Biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation in rats

P = 0.0001). The nonarterialized bile duct, which becomes ischemic soon after liver transplantation, appears to be susceptible to infections. Such opportunistic infections may prevent the development of arterial collaterals, causing bile duct necrosis and the subsequent leakage of bile juice. When biliary complications frequently occur after nonarterialized liver transplantation in rats, the possibility of an opportunistic infection should thus be considered. (Received for publication on May 7, 1998; accepted on Mar. 11, 1999)