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.     

Endoscopic Management of Postoperative Bile Duct Injuries: A Single Center Experience

Background/Aim:

Biliary endoscopic procedures may be less invasive than surgery for management of postoperative bile duct injuries (POBDI). This retrospective work presents the experience of a single referral center during a period of 14 years in endoscopic management of POBDI.

Patients and Methods:

Between 1994 (March) and 2008 (May), ERCP had been performed on 277 patients suspected to have POBDI. Patients shown to have complete transaction of bile duct were prepared for definitive surgery. For patients with simple biliary leak, sphincterotomy was performed with stenting. Pneumatic dilatation and stenting were done on patients with biliary stricture and preserved ductal continuity. ERCP was repeated every 3 months till the site of narrowing disappeared.

Results:

The mean age was 45.3 years, 162 (58.5%) were females. The most common previous surgery was cholecystectomy (open, [N=119] 44%, and laparoscopic, [N=77] 28%). ERCP failed in 17 patients (6.1%). For successfully cannulated cases (N=260, 93.9%), the type of bile duct injury diagnosed at ERCP was completely ligated CBD (N=31/260 , 11.9%). Bile leakage was detected in (N=167/260, 64.2%) all patients with endoscopic sphincterotomy and stent insertion, the leak stopped in all of them. Biliary stricture was diagnosed in 33/260 patients (12.7%) and 17 of them had repeated balloon dilatation with stenting while the remaining had surgical correction. The success rate of endoscopic therapy for biliary strictures was 82%. Cholangiogram was normal in 29 patients (11.2%).

Conclusions:

Endoscopic therapy is safe and effective in the management of postoperative bile duct leak. For postoperative bile ductal strictures, ERCP is a less favorable option.     

Meta-analysis of one- vs. two-stage laparoscopic/endoscopic management of common bile duct stones

Background

The present study is a meta-analysis of English articles comparing one-stage [laparoscopic common bile duct exploration or intra-operative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)] vs. two-stage (laparoscopic cholecystectomy preceded or followed by ERCP) management of common bile duct stones.

Methods

MEDLINE/PubMed and Science Citation Index databases (1990–2011) were searched for randomized, controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria for data extraction. Outcomes were calculated as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using RevMan 5.1.

Results

Nine trials with 933 patients were studied. No significant differences was observed between the two groups with regard to bile duct clearance (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.65–1.21), mortality (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.32–4.52), total morbidity (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.53–1.06), major morbidity (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.60–1.52) and the need for additional procedures (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 0.76–3.30).

Conclusions

Outcomes after one-stage laparoscopic/endoscopic management of bile duct stones are no different to the outcomes after two-stage management.     

Risk Factors of Post Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Bacteremia

Background/Aims

Bacteremia following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a severe complication, but the risk factors for this condition have not yet been clearly determined. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors of post-ERCP bacteremia.

Methods

Among patients who underwent ERCP from June 2006 to May 2009, we selected patients without any signs of infection prior to the ERCP procedures. Of these patients, we further selected those who experienced bacteremia after ERCP as well as two-fold age and sex-matched controls who did not experience bacteremia after ERCP procedures. We compared clinical, laboratory and technical aspects between these two groups.

Results

There were 70 patients (3.1%) who developed bacteremia after ERCP. In the multivariate analysis, a history of previous liver transplantation, an elevated serum alkaline phosphatase level and an endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage procedure were independent risk factors of post-ERCP bacteremia (p=0.006, p=0.001, and p=0.004, respectively). The microbiologic analysis revealed the presence of gram-negative organisms in 80% of the cases, and 11 patients had infections with bacteria expressing extended spectrum β-lactamases. Pseudomonas infection was significantly more common in patients who received liver transplantation as compared to patients without transplantation (p=0.014).

Conclusions

A history of liver transplantation, elevated serum alkaline phosphatase levels and endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage procedure were independent risk factors of post-ERCP bacteremia and require additional attention in future studies.     

Treatment of biliary leakages after cholecystectomy and importance of stricture development in the main bile duct injury.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic treatment of biliary leakages after cholecystectomy, though widely accepted, has some restrictions. The efficacy and safety of endoscopic treatments in this patient group are evaluated in this study, and the problem of biliary stricture development in time after biliary ductal injuries is also emphasized. METHODS: Seventy-four patients (20 male, 54 female, mean age 50.9+/-21 years) referred for ERCP between 1992-2002 were included in the study. Minor leakages (cystic duct leaks, accessory bile duct leaks) were managed by nasobiliary drainage +/- endoscopic sphincterotomy; major leakages were managed by nasobiliary drainage +/- endoscopic sphincterotomy +/- stenting. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients with cystic duct leaks and 6 patients with accessory bile duct leaks were successfully treated with nasobiliary drainage. Endoscopic treatment could not be performed on patients with total bile duct obstruction (7 patients) and aberrant bile duct injury (7 patients). All leakages from main bile ducts were closed (27 patients). Six of 27 patients had strictures at the beginning and they were treated by stenting. Twenty-one patients had no strictures at the beginning. Eight of 21 were treated by stenting and only 1 of them developed biliary stricture. Seven of 13 patients who had been treated by nasobiliary drainage developed biliary strictures. There were no mortalities due to procedure. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP is an effective and safe method for diagnosis and management of bile leakages after cholecystectomy. Stricture development in the main bile duct leakages was an important complication.     

Biliary Stricture after Adult Right-Lobe Living-Donor Liver Transplantation with Duct-to-Duct Anastomosis: Long-Term Outcome and Its Related Factors after Endoscopic Treatment

Background/Aims

Biliary stricture is the most common and important complication after right-lobe living-donor liver transplantation (RL-LDLT) with duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis. This study evaluated the efficacy and long-term outcome of endoscopic treatment for biliary stricture after LDLT, with the aim of identifying the factors that influence the outcome.

Methods

Three hundred and thirty-nine adults received RL-LDLTs with duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis between January 2000 and May 2008 at Kangnam St. Mary''s Hospital. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) was performed in 113 patients who had biliary stricture after LDLT. We evaluated the incidence of post-LDLT biliary stricture and the long-term outcome of endoscopic treatment for biliary stricture. The factors related to the outcome were analyzed.

Results

Biliary strictures developed in 121 (35.7%) patients, 95 (78.5%) of them within 1 year of surgery. The mean number of ERCs performed per patient was 3.2 (range, 1 to 11). The serum biochemical markers decreased significantly after ERC (p<0.001). Stent insertion or stricture dilatation during ERC was successful in 90 (79.6%) patients. After a median follow-up period of 33 months from the first successful treatment with ERC, 48 (42.5%) patients achieved treatment success and 12 (10.6%) patients remained under treatment. The factors related to the outcome of endoscopic treatment were nonanastomotic stricture and stenosis of the hepatic artery (p=0.016).

Conclusions

Endoscopic treatment is efficacious and has an acceptable long-term outcome in the management of biliary strictures related to RL-LDLT with duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis. Nonanastomotic stricture and stenosis of the hepatic artery are correlated with a worse outcome of endoscopic treatment.     

Interventional treatment of a biliary stricture after adult right-lobe living-donor liver transplantation with duct-to-duct anastomosis

Backgroud

A biliary stricture is the most common complication after living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The present study was performed to examine treatment methods and outcomes after treatment for a biliary stricture after LDLT.

Methods and Results

From January 2000 to December 2010, 488 patients underwent LDLT using the right lobe with duct-to-duct anastomosis at our transplantation centre. Overall biliary strictures were detected in 160 patients (32.8%), and the majority occurred within 2 years after LDLT. Biliary strictures were related to bile leakage (P < 0.001) and the urgency of the surgery (P = 0.012) in a multivariate analysis. All biliary strictures were treated with interventional modalities including an endoscopic or a percutaneous approach. Failure of interventional treatment was demonstrated in 13 patients (8.5%), among them, four (2.6%) underwent re-transplantation and nine (5.9%) died of sepsis and biliary cirrhosis during the follow-up period. A biliary stricture was not related to the survival rate (P = 0.586).

Conclusion

The incidence of overall biliary stricture was related to bile leakage and the urgency of the surgery. All biliary strictures could be treated by interventional modalities. These approaches are effective, complementary and help to avoid the need for surgery for a biliary stricture.     

Characteristic Findings of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Background/Aims

Diffuse or segmental irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct (MPD), as observed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), is a characteristic feature of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP).

Methods

ERCP findings were retrospectively examined in 40 patients with AIP in whom irregular narrowing of the MPD was detected near the orifice. The MPD opening sign was defined as the MPD within 1.5 cm from the orifice being maintained. The distal common bile duct (CBD) sign was defined as the distal CBD within 1.5 cm from the orifice being maintained. Endoscopic findings of a swollen major papilla and histological findings of specimens obtained from the major papilla were examined in 26 and 21 patients, respectively.

Results

The MPD opening sign was detected in 26 of the 40 patients (65%). The distal CBD sign was detected in 25 of the 32 patients (78%), which showed stenosis of the lower bile duct. The patients who showed the MPD opening sign frequently showed the distal CBD sign (p=0.018). Lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, but not dense fibrosis, was histologically detected in biopsy specimens obtained from the major papilla.

Conclusions

On ERCP, the MPD and CBD adjacent to the major papilla are frequently maintained in patients with AIP involving the pancreatic head. These signs are useful for diagnosing AIP on ERCP.     

Biliary access in technically difficult biliary cannulation: the mucosal bridge technique

Background:

The use of precut sphincterotomy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) facilitates selective bile duct access in difficult procedures. However, it is also associated with high rates of complications. Several techniques for precut sphincterotomy have been described in the literature. This paper reports our experience with a non-needle-knife technique for precut sphincterotomy, namely, the mucosal bridge technique.

Methods:

We analysed the experience of a single surgical endoscopist at our centre in performing precut sphincterotomies by retrospectively examining information in the database for January 2002 to February 2008, which had been stored prospectively using Endoscribe.

Results:

The mucosal bridge technique was performed in 16 (3.19%) of 501 patients. Success rates were 75% and 100% after first and second ERCPs, respectively. The failure of initial procedures was caused by bleeding, tissue oedema, poorly visualized papilla or a poorly distensible duodenum and oedematous papilla. There were four cases of complications, which included periductular extravasation of contrast, bleeding, and sepsis in two patients. However, these complications were not a direct consequence of the precut sphincterotomy.

Conclusions:

The mucosal bridge technique can be used to increase the likelihood of successful bile duct cannulation, thus preventing the need for a second intervention.     

Necessity of a repeat cholangiogram during biliary stent removal after postcholecystectomy bile leak

PURPOSE:

To assess the need for repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in patients undergoing biliary stent removal after management of postcholecystectomy bile leak.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis of the Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative endoscopy database at PennState Milton S Hershey Medical Center (Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA) identified all patients referred for ERC with an indication of postcholecystectomy bile leak from January 2001 to June 2010. Baseline demographics, location of bile leak, size of biliary stent placed, duration of stenting, bile leak persistence, and the presence of stone, sludge or strictures on repeat ERC were analyzed.

RESULTS:

A total of 81 patients underwent ERC for management of bile leaks after cholecystectomy. One patient was excluded due to a complete transection of the common bile duct necessitating immediate surgical intervention. Fourteen (17.5%) patients underwent open cholecystectomy, 46 (57.5%) underwent laparoscopic procedures and 10 (12.5%) procedures were converted from a laparoscopic to an open approach intraoperatively. Of the 80 patients, 47 (58.7 %) had a cystic duct leak, 11 (13.7 %) had a right hepatic duct leak, 11 (13.7%) had a common bile duct leak, five (6.2%) had a gallbladder fossa leak, four (5%) had a common hepatic duct leak and the remaining two (2.5%) had a left hepatic duct leak. All 80 patients underwent biliary stenting as part of management for their bile leak. Fifty-seven of the 80 patients (71.2%) had a 10 Fr stent placed, with the remainder undergoing placement of a 7 Fr stent. Seventy-five (93.7%) patients underwent biliary sphincterotomy during the initial ERC. Sixty-nine patients underwent repeat ERC after a mean duration of 8.2 weeks (range 0.4 to 18.5 weeks). Eleven patients had no reviewable records regarding a repeat procedure performed for stent removal. Three patients required an early repeat ERC due to suspicion of cholangitis and, hence, were excluded from the final analysis. Of the 66 patients included in the final analysis, 61 (92.4%) had resolution of their bile leak on repeat ERC. All patients had resolution of their bile leak by the third ERC. Fifteen patients (22.7%) had an abnormality on repeat cholangiography (persistent leak in four, stones in three, sludge in seven, and a combination of leak and stone in one) that required further endoscopic intervention including balloon sweep or additional stenting.

CONCLUSION:

Although the majority of postcholecystectomy bile leaks resolve after biliary stent placement, a sizeable percentage (22.7%) of patients had abnormalities on subsequent cholangiograms that required further intervention. These findings suggest the need for a repeat ERC at the time of biliary stent removal in the management of postcholecystectomy bile leaks.     

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.     

Feasibility of Cap-Assisted Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients with Altered Gastrointestinal Anatomy

Background/Aims

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is technically challenging in patients with altered gastrointestinal (GI) anatomy. We evaluated the feasibility of cap-assisted ERCP in patients with altered GI anatomy.

Methods

The outcome of ERCP procedures (n=136) was analyzed in 78 patients with Billroth II (B-II) gastrectomy (n=72), Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (n=4), and hepaticoduodenostomy (n=2). The intubation rate for reaching the papilla of Vater (POV), deep biliary cannulation rate, therapeutic interventions and procedure-related complications were analyzed. All of the procedures were conducted using a cap-fitted forward-viewing endoscope.

Results

The rate of access to the POV was 97.1% (132/136). In cases with successful access, selective biliary cannulation was achieved in 98.5% (130/132) of the patients. The successful biliary cannulation rates were 100% (125/125) for B-II gastrectomy, 50% (2/4) for Roux-en-Y gastrectomy and 100% (3/3) for hepaticoduodenostomy. After selective biliary cannulation, therapeutic interventions, including stone extraction (n=57), sphincterotomy (n=54), stent placement (n=37), nasobiliary drainage (n=20), endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (n=7) and mechanical lithotripsy (n=15), were performed successfully. The procedure-related complication rate was 8.8% (12/136), including immediate bleeding (5.9%, 8/136), pancreatitis (2.2%, 3/136), and perforation (0.7%, 1/136). There were no procedure-related deaths.

Conclusions

Cap-assisted ERCP is efficient and safe in patients with altered GI anatomy.     

Biliary complications after right lobe living donor liver transplantation: a single-centre experience

Background

Biliary complications that developed after right lobe liver transplantation from living donors were studied in a single centre.

Methods

From 2004 to 2010, 200 consecutive living donor right lobe liver transplantations were performed. The database was evaluated retrospectively. Biliary complications were diagnosed according to clinical, biochemical and radiological tests. The number of biliary ducts in the transplanted graft, the surgical techniques used for anastomosis, biliary strictures and bile leakage rates were analysed.

Results

Of a total of 200 grafts, 117 invloved a single bile duct, 77 had two bile ducts and in six grafts there were three bile ducts. In 166 transplants, the anastomosis was performed as a single duct to duct, in 21 transplants double duct to ducts, in one transplant, three duct to ducts and in 12 transplants as a Roux-en-Y reconstruction. In all, 40 bile leakages (20%) and 17 biliary strictures (8.5%) were observed in 49 patients resulting in a total of 57 biliary complications (28.5%). Seventeen patients were re-operated (12 as a result of bile leakages and five owing to biliary strictures).

Conclusion

Identification of more than one biliary orifice in the graft resulted in an increase in the complication rates. In grafts containing multiple orifices, performing multiple duct-to-duct (DD) or Roux-en-Y anastomoses led to a lower number of complications.     

Complications of the treatment of endoscopic biliary strictures developing after liver transplantation

Background

Bile duct strictures remain a major source of morbidity after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Endoscopic management by the conventional methods of biliary dilatation and/or stent placement has been successful, but sometimes severe complications occur, necessitating prolonged therapy. The aim of this study is to clarify the complications of the endoscopic approach for endoscopic dilatation and/or stent placement.

Method

Of 46 patients who underwent living-donor liver transplantation, 10 were diagnosed as having anatomic biliary strictures by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Two patients developing biliary strictures after deceased-donor liver transplantation were also enrolled in the study. For the purpose of comparison, 302 patients with a total of 550 consecutive ERCP cases (including 115 patients with 250 malignant bile duct strictures) were recruited in this study. Success rate, number of endoscopy sessions, the median procedure time for ERCP, and incidence of complications including post-ERCP pancreatitis were compared in the OLT cases and other cases.

Results

The following results were obtained in the OLT cases, malignant stricture cases, and all cases, respectively: mean number of endoscopy sessions was 3.62, 2.17, and 1.94 (P?=?0.0216, P?P?=?0.0327, P?=?0.0093); and severe pancreatitis occurred in 2 cases of OLT. In a univariate analysis for post-ERCP pancreatitis, OLT was extracted as the only significant risk factor.

Conclusions

Endoscopic maneuvering for biliary dilatation and/or stent placement following OLT was associated with a higher risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis than the use of the same technique for the treatment of malignant biliary stricture. Endoscopic treatment after OLT was a significant risk factor for post-ERCP pancreatitis.     

Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of biliary leak in patients following liver transplantation:a prospective clinical study

Introduction As a choice of therapy, orthotopic liver trans- plantation (LT) is widely applied to end- stage liver disease. However, 13%-35% of procedures are complicated by problems of the biliary tract, the most common being stricture and leakage.[1-5] In an analysis of 259 LT recipients, Hwang et al[6] found 12 episodes of anastomotic bile leak and 42 episodes of anastomotic stenosis in 50 recipients. For choledochocholedochostomy cases, the common types of biliary leak are T-tube and an…     

Which Is the Better Treatment for the Removal of Large Biliary Stones? Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilation versus Endoscopic Sphincterotomy

Background/Aims

We evaluated the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) for large common bile duct (CBD) stone removal compared with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST).

Methods

A total of 1,580 patients who underwent endoscopic CBD stone extraction between January 2001 and July 2010 were reviewed. The following inclusion criteria were applied: choledocholithiasis treated by EPLBD with minor EST or EST with mechanical lithotripsy; and follow-up >9 months after treatment.

Results

Forty-nine patients with EPLBD and 41 with EST were compared. There was no significant difference in the complication rates and stone recurrence rates between the two groups. However, significantly more endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) sessions were required in the EST group to achieve the complete removal of stones (1.7 times vs 1.3 times; p=0.03). The mean cost required for complete stone removal per patient was significantly higher in the EST group compared to the EPLBD group (USD $1,644 vs $1,225, respectively; p=0.04). Dilated CBD was the only significant factor associated with recurrent biliary stones (relative risk, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.17; p=0.02).

Conclusions

EPLBD is the better treatment (compared to EST) for removing large CBD stones because EPLBD requires fewer ERCP sessions and is less expensive.     

Analytical review of diagnosis and treatment strategies for dominant bile duct strictures in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

Background

The diagnosis and treatment of indeterminate dominant strictures (DS) in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is challenging and the literature on the subject is scarce.

Objectives

This review aims to appraise and synthesize the evidence published in the English-language medical literature on this topic.

Methods

Scientific papers published from 1950 until week 4 of July 2010 were extracted from MEDLINE, Ovid Medline In-Process, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Database of Systematic Reviews, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, EMBASE, PubMed and the National Library of Medicine Gateway.

Results

Strategies for the optimal management of DS in PSC patients are supported only by level II and III evidence. Intraductal endoscopic ultrasound appears to be the most sensitive (64%) and specific (95%) diagnostic test for the evaluation of DS in PSC. Endoscopic and percutaneous dilatations achieve 1- and 3-year palliation in 80% and 60% of patients, respectively. Although dilatation and stenting are the most common palliative interventions in DS, no randomized trials on the optimal duration of treatment have been conducted.

Conclusions

In benign DS, endoscopic dilatation with short-term stenting seems to be effective and safe and does not increase the risks for malignant transformation or complications after liver transplantation. Surgical bile duct resection and/or bilioenteric bypass are indicated only in patients with preserved liver function.     

ERCP对肝移植术后胆漏诊治作用的前瞻性临床观察

目的观察经内镜逆行胰胆管造影术(ERCP)对肝移植术后胆漏的诊断和治疗作用,并随访胆漏愈合后胆管狭窄的发生情况。方法选择经ERCP证实为肝移植术后胆漏13例患者,其中T管漏6例、吻合口漏7例。行内置管引流术6例、鼻胆管引流术2例、鼻胆管联合内置管引流术3例、十二指肠乳头括约肌切开术2例。部份患者联合应用生长激素。结果10例完整随访者胆漏愈合时间10-35d,平均15.3d,随诊胆管造影证实出现吻合口狭窄4例、肝总管狭窄3例、肝内外胆管多发性狭窄1例。胆漏愈合后有80%患者会出现不同形式的胆管狭窄。结论经内镜鼻胆管引流或内置管引流是治疗肝移植术后胆漏的有效方法。鼻胆管引流联合内置管引流除具有疗效确切、便于观察等优点外,理论上有防治鼻胆管意外脱落引起严重后果和预防后续胆管狭窄形成的作用,但其上述作用有待进一步观察。     

Biliary complications following orthotopic liver transplantation: a 10-year audit

Background

Biliary complications following liver transplantation result in major morbidity. We undertook a 10-year audit of the incidence, management and outcomes of post-transplant biliary complications at the New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit.

Methods

Prospectively collected data on 348 consecutive liver transplants performed between February 1998 and October 2008 were reviewed. The minimum follow-up was 6 months.

Results

A total of 309 adult and 39 paediatric transplants were performed over the study period. Of these, 296 (85%) were whole liver grafts and 52 (15%) were partial liver grafts (24 split-liver, eight reduced-size and 20 live-donor grafts). There were 80 biliary complications, which included 63 (18%) strictures and 17 (5%) bile leaks. Partial graft, a paediatric recipient and a Roux-en-Y biliary anastomosis were independent predictors of biliary strictures. Twenty-five (40%) strictures were successfully managed non-operatively and 38 (60%) required surgery (31 biliary reconstructions, three segmental resections and four retransplants). Seven (41%) bile leaks required surgical revision and 10 (59%) were managed non-operatively. There was no mortality related directly to biliary complications.

Conclusions

Biliary complications affected one in five transplant recipients. Paediatric status, partial graft and Roux-en-Y anastomosis were independently associated with the occurrence of biliary strictures. Over half of the affected patients required surgical revision, but no mortality resulted from biliary complications.