed to evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of ERCP in transplant patients.

Methods

The case reports of 1,500 liver transplant patients were reviewed. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) patients were matched 1:2 with non-OLT patients and followed-up for long-term outcome (median, 7.4 years).

Results

Of the 1,500 liver transplant patients, 94 (6.3%) underwent 150 ERCPs after OLT. Anastomotic strictures were present in 45 patients, biliary stones in 24, biliary leaks in 7, papillary stenosis in 2, and primary sclerosing cholangitis in 1. An ERCP success rate of 90.7% was achieved; biliary stenting led to resolution of the bile leak in 7/7 (100%) patients, and biliary stones were removed in 21/24 (87.5%) patients. In addition, 34 of 45 patients with anastomotic stricture underwent endoscopic dilation. We obtained complete resolution in 22/34 (64.7%) patients. OLT patients did not show a higher probability of complications (odds ratio [OR], 1.04), of pancreatitis (OR, 0.80) or of bleeding (OR, 1.34).

Conclusions

ERCP is safe and effective for the treatment of post-OLT biliary complications, has a low rate of pancreatitis and results in a durable effect.

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

AIM: To investigate how to reduce the incidence of biliary complications in rat orthotopic liver transplantation.

METHODS: A total of 165 male Wistar rats were randomly 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 reconstruction 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 differences 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 complications in Group B.

CONCLUSION: Biliary complications are almost inevitable using the classical “two cuff” techniques, and duct-duodenum reconstruction is not an ideal option in rat orthotopic liver transplantation.

Interventional radiology: management of biliary complications of liver transplantation

Major advances in the field of liver transplantation have led to an increase in both graft and patient survival rates. Despite increased graft survival rate, biliary complications lead to significant postoperative morbidity and even mortality. A multidisciplinary approach to these complications is critical. As part of the team approach, less invasive techniques used by the interventional radiologist have an increasing role in the management of complications after liver transplantation. This paper will review the current role of the interventionalist in management of biliary complications.

Plastic biliary stents for benign biliary diseases

Biliary plastic stenting plays a key role in the endoscopic management of benign biliary diseases. Complications following surgery of the biliary tract and liver transplantation are amenable to endoscopic treatment by plastic stenting. Insertion of an increasing number of plastic stents is currently the method of choice to treat postoperative biliary strictures. Benign biliary strictures secondary to chronic pancreatitis or primary sclerosing cholangitis may benefit from plastic stenting in select cases. There is a role for plastic stent placement in nonoperative candidates with acute cholecystitis and in patients with irretrievable bile duct stones.

Biliary reconstruction, its complications and management of biliary complications after adult liver transplantation: a systematic review of the incidence, risk factors and outcome

Biliary reconstruction remains common in postoperative complications after liver transplantation. A systematic search was conducted on the PubMed database and 61 studies of retrospective or prospective institutional data were eligible for this review. The study comprised a total of 14,359 liver transplantations. The overall incidence of biliary stricture was 13%; 12% among deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) patients and 19% among living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipients. The overall incidence of biliary leakage was 8.2%, 7.8% among DDLT patients and 9.5% among LDLT recipients. An endoscopic strategy is the first choice for biliary complications; 83% of patients with biliary stricture were treated by endoscopic modalities with a success rate of 57% and 38% of patients with leakage were indicated for endoscopic biliary drainage. T-tube placement was not performed in 82% of duct-to-duct reconstruction. The incidence of biliary stricture was 10% with a T-tube and 13% without a T-tube and the incidence of leakage was 5% with a T-tube and 6% without a T-tube. A preceding bile leak and LDLT procedure are accepted risk factors for anastomotic stricture. Biliary complications remain common, which requires further investigation and the refinement of reconstruction techniques and management strategies.

Liver transplantation using University of Wisconsin or Celsior preserving solutions in the portal vein and Euro-Collins in the aorta

INTRODUCTION

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is today the gold standard treatment of the end-stage liver disease. Different solutions are used for graft preservation. Our objective was to compare the results of cadaveric donor OLT, preserved with the University of Wisconsin (UW) or Celsior solutions in the portal vein and Euro-Collins in the aorta.

METHODS

We evaluated retrospectively 72 OLT recipients, including 36 with UW solution (group UW) and 36 with Celsior (group CS). Donors were perfused in situ with 1000 mL UW or Celsior in the portal vein of and 3000 mL of Euro-Collins in the aortia and on the back table managed with 500 mL UW or Celsior in the portal vein, 250 mL in the hepatic artery, and 250 mL in the biliary duct. We evaluated the following variables: donor characteristics, recipient features, intraoperative details, reperfusion injury, and steatosis via a biopsy after reperfusion. We noted grafts with primary nonfunction (PNF), initial poor function (IPF), rejection episodes, biliary duct complications, hepatic artery complications, re-OLT, and recipient death in the first year after OLT.

RESULTS

The average age was 33.6 years in the UW group versus 41 years in the CS group (P = .048). There was a longer duration of surgery in the UW group (P = .001). The other recipient characteristics, ischemia-reperfusion injury, steatosis, PNF, IPF, rejection, re-OLT, and recipient survival were not different. Stenosis of the biliary duct occured in 3 (8.3%) cases in the UW group and 8 (22.2%) in the CS (P = .19) with hepatic artery thrombosis in 4 (11.1%) CS versus none in the UW group (P = .11).

CONCLUSION

Cadaveric donor OLT showed similar results with organs preserved with UW or Celsior in the portal vein and Euro-Collins in the aorta.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and drainage is an effective rescue therapy for biliary complications in liver transplant recipients who fail endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND

We attempted to evaluate both the factors that predispose a patient to biliary complications after liver transplantation and the results of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and drainage (PTCD) for the management of those complications.

METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed the cases of 81 patients who received liver transplants at Taipei Veterans General Hospital between February 2003 and June 2008. Biliary complications were diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings, laboratory data, and the results of imaging studies.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients (22.2%) developed biliary complications, and living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was a significant risk factor (p = 0.035), compared to cadaveric liver transplantation. Eight patients with biliary complications received PTCD as the first treatment modality and 6 had successful results. An additional 10 patients received endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) initially, but only 2 patients were effectively managed. One patient received conservative treatment after ERCP failure. One patient died from sepsis after ERCP. The remaining 6 patients with failed ERCP were successfully managed with PTCD. The overall mortality rate in these patients with biliary complications was 16.7%. No significant prognostic predictors were identified, including age, sex, biochemical data, and model for end-stage liver disease scores.

CONCLUSION

Biochemical markers cannot predict biliary complications preoperatively. LDLT increases the risk of biliary complications. PTCD is an effective rescue therapy when ERCP fails.

Biliary complications after liver transplantation: A review

After liver transplantation, the prevalence of complications related to the biliary system is 6-35%. In recent years, the diagnosis and treatment of biliary problems has changed markedly. The two standard methods of biliary reconstruction in liver transplant recipients are the duct-to-duct choledochocholedochostomy and the Roux-en-Y-hepaticojejunostomy. Biliary leakage occurs in approximately 5-7% of transplant cases. Leakage from the site of anastomosis, the T-tube exit site and donor or recipient remnant cystic duct is well described. Symptomatic bile leakage should be treated by stenting of the duct by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTCD). Biliary strictures can occur at the site of the anastomosis (anastomotic stricture; AS) or at other locations in the biliary tree (non-anastomotic strictures; NAS). AS occur in 5-10% of cases and are due to fibrotic healing. Treatment by ERCP or PTCD with dilatation and progressive stenting is successful in the majority of cases. NAS can occur in the context of a hepatic artery thrombosis, or with an open hepatic artery (ischaemic type biliary lesions or ITBL). The incidence is 5-10%. NAS has been associated with various types of injury, e.g. macrovascular, microvascular, immunological and cytotoxic injury by bile salts. Treatment can be attempted with multiple sessions of dilatation and stenting of stenotic areas by ERCP or PTCD. In cases of localized diseased and good graft function, biliary reconstructive surgery is useful. However, a significant number of patients will need a re-transplant. When biliary strictures or ischaemia of the graft are present, stones, casts and sludge can develop.

Biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation

Liver transplantation has made many advances since its inception in the early 1970s. Despite volumes of basic science and clinical research related to liver transplantation, biliary complications continue to present the interventional radiologist with challenging cases in all transplant centers. Biliary complications can range from minor complications such as contained bile leaks to severe complications such as biliary necrosis resulting from hepatic artery thrombosis. Minor complications may require minimal or no intervention, whereas the more severe complications can require urgent surgery. To treat biliary complications such as anastomotic strictures, nonanastomotic strictures, biliary leaks, sludge or biliary necrosis, an accurate diagnosis must first be obtained. One must also be aware of how these complications can impair both allograft and transplant patient survival. With this information one can then plan a treatment knowing the potential success rates of specific treatments. Using proper technique with this information at hand can greatly increase the success rate in treating the spectrum of biliary complications. Interventional radiology serves a critical role in diagnosis and treatment of these liver transplant biliary complications and is important to the success of all transplant programs.

Successful endoscopic management of biliary cast syndrome in nonliver transplant patients

Biliary cast syndrome is an uncommon condition, almost always associated with liver transplantation. We describe 2 patients with biliary cast syndrome in a nonliver transplant setting. The casts were managed endoscopically.

Biliary strictures following liver transplantation: past, present and preventive strategies

Biliary complications are still the major source of morbidity for liver transplant recipients. The reported incidence of biliary strictures is 5%-15% after deceased donor liver transplantation and 28%-32% after right-lobe live donor surgery. Presentation is usually within the first year, but the incidence is known to increase with longer follow-up. The anastomotic variant is due to technical factors, whereas the nonanastomotic form is due to immunological and ischemic events, which later may lead to graft loss. Endoscopic management of anastomotic strictures achieves a success rate of 70%-100%; it drops to 50%-75% for nonanastomotic strictures with a higher recurrence rate. Results of endoscopic maneuvers are disappointing for biliary strictures after live donor liver transplantation, and the success rate is 60%-75% for anastomotic strictures and 25%-33% for the nonanastomotic variant. Preventive strategies in the cadaveric donor include the standardization of the type of anastomosis and maintenance of a vascularized ductal stump. In right-lobe live donor livers, donor liver duct harvesting also involves a major risk. The concept of high hilar intrahepatic Glissonian dissection, dissecting the artery and the duct as one unit, use of microsurgical techniques for smaller ducts, use of ductoplasty, and flexibility in the performance of double ductal anastomosis are the critical components of the preventive strategies in the recipient. In the case of live donors, judicious use of intraoperative cholangiograms, minimal dissection of the hilar plate, and perpendicular transection of the duct constitute the underlying principals for obtaining a vascularized duct.

Classification and prognosis of intrahepatic biliary stricture after liver transplantation

Intrahepatic biliary stricture (IHBS) after liver transplantation (LT) may develop in patients with hepatic artery thrombosis, chronic rejection, or ABO incompatibility, as well as in patients with prolonged warm ischemia in non-heart-beating donor (NHBD) LT. However, the clinical course and methods of management have not been well defined for IHBSs to date. Thus, the purpose of this study was to provide a classification of post-LT IHBS and to investigate patient prognosis. Forty-four patients who developed IHBS after NHBD LT were enrolled. On the basis of the cholangiographic appearance, patients were classified into 4 groups: unilateral focal (UF, n=8), confluence (CO, n=10), bilateral multifocal (BM, n=21), and diffuse necrosis (DN, n=5). The UF type was defined as cases with stricture only in the segmental branch of the unilateral hemiliver; the CO type in cases with several strictures at confluence level; and the BM type in cases with multiple strictures bilaterally. Cases with diffuse obliteration of peripheral ducts or destruction of the central architectural integrity, over a long segment, were classified as the DN type. Five patients with the CO type required several interventions requiring biliary dilatation, yet all patients with the UF or CO type had a good prognosis. Among the patients with the BM type, 3 patients (14.3%) died or underwent retransplantation due to biliary complications, and 7 (33.3%) required repeated interventions for >1 year without improvement. Moreover, among 5 patients classified as the DN type, 1 (20%) died of biliary sepsis, 2 (40%) underwent retransplantation, and the remaining 2 (40%) did not recover from persistent jaundice and life-threatening cholangitis despite multiple interventions. In conclusion, all patients classified as UF or CO had a good outcome with or without additional interventions. However, all patients with the DN type and about half the patients with the BM type did not recover from life-threatening complications, despite repeated aggressive interventions; early retransplantation was therefore the only treatment option for these patients.

Liver biochemistry profile, significance and endoscopic management of biliary tract complications post orthotopic liver transplantation

AIM: To correlate the significance of liver biochemical tests in diagnosing post orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) biliary complications and to study their profile before and after endoscopic therapy.

METHODS: Patients who developed biliary complications were analysed in detail for the clinical information, laboratory tests, treatment offered, response to it, follow up and outcomes. The profile of liver enzymes was determined. The safety, efficacy and outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) were also analysed.

RESULTS: 40 patients required ERC for 70 biliary complications. GGT was found to be > 3 times (388.1 ± 70.9 U/mL vs 168.5 ± 34.2 U/L, P = 0.007) and SAP > 2 times (345.1 ± 59.1 U/L vs 152.7 ± 21.4 U/L, P = 0.003) the immediate post OLT values. Most frequent complication was isolated anastomotic strictures in 28 (40%). Sustained success was achieved in 26 (81%) patients.

CONCLUSION: Biliary complications still remain an important problem post OLT. SAP and GGT can be used as early, non-invasive markers for diagnosis and also to assess the adequacy of therapy. Endoscopic management is usually effective in treating the majority of these biliary complications.

Abdominal compartment syndrome secondary to retroperitoneal hematoma as a complication of ERCP after liver transplantation

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is frequently employed in the management of postoperative biliary complications in the liver transplant patient. Bleeding after ERCP most commonly presents as gastrointestinal bleeding and often can be managed with repeat endoscopy. ERCP can also be complicated by retroperitoneal hematoma, which in rare cases can lead to hemodynamic compromise due to relentless hemorrhage or from secondary abdominal compartment syndrome. We describe the first reported case of post-ERCP retroperitoneal hematoma in a liver transplant recipient that led to abdominal compartment syndrome and shock liver. We will present the case, discuss management, and review the complications of ERCP in the liver transplant recipient. Close post-procedure monitoring, rapid detection, and low threshold for decompressive laparotomy are keys to the successful management of the liver transplant recipient experiencing expanding retroperitoneal hematoma after ERCP.

Intrahepatic biliary strictures after liver transplantation

Biliary complication has been one of the most common complications after liver transplantation. Nonanastomotic strictures and dilatations involving the intrahepatic biliary tree have been recognized as biliary complications. These lesions were reported to be associated with hepatic artery thrombosis; prolonged preservation time; ABO-incompatible organs; and immunological injury, including injuries to vascular endothelial cells (chronic rejection) and the bile duct (primary sclerosing cholangitis). However, the etiology of these lesions appeared to be mostly related to ischemic injury. Anatomical research on the arterial supply of the bile duct has provided further insights into bile duct blood supply and its surgical implications. The biliary tract is supplied with arterial blood by a vasculature called the peribiliary vascular plexus. Any injury to the peribiliary vascular plexus may contribute to ischemic death of the biliary system mucosa. At many points, the process of liver transplantation exposes the endothelial cells and peribiliary vascular plexus to ischemic injury. The majority of intrahepatic biliary strictures (IHBS) are diffuse or bilateral. A percutaneous or an endoscopic approach has been used as the initial treatment. However, a low threshold for surgical intervention (retransplantation) should be adopted, because these patients demonstrate high mortality. The aim of this article is to review the anatomy, etiology, clinical picture, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of IHBS after liver transplantation.

Biliary complications after deceased-donor orthotopic liver transplantation

A wide range of potential biliary complications can occur after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The most common biliary complications are bile leaks, anastomotic and intrahepatic strictures, stones, and ampullary dyfunction, which may occur in up to 20%-40% of OLT recipients. Leaks predominate in the early posttransplant period; stricture formation typically develops gradually over time. However, with the advent of new techniques, such as split-liver, reduced-size, and living-donor liver transplantation, the spectrum of biliary complications has changed. Risk factors for biliary complications comprise technical failure; T-tube or stent-related complications; hepatic artery thrombosis; bleeding; ischemia/reperfusion injury; and other immunological, nonimmunological, and infectious complications. Noninvasive diagnostic methods have been established and treatment modalities have been modified towards a primarily nonoperative, endoscopy-based strategy. Besides, the management of biliary complications after OLT requires a multidisciplinary approach, in which interventional and endoscopic treatment options have to be weighed up against surgical treatment options. The etiology and spectrum of bile duct complications, their diagnosis, and their treatment will be reviewed in this article.

Anastomotic biliary strictures after liver transplantation: causes and consequences

We retrospectively studied the prevalence, presentation, results of treatment, and graft and patient survival of grafts developing an anastomotic biliary stricture (AS) in 531 adult liver transplantations performed between 1979 and 2003. Clinical and laboratory information was obtained from the hospital files, and radiological studies were re-evaluated. Twenty-one possible risk factors for the development of AS (variables of donor, recipient, surgical procedure, and postoperative course) were analyzed in a univariate and stepwise multivariate model. Forty-seven grafts showed an anastomotic stricture: 42 in duct-to-duct anastomoses, and 5 in hepaticojejunal Roux-en-Y anastomoses. The cumulative risk of AS after 1, 5, and 10 years was 6.6%, 10.6%, and 12.3% respectively. Postoperative bile leakage (P = 0.001), a female donor/male recipient combination (P = 0.010), and the era of transplantation (P = 0.006) were independent risk factors for the development of an AS. In 47% of cases, additional (radiologically minor) nonanastomotic strictures were diagnosed. All patients were successfully treated by 1 or more treatment modalities. As primary treatment, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) was successful in 24 of 36 (67%) cases and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage in 4 of 11 (36%). In the end 15 patients (32%) were operated, all with long-term success. AS presenting more than 6 months after transplantation needed more episodes of stenting by ERCP, and more stents per episode compared to those presenting within 6 months and recurred more often. Graft and patient survival were not impaired by AS.

Biliary complications in living donor liver transplantation: imaging findings and the roles of interventional procedures

PURPOSE

To describe the incidence, types, and findings of biliary complications in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and to determine the roles of interventional procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four biliary complications among 161 LDLT patients (24/161, 14.9%) were identified. These complications were divided into two groups according to the initial manifestation time, i.e., "early" (<60 days) or "late". The CT and cholangiographic findings were reviewed regarding the presence of a stricture or leak and the location, and length, shape, and degree of the stricture. Both groups were categorized into three subgroups: leak, stricture, and both. The type of interventional procedures used and their roles were determined.

RESULTS

Early complications were identified in 14 of the 24 patients (58%) and late complications in 11 (46%). One patient showed both early and late complications. Biliary stricture was detected in 10 patients, leak in 10, and both in 5. By cholangiography, all strictures were irregular and short (mean length 15 +/- 6 mm) at the anastomotic site and complete obstruction was observed in 2 patients with late stricture. Twenty-three of the 24 patients were treated using percutaneous and/or endoscopic drainage procedures with or without balloon dilatation. Seventeen (74%) showed a good response, but reoperations were inevitable in 6 (26%). All patients except those with complete obstruction showed a favorable outcome after interventional management.

CONCLUSION

Biliary leaks and strictures are predominant complications in LDLT. Most show good responses to interventional treatment. However, complete obstruction needs additional operative management.

Incidence and management of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation: ten years' experience at King Fahad National Guard Hospital

BACKGROUND

Despite technical modifications and application of various surgical techniques, biliary tract complications remain a major source of morbidity after orthotopic liver transplantation. We sought to assess the incidence and management of biliary complications at a single liver transplant unit.

METHODS

Among 184 consecutive deceased donor liver transplants performed between February 1994 and July 2004, 66 were female patients and 118 male patients of age range 2(1/2) to 69 years. We retrospectively reviewed the data regarding biliary complications in liver transplant recipients, after 115 duct-to-duct anastomoses and 65 hepaticojejunostomy. We analyzed the incidence and type of biliary complications, management sequence, and success rate. We analyzed the correlation between the modality of biliary reconstruction and the type/incidence of biliary complications.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients developed biliary complications, giving an overall incidence of 17.4%. There was a higher incidence of complications among patients in the hepaticojejunostomy group (21.5%) than the duct-to-duct technique (15.1%). Bile leakage occurred in 12 patients, including eight successful cases (66.6%) of endoscopic stent insertion/radiological techniques and surgery in four cases (33.3%). Among the 12 patients with initial leaks, six developed a subsequent stricture (50%). There were 26 cases of biliary stricture, including 22 (84.6%) who were initially managed using nonsurgical techniques with a success rate of 59%.

CONCLUSION

Biliary complications remain an important cause of morbidity after orthotopic liver transplantation. They can usually be managed percutaneously or endoscopically; however, tight strictures and major leaks frequently required surgical intervention.

Balloon dilatation vs. balloon dilatation plus bile duct endoprostheses for treatment of anastomotic biliary strictures after liver transplantation

Biliary strictures after liver transplantation are a therapeutic challenge for endoscopy. Anastomotic strictures occur in 10% of patients after liver transplantation, leading untreated to mortality and ultimately to graft failure. Despite of successful reports, to date, there is no defined endoscopic therapy regimen for these cases. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the most suitable concept for endoscopic treatment of post-liver transplant anastomotic strictures (PTAS). A total of 72 patients post-liver transplantation, who received endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) as a consequence of suspected biliary complications were retrospectively screened for the presence of PTAS. In all patients graft rejection or bile duct ischemia were excluded prior to ERC by liver biopsy or Doppler ultrasound respectively. We compared either balloon dilatation (BD) alone or dilatation plus placement of an increasing number of bile duct endoprostheses (BD + endoprostheses) in a retrospective analysis. A total of 25 of 75 patients showed PTAS. Overall, endoscopic therapy was successful in 22 of 25 patients (88%). BD was initially successful in 89% but showed recurrence in 62%. BD + endoprostheses was initially successful in 87%, and recurrence was observed only in 31%. All recurrences were successfully retreated by BD + endoprostheses. During 22 of 109 (20%) treatment sessions stone extraction was necessary. Complication rate was low with bacterial cholangitis in 8 of 109 (7.3%) sessions, mild pancreatitis in 10 of 109 (9%) sessions and minor bleeding in 2 of 25 (8%) sphincterotomies. Median follow-up after conclusion of endoscopic therapy is 6 months (range 1-43). In conclusion, our data confirm that endoscopic therapy of PTAS is highly effective and safe. As primarily successful BD shows a high rate of recurrence, we recommend a combination of BD followed by an increasing number and diameter of endoprostheses. Therapy sessions are effective at short intervals of every 2-3 months.

In adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation hepaticojejunostomy shows a better long-term outcome than duct-to-duct anastomosis

Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) has been the standard biliary reconstruction in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT). Recently, duct-to-duct anastomosis (DD) has been introduced. This study compared the outcomes of RYHJ and DD. For 4 years, 74 recipients underwent ALDLT and were followed up for at least 2 years. The patients were divided into three groups, RYHJ group (n = 18), DD with a stent (DD + S) group (n = 35), and DD without a stent (DD - S) group (n = 21). Overall, biliary complications were developed in 32.4% patients. The biliary complication rate was 11.1%, 48.5% and 33.3% in RYHJ, DD + S and DD - S groups, respectively (P = 0.047). Bile leaks occurred in 28.5% of DD + S group. The incidence of biliary stricture was 5.3%, 20.2% and 28.6% in RYHJ, DD + S and DD - S group, respectively. Most complications (83.3%) were resolved nonsurgically. RYHJ has a better long-term outcome than DD in ALDLT. Subgroup analysis of DD group showed that DD - S group had no bile leaks, but still had a higher incidence of bile duct strictures. However, because this study was a retrospective review there are limitations in analyzing the data and confirming the conclusion. A randomized-prospective study will be needed to confirm these findings.

Endoscopic therapy of posttransplant biliary stenoses after right-sided adult living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Endoscopic treatment of biliary strictures after liver transplantation is a therapeutic challenge. In particular, outcomes of endoscopic therapy of biliary complications in the case of duct-to-duct anastomosis after living related liver transplantation are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and success of an endoscopic treatment approach to posttransplant biliary strictures (PTBS) after right-sided living donor liver transplantation (RLDLT) with duct-to-duct anastomosis.

METHODS

Ninety patients who received adult-to-adult RLDLT in our center were screened retrospectively with respect to endoscopic treatment of PTBS. Therapy was judged as successful when cholestasis parameters returned to normal and bile duct narrowing was reduced significantly after the completion of therapy.

RESULTS

Forty of 90 RLDLT patients received duct-to-duct anastomosis, 12 (30%) showed PTBS. Seven of 12 patients were treated successfully by endoscopy; the remaining 5 patients were treated primarily by surgery. Most patients were treated by balloon dilatation followed by insertion of endoprostheses. A median of 2.5 dilatation sessions were necessary and the median treatment duration was 8 months. One patient developed endoscopy-treatable recurrent stenosis, no surgical intervention was necessary. Mild pancreatitis occurred in 7.9% and cholangitis in 5.3% of the procedures. One minor bleeding episode occurred during sphincterotomy. Bleeding was managed endoscopically.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic therapy of adult-to-adult right living related liver transplantation with duct-to-duct anastomosis is feasible and frequently is successful. The duct-to-duct anastomosis offers the possibility of endoscopic treatment. Endoscopic treatment of posttransplant biliary strictures is safe, with a low specific complication rate.

Bile duct complications after liver transplantation

Complications involving the biliary tract after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) have been a common problem since the early beginning of this technique. Biliary complications have been reported to occur at a relatively constant rate of approximately 10-15% of all deceased donor full size OLTs. There is a wide range of potential biliary complications which can occur after OLT. Their incidence varies according to the type of graft, type of donor, and the type of biliary anastomosis performed. The spectrum of biliary complications has changed over the past decade because of the establishment of split liver, reduced-size, and living donor liver transplantation. Apart from technical developments, novel diagnostic methods have been introduced and evaluated in OLT, the most prominent being magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment modalities have also changed over the past years towards a primarily nonoperative, endoscopy-based strategy, leaving the surgical intervention for lesions which otherwise are not curable. The management of biliary complications after OLT requires a multidisciplinary approach. Conservative, interventional, and endoscopic treatment options have to be weighed up against surgical re-intervention. In the following the spectrum of specific bile duct complications after OLT and their treatment options will be reviewed.

Diagnosis of biliary strictures after liver transplantation: Which is the best tool?

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic value of different indirect methods like biochemical parameters, ultrasound (US) analysis, CT-scan and MRI/MRCP in comparison with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC), for diagnosis of biliary complications after liver transplantation.

METHODS: In 75 patients after liver transplantation, who received ERC due to suspected biliary complications, the result of the cholangiography was compared to the results of indirect imaging methods performed prior to ERC. The cholangiography showed no biliary stenosis (NoST) in 25 patients, AST in 27 and ITBL in 23 patients.

RESULTS: Biliary congestion as a result of AST was detected with a sensitivity of 68.4% in US analysis (specificity 91%), of 71% in MRI (specificity 25%) and of 40% in CT (specificity 57.1%). In ITBL, biliary congestion was detected with a sensitivity of 58.8% in the US, 88.9% in MRI and of 83.3% in CT. However, as anastomotic or ischemic stenoses were the underlying cause of biliary congestion, the sensitivity of detection was very low. In MRI detected the dominant stenosis at a correct localization in 22% and CT in 10%, while US failed completely. The biochemical parameters, showed no significant difference in bilirubin (median 5.7; 4,1; 2.5 mg/dL), alkaline phosp-hatase (median 360; 339; 527 U/L) or gamma glutamyl transferase (median 277; 220; 239 U/L) levels between NoST, AST and ITBL.

CONCLUSION: Our data confirm that indirect imaging methods to date cannot replace direct cholangiography for diagnosis of post transplant biliary stenoses. However MRI may have the potential to complement or precede imaging by cholangiography. Optimized MRCP-processing might further improve the diagnostic impact of this method.

Significance of proximal biliary dilatation in patients with anastomotic strictures after liver transplantation

The goal of this study was to evaluate the significance of biliary dilatation proximal to the level of obstruction in liver transplant recipients with anastomotic strictures. A retrospective review of all liver transplants with duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction performed at our institution was conducted to identify patients with anastomotic stricture. Maximum diameter of the donor bile duct proximal to the stricture was measured from cholangiographic images taken at diagnosis and most recent follow-up. The change in duct size during this time was compared between those who responded to treatment (responder group) and those who did not (nonresponder group). Mean maximum duct diameter at diagnosis in the responder group was 10.1 mm at diagnosis and 12.1 mm at follow-up. This compared to a mean of 10.6 mm at diagnosis and 12.4 mm at follow-up in the nonresponder group. This corresponded to an average change in duct size between diagnosis and follow-up of +1.9 mm in the responders and +1.8 mm in the nonresponders. In posttransplant patients with obstructive cholestasis, duct dilatation does not correlate with clinically significant obstruction. Further, the change in duct size after treatment is not indicative of cholangiographic improvement.

Endoscopic Management of Biliary Complications After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

After orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), biliary duct complications can occur in as many as 10% to 35% of patients. In the early medical and surgical literature, surgical therapy was the primary mode of management of biliary tract complications and was the eventual course of operative intervention in up to 70% of cases. However, with recent advances in therapeutic biliary endoscopy, the current endoscopic and transplantation literature suggests that endoscopic management with techniques such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy, biliary stenting, and stone removal techniques can be successfully applied for the majority of post-OLT biliary complications. The most common biliary complications after OLT include biliary strictures (anastomotic and nonanastomotic); bile duct leaks, common bile duct stones, and biliary casts; sphincter of Oddi/ampullary muscle dysfunction/spasm; and disease recurrence (eg, primary sclerosing cholangitis). Predisposing factors for biliary complications after OLT include hepatic artery thrombosis, impaired perfusion of the biliary tree, portal vein thrombosis, and preservation or harvesting injuries, which can increase the incidence of complications as much as 40%. Use of immunosuppressive agents such as cyclosporine can lead to cholesterol/bile stasis and stone formation. Outside of endoscopic therapy, there is little medical or dietary management that can be applied for post-OLT biliary complications. Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid) has often been used as a neoadjuvant to ERCP therapy in the setting of common bile duct stones/casts, and low-fat diets may be recommended in this setting, but no large, randomized trials have advocated medical or conservative management alone.

Endoscopic management of biliary strictures after duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction in right-lobe living-donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to characterize the features of the biliary strictures that occur after duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction during right-lobe living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and to evaluate the feasibility of correcting such stricture endoscopically by inserting an "inside stent," that is, a short internal stent, above the sphincter of Oddi.

METHODS

Biliary stricture occurred in 26 (35.6%) of 73 consecutive patients who underwent right-lobe LDLT with duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction from July 1999 through October 2001 and survived for more than 3 months. Of the 26 patients who had biliary stricture, 22 were referred for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) and 4 for percutaneous cholangiography.

RESULTS

ERC disclosed biliary stricture in 19 (86.4%) of the 22 patients who underwent the procedure. One patient had an unbranched stricture, 16 had a fork-shaped stricture, 1 had a trident-shaped stricture, and 1 had a stricture with more than three branches. Fourteen (73.7%) of the patients with strictures were treated endoscopically by inserting inside stents ranging from 7 F to 12 F in size, three underwent a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy to repair their stricture, and two were closely observed as outpatients. Of the 14 patients who were treated with the inside-stent, only 1 had acute cholangitis immediately after the procedure and underwent a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. The other 13 patients who were treated with the inside stent have not required surgical repair for as long as an average of 586 days.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic placement of an inside stent is useful for treating biliary strictures in patients who have undergone right-lobe LDLT with duct-to-duct reconstruction.

Role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the diagnosis and treatment of biliary tract complications after orthotopic liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Biliary complications are a major drawback of liver transplantation.

AIM

To analyse, in a single centre, experience in endoscopic diagnosis and management of biliary complications after liver transplantation.

PATIENTS

A total of 147 consecutive liver transplantations performed on 132 patients over a 5-year period.

METHODS

Evaluation of the incidence and type of biliary-related complications and analysis of their diagnosis and endoscopic treatment by cholangiopancreatography in terms of success of the endoscopic approach, conversion to surgery and long-term patient and graft survival.

RESULTS

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed on 30 patients (23%). Overall incidence of biliary complications as confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was 17% (25 cases). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was negative in 5 cases (16%). Biliary complications were successfully treated by endoscopy in 84% of cases (21 out of 25 patients); 4 cases (16%) required a surgical approach (2 choledochojejunostomy, 2 retransplantation) due to failure to correct the problem endoscopically. Stenoses and biliary sludge associated with retained internal stent were almost always successfully managed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, while anastomotic leakage more frequently required a surgical approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a safe and effective approach for diagnosis and treatment of biliary-related complications after liver transplantation thereby reducing morbidity and mortality related to re-operation which is, however, required in selected cases.

Biliary Complications After Liver Transplantation

The incidence of biliary complications after liver transplant is estimated to be 8% to 20%. Post-liver transplant biliary complications may lead to acute and chronic liver injury. The early recognition and prompt treatment of such complications improves the long-term survival of the patient and graft. An understanding of the type of biliary reconstruction, the rationale for creating a particular anastomosis, and the technical difficulties in reconstructing the biliary tract are important in assessing and managing complications after liver transplant. Because the clinical presentation of these patients may be subtle, the physician must be aggressive and thoughtful in ordering and interpreting the diagnostic tests. Important points to remember are 1) that noninvasive examinations may fail to detect small obstructions or leaks, 2) a liver biopsy often is performed prior to cholangiography to exclude rejection and ischemia, and 3) the liver biopsy can miss an extrahepatic obstruction by misinterpreting portal inflammation as rejection. Biliary leaks and strictures are the most common biliary complications following liver transplant. Less common complications include ampullary dysfunction and stone/sludge formation. The effective management of biliary complications following a liver transplant depends on understanding the natural history, the prognosis, and the available therapeutic options for each type of complication.

[Management of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation]

In this retrospective analysis we report our results after liver transplantation regarding biliary complications (bc) and the effectiveness of endoscopic therapy. In the last 4 1/2 years we found 13 biliary leaks (7 in combination with a stenosis, 3 at the T tube insertion site), 9 biliary stenosis, 3 papillary stenosis, 2 biliary aggregates and one case of ischemic type biliary lesion, resulting in an overall complication rate of 30%. 10 (36%) "bc" could be treated successfully endoscopically, whereas 8 (32%) patients are still under observation with an endoprosthesis in the biliary tract. 10 endoscopic trials were without the desired effect, requiring a surgical reintervention. In 4 cases a thrombosis of the hepatic artery was responsible for the unwanted course.