Preoperative evaluation of biliary anatomy of donor in living donor liver transplantation by conventional nonenhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography

Detailed preoperative evaluation of the biliary anatomy of the donor in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) can minimize postoperative morbidity in the recipient and maximize safety for the donor. We prospectively evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and clinical usefulness of nonenhanced conventional magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) for depicting the biliary anatomy of LDLT donors. MRC and intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) examinations of 111 donors were performed between August 2005 and February 2006. We observed the classical branching pattern of the biliary system in 67 subjects (60.4%), with the remaining 44 subjects (39.6%) showing anatomical variations. MRC showed accurate anatomy of the biliary system, using IOC as the reference standard, in 98 (88.3%) subjects. MRC had a sensitivity in differentiating normal from variant anatomy of 95.5%, specificity of 95.2%, a positive predictive value of 96.8% and a negative predictive value of 93.3%. The agreement between MRC and IOC findings, as evaluated by kappa-value (0.865) was statistically significant (P<0.001). In conclusion, the diagnostic accuracy of conventional nonenhanced MRC is sufficient for this method to be used for the preoperative evaluation of biliary anatomy in LDLT donor candidates.     

Stratifying risk of biliary complications in adult living donor liver transplantation by magnetic resonance cholangiography

BACKGROUND: Accurate preoperative assessment of biliary anatomy in live donor hepatectomy may be helpful to assess the suitability of a graft and to stratify risk of biliary complications. METHODS: A retrospective review of existing data among donor and recipients of 36 living donor transplants was performed to assess role of preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) for defining biliary anatomy and to stratify risk of biliary complications. RESULTS: Thirty-six living liver donors underwent MRC, and subsequently right lobectomy. Intraoperative cholangiography and biliary exploration revealed that 24 donors (66.6%) had conventional and 12 (33.3%) had aberrant biliary anatomy. Intraoperative cholangiography demonstrated a strong correlation with MRC (P=0.001) and intraoperative findings (P=0.001). MRC had specificity and positive predictive value of 100%. The risk of developing biliary complication was 5.9 times higher if the biliary anatomy was of any type other than A (P=0.03, CI 1.06-32.9) after controlling for donor age, recipient age, and type of anastomosis. CONCLUSION: MRC reliably identified variant biliary anatomy. The preoperative MRC demonstrated congruence with the intraoperative cholangiogram and with the intraoperative findings. MRC is helpful in predicting risk of biliary complications in recipients, and identifies donors who would otherwise be excluded intraoperatively by cholangiography, thus limiting the risk of an unnecessary operation.     

Role of magnetic resonance cholangiography in assessing biliary anatomy in right lobe living donors

BACKGROUND: The value of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in assessing potential adult-to-adult living liver transplant (ALDLT) donors remains poorly defined. The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy of MRC in assessing biliary anatomy with intraoperative confirmation. METHODS: A prospective cohort of 30 ALDLT donors who underwent right hepatectomy from October 2000 to July 2003 was evaluated. MRC was performed using a heavily T2 weighted radial slab technique. MRC was interpreted preoperatively by a radiologist and a surgeon and compared with the intraoperative biliary findings in all patients derived from cholangiography (IOC) and bile duct exploration. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of MRC for aberrant biliary anatomy were calculated. RESULTS: MRC suggested normal, aberrant, and indeterminate biliary anatomy in 16, 12, and 2 donors, respectively. IOC revealed normal and aberrant biliary anatomy in 17 and 13 patients, respectively. MRC demonstrated biliary anatomy accurately in 27 of 30 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and negative predictive values of MRC in detecting aberrant biliary anatomy were 92%, 100%, 100%, and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative MRC accurately depicts biliary anatomy in potential ALDLT donors and may guide the intraoperative management of the biliary tract.     

Comparison of magnetic resonance cholangiography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in the evaluation of bile duct strictures after cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) has been the preferred investigation to delineate the anatomy of the biliary tract in a patient with a bile duct stricture after cholecystectomy. Recently magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) has been described to evaluate the obstructed biliary tract. This paper reports a comparison of MRC with PTC in evaluating patients with an iatrogenic bile duct stricture. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 26 patients who had surgery for a bile duct stricture after cholecystectomy. Before operation all patients underwent both MRC and PTC, the results of which were compared with the intraoperative findings. RESULTS: Both PTC and MRC were comparable with regard to image quality, detection of intrahepatic bile duct dilatation, assessment of the level of injury and detection of abnormalities such as intraduct calculi, cholangitic liver abscesses and atrophy of liver lobes. MRC provided additional information in four patients, including detection of associated fluid collections (n = 3) and portal hypertension (n = 1). In eight patients more than one puncture had to be performed during PTC to delineate the complete anatomy. CONCLUSION: MRC is an accurate and non-invasive imaging procedure for preoperative evaluation of patients with a bile duct injury after cholecystectomy, and is capable of providing additional information which may not be available with PTC.     

磁共振胰胆管成像在成人活体右半供肝术前胆道评估中的应用

目的 探讨磁共振胰胆管成像( MRCP)在成人活体右半供肝术前胆道评估中的应用.方法 76例活体肝移植供者,均切取右半肝用于移植.脂肪餐后进行术前MRCP检查,比较MRCP胆管分型与术中胆道造影胆管分型的一致性;在MRCP图像上测量右后肝管汇入部距左右肝管汇合部的距离及相应右后肝管的直径,对相应胆管测量长度及直径与术中胆道重建方式进行二分类Logistic回归分析,并得出术中胆道是否成形的ROC曲线及其长度临界值.结果 MRCP胆管分型与术中胆道造影胆管分型的符合率为97.4％.MRCP所测右后肝管汇入部距左右肝管汇合部的距离和胆管分型是术中胆道重建方式的重要影响因素,而右后肝管直径对术中胆道重建方式的选择无影响.胆道解剖结构变异或Ⅰ型胆管(MRCP分型)中右肝管长度≤4.2mm时,95％的供肝胆道断端数多于1支,且95％行胆道成形术;Ⅲ、Ⅳ型胆管(MRCP分型)所测胆管长度为3.8mm,是选择胆道成形术的分界点.结论 MRCP胆管分型能准确反映胆道解剖结构,MRCP右后肝管汇入部距左右肝管汇合部距离测量值可以指导术中胆道重建方式的选择.     

Duct-to-duct Biliary Reconstruction in Living-donor Liver Transplantation for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Report of a Case

Although Roux-en Y hepaticojejunostomy was previously recommended for the biliary reconstruction in liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), some recent reports showed no difference in the graft survival between Roux-en Y and duct-to-duct anastomosis in deceased-donor liver transplantation. On the other hand, considering the risk of recurrence and the short length of the bile duct of the graft, duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis has never been reported in a patient undergoing living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for PSC. A 45 year-old male underwent LDLT using a left-lobe graft donated from his brother. Cholangiography showed no lesion in his common bile duct and duct-to-duct anastomosis was chosen for him. Fifteen months later, he suffered cholangitis due to PSC recurrence and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was performed. The stents were inserted into his B2 and B3, and he remains well. Because of the ability to easily manage biliary complication, duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction may become the first choice in LDLT for PSC without common bile duct lesions.     

Rendezvous Technique Using Double Balloon Endoscope for Removal of Multiple Intrahepatic Bile Duct Stones in Hepaticojejunostomy After Living Donor Liver Transplant: A Case Report

Cholangitis is a major complication following transplantation. We report a living donor liver transplant (LDLT) patient with cholangitis due to multiple stones in the intrahepatic bile duct during hepaticojejunostomy anastomosis, who was successfully treated with the rendezvous technique using double balloon endoscope. A 64-year-old woman underwent LDLT with right lobe graft and hepaticojejunostomy for Wilson disease. There was bile leakage with biliary peritonitis, which was treated conservatively after transplant. Two years after surgery, she developed reiterated cholangitis due to stenosis of hepaticojejunostomy anastomosis and multiple stones in the intrahepatic bile ducts.Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was performed. The size of the drainage tube was increased, and the anastomotic area was dilated in a stepwise manner using a balloon catheter. The stones were crushed and lithotomy was performed using electronic hydraulic lithotripsy through cholangioscopy. Finally, lithotomy was performed for the remaining stones through endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with the rendezvous technique using the double balloon endoscope.Rendezvous approach with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and double balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was an effective treatment for the multiple intrahepatic stones in hepaticojejunostomy following LDLT with right lobe graft.     

A cystic duct with no visible signal on magnetic resonance cholangiography is associated with laparoscopic difficulties: an analysis of 695 cases

Background/aims

We investigated the association between the magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) results and surgical difficulties and bile duct injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods

MRC was performed on 695 consecutive patients before LC. We divided the patients into two groups (visible cystic duct group and “no signal” cystic duct on MRC group) and compared them with regard to the length of the operation, conversion rate to open cholecystectomy (OC) and rate of bile duct injury.

Results

The “no signal” cystic duct on MRC group had a longer operation and higher rate of conversion to OC compared with the visible cystic duct group. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence rate of bile duct injury between the two groups.

Conclusions

The “no signal” cystic duct on MRC group was associated with laparoscopic difficulties, but not with an increased rate of biliary injury. When a visible cystic duct is not observed on MRC an early conversion to open surgery may avoid a bile duct injury during LC.     

应用MRCP术前评估活体肝移植供者胆管系统

目的 评价应用MRCP术前评估活体肝移植供者胆管系统的临床意义.方法 60例活体肝移植供者(男50例,女10例,年龄19～60岁,平均32.3岁),于右半肝切取术前行MRCP检查,术中经胆囊管行胆道造影.回顾性分析这些活体肝移植供者术前MRCP和术中胆道造影结果,二者进行比较,对比术中胆道造影结果评价MRCP在活体肝移植供者胆管分型方面的准确性.结果 根据术前MRCP结果,所有60例活体肝移植供者均可以判断出肝内胆管分型情况,1型胆管40例,2型胆管12例,3型胆管5例,其他3例.术中胆道造影显示1型胆管39例,MRCP正确诊断38例,准确率为97.4%;术中胆道造影显示2型胆管12例,MRCP正确诊断出11例,准确率为91%;术中胆道造影显示其他胆管类型为9例,MRCP正确诊断出8例,准确率为89%;MPCP总体准确率为95%(57/60).结论 MRCP可以在术前较为准确地显示活体肝移植供者胆管分型,为临床制定手术方案提供依据.     

胆道数字成像技术在活体肝移植肝内胆道解剖分型及胆道切面确定中的应用

目的 评价术中胆道数字成像技术在活体肝移植(living donor liver transplantation,LDLT)肝内胆道解剖分型和胆道切面确定中的作用及临床价值.方法 66例LDLT供者,通过术中胆道数字减影了解胆道分型及变异,结合金属标志物准确选择胆道离断位置,与手术结果比较,分析其在LDLT供者术中胆道解剖描述及切面确定中的作用.结果 所有供者均采用胆道数字成像技术对肝内胆道解剖进行分型,Ⅰ型(经典型)45例(68.2%),Ⅱ型(三叉型,胆总管由右前肝管、右后肝管、左肝管汇合而成)7例(10.6%),Ⅲ型(无右肝管主干,右后肝管汇入肝总管)13例(19.7%),Ⅳ型(无右肝管主干,右后肝管汇入左肝管)1例(1.5%),Ⅴ型(复杂分型)0例(0%).Ⅰ型所有供者均形成单一吻合口;Ⅱ型7例供者中4例形成2个吻合口,3例经成形或非成形后形成1个吻合口;Ⅲ型13例供者中9例形成2个吻合口,4例经成形后形成1个吻合口;Ⅳ型1例供者,2个胆道吻合口.所有供者都完成活体右半肝切取术.结论 术中胆道数字减影结合金属标志物可以精确显示肝内胆道解剖及变异并准确定位肝管切面,减少胆道吻合口数目,有助于供肝的安全获取和移植.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate biliary digital imaging technology in determining the type of the intrahepatic bile duct anatomy and the transection plane of the duct in right lobe living donor liver transplantation(LDLT). Methods Mobile digital subtraction angiography was performed to show the intrahepatic bile duct anatomy of 66 liver transplant donor candidates. Combined with metal markers, the bile duct transection plane was defined. Comparing with the actual results, the effect of digital imaging technology in determining the intrahepatic anatomical variations and transection plane of the duct in LDLT was evaluated. Results Intrahepatic bile duct anatomical variations were showed in all donors by using digital imaging technology. type Ⅰ (classical type) was identified in45 cases (68.2%), type Ⅱ (with triple confluence, the simultaneous emptying of the right anterior segmental duct, right posterior segmental duct and left hepatic duct into the common hepatic duct) in 7 cases ( 10.6% ), type Ⅲ (no right hepatic duct stem, right posterior segmental duct draining into common hepatic duct) in 13 cases ( 19. 7% ), type Ⅳ (no right hepatic duct stem, right posterior segmental duct draining into left hepatic duct) in 1 case (1.5%), and type Ⅴ (complex variation ) in no case (0%). As a result, cases of type Ⅰ form a single anastomosis. In type Ⅱ, four cases formed double anastomoses, three cases formed single anastomosis with or without ductoplasty. In type Ⅲ, two anastomoses were formed in 9 cases, single anastomosis in 4 cases with ductoplasty. The case of type Ⅳ had double anastomoses. In all cases right lobe liver were harvested.Conclusions Biliary digital subtraction image combined with metal markers accurately defines intrahepatic bile duct anatomy and the transection plane, helping to reduce number of bile duct anastomosis, and contributes to safe graft harvesting.     

Accuracy of magnetic resonance cholangiography in the evaluation of late biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in the diagnosis of late biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of this imaging technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-one MRC were performed in 46 OLT patients with suspected biliary complication after T-tube removal. We used a fat-suppressed three-dimensional turbo spin-echo sequence (TR/TE 1800/700, ETL 100) with a 1.5-T magnet. The images and maximum intensity projections were evaluated by two radiologists. Diagnostic confirmation was obtained with percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) (n = 10), endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) (n = 24), surgery (n = 5), and clinical and ultrasound follow-up (n = 30). RESULTS: The MRC studies were considered diagnostic by the two radiologists in 69 cases (97.2%). MRC had a sensitivity of 93%, a specificity of 97.6%, a positive predictive value of 96.3%, a negative predictive value of 95.2%, and a global diagnostic accuracy of 95.6% to detect late biliary complications in OLT patients. The interobserver agreement was excellent (kappa = .92). CONCLUSION: MRC is a reliable technique to detect and exclude late biliary complications after OLT.     

Correlation between 3D-MRCP and intra-operative findings in right liver donors

A correct preoperative definition of the hepatic duct confluence anatomy of right liver living donors is a pivotal step in determining their candidacy for donation and planning the surgery. The purposes of this study are to evaluate the accuracy of three-dimensional Magnetic Resonance Cholangiography (3D MRCP) when compared with intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) in assessing biliary anatomy and to identify imaging characteristics that may help predict the yield of hepatic duct orifices in the right liver graft. Twenty consecutive right liver donors were imaged with 3D MRCP and IOC. The MRCP and IOC findings were compared, and the results confirmed against actual donor anatomy. Three-D MRCP accurately predicted the biliary anatomy in 18 of 20 cases. Specificity and positive predictive value of 3D MRCP in defining normal biliary anatomy was 100%. In 2 patients, 3D MRCP failed to indentify abnormal anatomy. The yield of more than one hepatic duct was associated with: (I) The presence of abnormal biliary anatomy, (II) The length of the main right hepatic duct, and (III) The presence of an acute angle at the confluence of right and left hepatic duct. In conclusion, 3D MRCP reliably represents normal biliary anatomy. The presence of anatomical variations decreases MRCP sensitivity and makes IOC or duct probing a necessary tool for accurately performing the transection of the right hepatic duct.Key Words: Cholangiogram, liver transplantation, live donors, preoperative evaluation, magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreaticogram (MRCP)     

Safety of donor right hepatectomy without abdominal drainage: a prospective evaluation in 100 consecutive liver donors.

Although the role of routine abdominal drainage after liver resection for tumors has been questioned, abdominal drainage after donor right hepatectomy for live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has been a routine practice in most transplant centers. The present study aimed to evaluate the safety of the procedure without abdominal drainage. A prospective study was performed on 100 consecutive liver donors who underwent right hepatectomy for LDLT from July 2000 to September 2003. Biliary anatomy was carefully studied with intraoperative cholangiography using fluoroscopy. The middle hepatic vein was included in the graft in all except 1 patient. Parenchymal transection was performed using an ultrasonic dissector. The right hepatic duct was transected at the hilum and the stump was closed with 6-O polydioxanone continuous suture. Absence of bile leakage was confirmed with methylene blue solution instilled through the cystic duct stump. The abdomen was closed after careful hemostasis without drainage in all donors. The median age of the donors was 36 years (range 18-56 years). Median operative blood loss and operating time were 350 mL (range 42-1,400 mL) and 7.5 hours (range 5.2-10.7 hours), respectively. None of the donors required any blood or blood product transfusion. There was no operative mortality. The median postoperative hospital stay was 8 days (range 5-30 days). Postoperative morbidity occurred in 19 patients (19%), most of which were minor complications. No donor experienced bile leakage, intraabdominal bleeding, or collection. None required surgical, radiologic, or endoscopic intervention for postoperative complications, except for 1 donor who developed late biliary stricture that required endoscopic dilatation. All donors were well with a median follow-up of 32 months (range 11-50 months). In conclusion, with detailed study of the biliary anatomy and meticulous surgical technique, donor right hepatectomy can be safely performed without abdominal drainage. Abdominal drainage is not a mandatory procedure after donor hepatectomy in LDLT.     

活体肝移植供者术前磁共振胰胆管成像检查中脂肪餐的应用

目的 评价脂肪餐后磁共振胰胆管成像(MRCP)在活体肝移植(LDLT)供者术前胆道系统评估中的应用价值.方法 具有术中胆道造影(IOC)资料的LDLT供者50例.术前供者脂肪餐(进食2个油煎鸡蛋)前后分别行MRCP,比较脂肪餐前后二级胆管的显示情况及直径差异;脂肪餐后MRCP显示胆道分型的结果与相应术中IOC结果相比较,计算脂肪餐后MRCP评估正常与变异胆管的准确度、敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值和阴性预测值.结果所有供者中,脂肪餐前MRCP显示的二级胆管82%能满足评估要求,脂肪餐后MRCP显示的二级胆管100%能满足评估要求,脂肪餐前后MRCP显示二级胆管的图像质量和直径的差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);以相应术中IOC为参考标准,脂肪餐后MRCP准确评估胆管解剖结构分型49例(98%),显示正常与变异解剖结构的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为98%、94.7%、100%、100%、96.9%.结论 脂肪餐后MRCP对二级胆管结构显示明显改善,完全能够满足临床LDLT供者术前胆道系统评估的需要,可以作为常规MRCP的有益补充.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the applications of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) after fat meal in the preoperative evaluation of biliary anatomy of living liver donors.Methods Fifty cases of the preoperative donors for living liver transplantation were included and all had the corresponding intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) information. The MRCP of the donors for living liver transplantation was performed before and after fat meal (two fried eggs). The visualization and diameter of the secondary bile duct were analyzed before and after the fat meal. The results of the biliary branching pattern by MRCP after fat meal were compared with the corresponding IOC results. The accuracy, sensitivity,specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MRCP after the fat meal in distinguishing normal and any type of variant biliary anatomy were calculated. Results In all cases,82% of the 50 cases in MRCP before the fat meal could meet the diagnosis needs of the preoperative evaluation,and 100% of the 50 cases in MRCP after the fat meal could meet the diagnosis needs. There was significant difference in the demonstration quality and diameter of the secondary bile duct in MRCP before and after the fat meal (P＜0. 05). MRCP showed accurate anatomy of the biliary system, using IOC as the reference standard, in 49(98%) subjects. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MRC in distinguishing normal and any type of variant biliary anatomy were 98%,94. 7%, 100%, 10% and 96. 9%,respectively. Conclusion The MRCP after fat meal can clearly demonstrate the secondary bile duct and perfectly meet the needs of the preoperative evaluation of the living liver transplantation. The MRCP after fat meal and routine MRCP should be considered complementary to one another in order to avoid complications in living liver transplantation donors.     

Incidence and management of biliary complications after adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation

Kyoden Y, Tamura S, Sugawara Y, Matsui Y, Togashi J, Kaneko J, Kokudo N, Makuuchi M. Incidence and management of biliary complications after adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation.
Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 535–542.
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: There are few detailed reports of biliary complications in a large adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) series. Patient and methods: Biliary complications, treatment modalities, and outcomes in these patients were retrospectively analyzed in 310 adult LDLT. Results: One patient underwent retransplantation. Duct‐to‐duct anastomosis was primarily performed in 223 patients (72%). During the observation period (median 43 months), biliary complications were observed in 111 patients (36%); 53 patients (17%) had bile leakage, 70 patients (23%) had bile duct stenosis, and 12 patients (4%) had bile leakage followed by stenosis. A biliary anastomotic stent tube was placed in 266 patients (86%) at the time of transplantation. Univariate analysis of various clinical factors revealed duct‐to‐duct anastomosis as the single significant risk factor (p = 0.009) for biliary complications. The three‐yr and five‐yr overall patient survival rates were 88% and 85% in those with biliary complications, and 85% and 83%, respectively, in those without biliary complications (p = 0.59). Conclusion: Biliary complications are a major cause of morbidity following LDLT. Duct‐to‐duct anastomosis carried a higher risk for bile duct stenosis. With appropriate management, however, there was little influence on overall survival.     

Analysis of caudate lobe biliary anatomy and its implications in living donor liver transplantation – a single centre prospective study

Biliary complications are a significant cause of morbidity after living donor liver transplant (LDLT). Bile leak may occur from bile duct (anastomotic site in recipient and repaired bile duct stump in donor), cystic duct stump, cut surface pedicles or from divided caudate ducts. The first three sites are amenable to post‐operative endoscopic stenting as they are in continuation with biliary ductal system. However, leaks from divided isolated caudate ducts can be stubborn. To minimize caudate duct bile leaks, it is important to understand the anatomy of hilum with attention to the caudate lobe biliary drainage. This single‐centre prospective study of 500 consecutive LDLTs between December 2011 and December 2016 aims to define the biliary anatomy of the caudate lobe in liver donors based on intraoperative cholangiograms (IOCs) with special attention to crossover caudate ducts and to study their implications in LDLT. Caudate ducts were identified in 468 of the 500 IOCs. Incidence of left‐to‐right crossover drainage was 61.37% and right to left was 21.45%. Incidence of bile leak in donors was 0.8% and in recipients was 2.2%. Proper intraoperative identification and closure of divided isolated caudate ducts can prevent bile leak in donors as well as recipients.     

Results of Using the Cystic Duct for Reconstruction of One of the Multiple Bile Ducts in Right Lobe Living Donor Liver Transplantation

BackgroundIn right-lobe liver grafts, variations in the biliary tree anatomy can result in multiple bile duct orifices. We present our experience of 10 patients in which biliary reconstruction was performed with the cystic duct for 1 of the anastomoses with 2 separated ducts. Also, we investigated whether the bile duct anastomosis technique, number of bile duct anastomoses, and use of biliary stents affect the rate of biliary complications.MethodsWe evaluated patients who underwent right-lobe living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) at İstinye University Hospital and İstanbul Aydın University Hospital between December 2017 and June 2020. The patients were divided into 4 groups: duct-to-duct (D-D), duct-to-sheath, double duct-to-duct, and duct-to-duct plus cystic duct-to-duct. Biliary complication rates were compared among these 4 groups, between single- and double-duct groups, and between stent (+) and stent (−) groups.ResultsNinety-three patients who underwent right-lobe LDLT (60 men, 33 women) with a mean age of 51 ± 13 years were included. Mean follow-up time was 18.5 ± 8.3 months. The overall biliary complication rate was 17.2% for all patients, 12.1% for the D-D (single-duct) group (33 patients), 16.1% for the duct-to-sheath group (31 patients), 26.3% for the double duct-to-duct group (19 patients), 20% for the duct-to-duct plus cystic duct-to-duct group (10 patients), 20% for the double-duct group (60 patients), 14.5% for the stent (+) group (69 patients), and 25% for the stent (−) group (24 patients). There were no significant differences among these groups in terms of biliary complication rates. Bile stricture occurred in only 1 cystic duct anastomosis (10%), and no bile leakage was observed.ConclusionsMultiple D-D biliary reconstruction using the cystic duct with external drainage tubes is feasible and safe for LDLT.     

Hilar early division of the hepatic duct in living donor right hepatectomy: the probe-and-clamp technique.

The division of the hepatic duct is one of the most challenging passages of the donor hepatectomy. We report our experience with the early division, prior to the liver parenchyma resection, of the hepatic duct and the definition of the biliary anatomy with a probe inserted in the proper hepatic duct. From February 2002 to December 2004, 40 donors (25 male, 15 female; mean age 34, range 20-57) underwent right hepatectomy. The yield was a single duct in 24 donors (60%), two ducts in 12 donors (30%), and three ducts in one donor (2.5%), and three donors had aberrant anatomy yielding two ducts (7.5%). By means of a ductoplasty, a single orifice for the recipient biliary anastomosis was obtained in 77.5% of the cases. Three donors (7.5%) suffered a resection surface bile leak. The technique of hepatic duct probing and early division provides a precise definition of the biliary anatomy and facilitates one of the most challenging passages of the donor hepatectomy. This technique should also contribute to maximizing the preservation of the vascular supply of the hepatic duct and the yield of a single orifice for the recipient anastomosis. At a median follow-up of 21 months (range 10-44), neither short- nor long-term complications had been caused by the small donor choledochotomy.     

Biliary reconstruction following right adult living donor liver transplantation end-to-end or end-to-side duct-to-duct anastomosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bile duct complications are the modern Achilles' heel of adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation. A duct-to-duct anastomosis is currently performed in the presence of single graft ducts, while cholangiojejunostomy is used to drain multiple ducts. Our aim is to describe the feasibility of duct-to-duct anastomoses independent of the presence of one or multiple graft bile ducts. METHODS: The probe technique for right bile duct dissection in donors and a proximal hilar bile duct division in recipients are illustrated. The BARIGA LDLT (biliary anastomosis in right graft for adult living donor liver transplantation recipients) with end-to-side or end-to-end hepatico-hepaticostomy was used in five recipients of right grafts (segments 5-8). RESULTS: All donors and recipients are doing well; all grafts are functional at 13 months. Duct-to-duct anastomoses to single, double, or triple graft ducts have been performed. Two early anastomotic stenoses at 5 and 10 weeks were successfully treated endoscopically. CONCLUSION: The duct-to-duct anastomosis represents a valid alternative to the standard hepaticojejunostomy for right living donor liver grafts. Using this method, biliary complications can be treated endoscopically. End-to-side or end-to-end BARIGA LDLT has the potential to become a standard method in segmental transplantation, including split liver.     

The efficiency of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography in living donor liver transplantation: a preliminary study

The aim of this study was to evaluate utility of gadoxetic acid disodium (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA)‐enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) for the detection of biliary complications after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). A total of 18 patients with suspected biliary complications underwent MRC. T2‐weighted MRC and contrast‐enhanced MRC (CE‐MRC) were used to identify the biliary complications. MRC included routine breath‐hold T2‐weighted MRC using half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin‐echo (HASTE) sequences and Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRC T1‐weighted volumetric interpolated breath‐hold examination (VIBE) sequences. Before confirming the biliary complications, one observer reviewed the MRC images and the CE‐MRC images separately. The verification procedures and MRC findings were compared, and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of both techniques were calculated for the identification of biliary complications. The observer found six of seven biliary complications using CE‐MRC. The sensitivity was 85.7% and the accuracy was 94.4%. Using MRC alone, sensitivity was 57.1% and accuracy was 55.5%. The accuracy of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRC was superior to MRC in locating biliary leaks (p < 0.05). The usage of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRC yields information that complements the MRC findings that improve the identification of biliary complications. We recommend the use of MRC in addition to Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRC to increase the preoperative accuracy when assessing the biliary complications after LDLT.