肝移植术后胆道并发症病因及预防

目的分析原位肝移植术后胆1道并发症的病因。方法回顾性分析307例尸体供肝和40例活体供肝原位肝移植的临床资料,总结术后胆道并发症的病因。结果40例活体肝移植受体术后胆道并发症的发生率5.0%,307例尸体供肝肝移植受体术后胆道并发症的发生率为18.9%;肝内胆道狭窄和胆道铸型结石形成等严重胆道并发症在活体肝移植和放置“T”管的尸肝移植未发生。结论缺血时间尤其热缺血时间是导致严重胆道并发症的最主要的原因,放置“T”管引流能降低胆道并发症的发生率。     

活体肝移植术后胆管并发症的处理与预防

目的 探讨活体肝移植术后胆管并发症的防治.方法 84例活体肝移植,成人56例.小儿28例;良性终末期肝病66例,肝细胞肝癌18例.供受体胆管端端吻合重建50例,供体肝管与受体肝管端端和胆总管端侧吻合重建1例,供体肝管与受体肝管和胆囊管吻合1例,供体胆管与受体空肠Roux-en-Y吻合重建32例,所有胆管莺建后均置入4Fr或6Fr内支架管从受体胆总管前壁或空肠袢肓端侧肠壁引出体外.结果 术后发生胆管并发症24例,发生率为28.5%,胆管胆管吻合与肝管空肠Roux-en-Y吻合胆漏发牛率差异显著(8.3%νs16.7%,P＜0.05).胆管胆管吻合与肝管空肠Roux-en-Y吻合胆管狭窄发生率差异显著(50%νs 16.7%,P＜0.05).单支胆管与多支胆管发生胆管并发症差异湿著(20.8%νs 79.2%,P＜0.05).胆漏者保守治疗治愈4例,再次手术治疗治愈4例;胆管狭窄内镜下球囊扩张和鼻胆管引流治疗治愈4例,好转2例,再次手术胆管空肠Roux-en-Y吻合治疗治愈6例,经皮肝脏穿刺胆管狭窄球囊扩张治疗支架管引流治疗好转4例.该组资料无因胆管并发症死亡病例.结论 良好的胆管血供和吻合技术,选择恰当的胆管重建方式,是降低活体肝移植术后胆管并发症的重要措施.     

Biliary reconstruction in right lobe living-donor liver transplantation: Comparison of different techniques in 321 recipients

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of biliary complications after right lobe living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in patients undergoing duct-to-duct choledochocholedochostomy or Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy reconstruction. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Biliary tract complications remain one of the most serious morbidities following liver transplantation. No large series has yet been carried out to compare the 2 techniques in LDLT. This study undertook a retrospective assessment of the relation between the method of biliary reconstruction used and the complications reported. METHODS: Between February 1998 and June 2004, 321 patients received right lobe LDLT. Biliary reconstruction was achieved with Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy in 121 patients, duct-to-duct choledochocholedochostomy in 192 patients, and combined Roux-en-Y and duct-to-duct choledochocholedochostomy in 8 patients. The number of graft bile duct and anastomosis, mode of anastomosis, use of stent tube, and management of biliary complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall incidence of biliary complications was 24.0%. Univariate analysis revealed that hepatic artery complications, cytomegalovirus infections, and blood type incompatibility were significant risk factors for biliary complications. The respective incidence of biliary leakage and stricture were 12.4% and 8.3% for Roux-en-Y, and 4.7% and 26.6% for duct-to-duct reconstruction. Duct-to-duct choledochocholedochostomy showed a significantly lower incidence of leakage and a higher incidence of stricture; however, 74.5% of the stricture was managed with endoscopic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The authors found an increase in the biliary stricture rate in the duct-to-duct choledochocholedochostomy group. Because of greater physiologic bilioenteric continuity, less incidence of leakage, and easy endoscopic access, duct-to-duct reconstruction represents a feasible technique in right lobe LDLT.     

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.     

Biliary Complications Following Deceased and Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Review

Introduction

Biliary complications are the most important source of complications after liver transplantation, and an important cause of morbidity and mortality. With the evolution of surgical transplantation techniques, including living donor and split-liver transplants, the complexity of these problems is increasing. Many studies have shown a higher incidence of biliary tract complications in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) compared with deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). This article reviews biliary complications after liver transplantation and correlations with LDLT and DDLT.

Objective

Provide an overview of biliary complications among LDLT and DDLT.

Results

The incidence of biliary complications is higher among LDLT (28.7%) when compared with DDLT (15.5%). Bile leaks were the most common complication due to LDLT (17.1%); however, stricture was the most common complication due to DDLT (7.5%).     

肝移植术后胆道并发症的治疗

目的 探讨处理原位肝移植术后胆道并发症的有效方法.方法 叫顺性分析2001年1 1月至2012年3月南京军区福州总医院收治的316例原位肝移植（其中1例施行二次肝移植）患者的临床资料.供肝获取时采用HTK＋ UW液冷灌注,UW液保存,切取供肝后UW液灌洗胆道.尸体肝移植中采用经典原位肝移植或背驮式肝移植,活体肝移植采用左半肝移植或右半肝移植.胆道重建方式采用胆管空肠Roux-en-Y吻合或胆管胆管对端吻合.2006年前选用普通T管引流,2006年后选用6F小儿吸痰管或硬膜外导管进行T管引流,术后3～6个月予以拔除.术中常规放置经胃空肠造瘘管,术后早期开始肠内营养.术后常规采用他克莫司＋麦考酚吗乙酯＋肾上腺皮质激素3联免疫抑制治疗方案或他克莫司＋麦考酚吗乙酯＋西罗莫司＋激素4联免疫抑制治疗方案.通过移植随访中心随访2年,了解患者胆道并发症情况、预后和进行用药指导.2006年前50例患者与2006年及之后267例患者胆汁漏发生率的比较采用x2检验.结果 患者供肝热缺血时间为2 ～6 min,冷缺血时间为3～10 h.尸体肝移植患者中,经典肝移植291例次,背驮式肝移植24例次;胆管空肠Roux-en-Y吻合5例次,胆管胆管端端吻合310例次.活体肝移植患者中,左半肝移植和右半肝移植各1例,均采用胆管胆管端端吻合.术后采用3联免疫抑制治疗方案311例,4联免疫抑制治疗方案5例.316例原位肝移植患者中,38例发生胆道并发症.胆道并发症分类：胆汁漏18例,缺血性胆道损伤引起的肝内外胆管狭窄6例,单纯吻合口狭窄6例,保存性损伤所致汇管区小胆管炎症、胆汁淤积4例,胆管结石合并胆管炎2例,单纯胆道感染2例.2006年以前患者胆汁漏发生率为14.00％ （7/50）,高于2006年及以后患者的4.12％ （11/267）,两者比较,差异有统计学意义（x2=7.676,P＜0.05）.38例胆道并发症患者中,治愈及好转35例,死亡3例.18例胆汁漏患者中,15例采用保守治疗后痊愈;3例采用手术治疗（其中1例经通畅引流,加强抗感染、营养支持等处理后好转,但于术后1个月突发腹腔大出血,手术探查发现肝动脉破裂出血,最终死于失血性休克所致MODS;2例行腹腔引流术,1例治愈,1例合并腹腔感染,最终死亡）.6例缺血性胆管损伤引起的肝内外胆管狭窄患者中,1例行二次肝移植后取得良好效果,5例经保守或行ERCP或经PTCD导管球囊扩张术治疗后好转.6例单纯吻合口狭窄患者中,3例经保守或行ERCP或经内镜下柱状气囊扩张、取石、支架置入治疗后好转;1例因肝癌复发放弃治疗后死亡;1例予手术探查,行吻合口成形＋T管引流术效果良好;1例手术探查切除复发肿瘤,行胆肠吻合后痊愈.4例保存性损伤所致汇管区小胆管炎症、胆汁淤积患者采取保肝、减轻黄疸等保守治疗后痊愈.2例胆管结石合并胆管炎患者,1例行ERCP支架置入痊愈;1例经保守治疗后TBil有所下降,未予进一步处理.2例单纯胆道感染患者均经抗感染等保守治疗痊愈.结论 多数患者胆道并发症可经非手术治疗取得满意疗效;而对非手术治疗效果不佳的患者,再次行胆道探查术是较为确实可靠的治疗手段;对于部分严重缺血性胆道损伤导致移植肝失功能的患者,二次肝移植是唯一的选择.     

Removable intraductal stenting in duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction in liver transplantation

Biliary reconstruction during liver transplantation (LT) is most oftenly performed by duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis. We hypothesized that the internal stenting might diminish the incidence and severity of biliary complications in patients receiving small duct size donor grafts. The purpose of this study was to report a technique of biliary reconstruction, including intraductal stent tube (IST) placement followed by postoperative endoscopic removal. A custom-made segment of a T-tube was placed into the bile in 20 patients in whom the diameter of the graft bile duct was smaller than 5 mm. The tube was removed endoscopically 4-8 months after LT, or in case of IST-related adverse events. After a median follow-up of 15.2 (range 2.5-27.5) months, endoscopic removal of the IST was performed in 17 patients. No technical failure and no procedure-related complications were recorded during drain removal. Biliary complications occurred in four patients, including one cholangitis, one hemobilia, one asymptomatic biliary leakage, and one anastomotic stricture. No biliary complication occurred in the group of patients who underwent deceased donor whole graft LT. IST is technically feasible and safe, and may help to prevent severe biliary complication when duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis is performed on small size bile ducts.     

Duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation utilizing right lobe graft

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and safety of duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) utilizing the right lobe. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Biliary tract complications remain one of the most serious problems after liver transplantation. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy has been a standard procedure for biliary reconstruction in LDLT with a partial hepatic graft. However, end-to-end choledochocholedochostomy is the technique of choice for biliary reconstruction and yields a more physiologic bilioenteric continuity than can be achieved with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. The authors performed right lobe LDLT with end-to-end duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis, and this study assessed retrospectively the relation between the manner of reconstruction and complications. METHODS: Between July 1999 and December 2000, 51 patients (11-67 years of age) underwent 52 right lobe LDLTs with duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction and remained alive more than 1 month after their transplantation. Interrupted biliary anastomosis was performed for 24 transplants and the continuous procedure was used for 28. A biliary tube was inserted downward into the common bile ducts through the recipient's cystic duct in 16 transplants (cystic drainage), or a biliary stent tube was pushed upward into the anastomosis through the cystic duct in four transplants (cystic stent), or upward into the anastomosis through the wall of the common bile duct in 31 transplants (external stent). RESULTS: Biliary anastomotic procedures consisted of 34 single end-to-end anastomoses, 11 double end-to-end anastomoses, and 7 single anastomoses for double hepatic ducts. Overall, 5 patients developed leakage (9.6%) and 12 patients suffered stricture (23.0%). For biliary anastomosis with interrupted suture, the incidence of stricture was significantly higher in the cystic drainage group (53.3%, 8/15) than in the stent group consisting of cystic stent and external stent (0%, 0/8). While the respective incidences of leakage and stricture were 20% and 53.3% for intermittent suture with a cystic drainage tube (n = 15), they were 7.7% and 15.4% for a continuous suture with an external stent (n = 26). There was a significant difference in the incidence of stricture. CONCLUSIONS: Duct-to-duct reconstruction with continuous suture combined with an external stent represents a useful technique for LDLT utilizing the right lobe, but biliary complications remain significant.     

Biliary complications in living liver donors

With the increasing use of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), the morbidity and mortality of the donors have thus become inevitable problems associated with this procedure. The most common postoperative complications among donors for LDLT involve the biliary tract. The incidence of biliary complications in donors tends to be about 5% based on recent publications. Anatomical variations in the biliary tract, higher predonation alkaline phosphatase levels, and intraoperative blood transfusions are also risk factors for biliary complications in the donors after donation. Donors with biliary complications often show unspecific symptoms and most of the biliary complications can be normally treated by nonsurgical methods. Interventional procedures such as percutaneous placement of a peritoneal drain, percutaneous/endoscopic biliary drainage, and combinations of balloon dilatation and/or stenting are effective in the treatment of bile leakage and biliary stricture. A clear understanding of the biliary anatomy of each donor and refined surgical techniques will help to minimize risk of biliary complications for living liver donors.     

活体肝移植的胆道重建技术及并发症分析

目的 探讨活体肝移植的胆道重建方法及并发症防治措施.方法 回顾性分析77例活体肝移植临床资料,其中74例行右半肝移植(带肝中静脉29例,不带肝中静脉45例),左半肝带肝中静脉1例,左外叶切取2例.胆道重建采用胆肠吻合或供肝肝管与受体肝管端端吻合.结果 供肝断面1个胆管开口为54例,多个胆管开口为23例;胆肠吻合2例,胆管端端吻合75例,63例留置T管;术后总体胆道并发症发生率为36.4%(28/77),其中胆漏为10.4%(8/77),胆道狭窄为26.0%(20/77).供肝单支胆道以及单个吻合口术后胆道狭窄的发生率明显低于多支胆道及多个吻合口(P<0.05).8例胆漏病人经过B超指引穿刺引流全部治愈,20例吻合口狭窄病人经T管窦道放置支撑管或通过ERCP进行扩张,肝功能全部或部分好转.结论 活体肝移植供肝切取术中注意对断面胆管血供的保护以及尽可能获得单一的肝管开口可有效减少术后胆道并发症的发生;内镜和放射介入技术是治疗胆道并发症的有效手段.     

肝移植术后胆道并发症病因分析

目的探讨原位肝移植术后胆道并发症的病因.方法回顾性分析235例尸体供肝和36例活体供肝原位肝移植的临床资料,总结术后胆道并发症的病因.结果36例活体肝移植受体术后胆道并发症的发生率为5.6%,235例尸体供肝肝移植受体术后胆道并发症的发生率为19.1%;肝内胆道狭窄和胆道铸型结石形成等严重胆道并发症在活体肝移植中未发生.讨论缺血时间尤其热缺血时间是导致严重胆道并发症的最主要的原因,所留取的受体胆道长度也是影响胆道并发症的一个主要因素.     

Introduction of microsurgical technique to biliary reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation

OBJECTIVE: High rates of biliary complications continue to be a major concern associated with living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In this article, we report our experience of applying a microsurgical technique to biliary reconstruction in LDLT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2001 to December 2005, 32 patients underwent LDLTs (8 children and 24 adults). Biliary reconstruction for 43 hepatic duct orifices in the 32 donor grafts 21 duct-to-duct anastomoses, and 22 cholangiojejunostomies. Nine cholangiojejunostomies in 4 donors used a microsurgical technique under an operative microscope. RESULTS: Biliary complications weren't observed among the cases of cholangiojejunostomy using a microsurgical technique. An anastomotic biliary leakage was found in a recipient with cholangiojejunostomy performed using a surgical loupe and a biliary stricture in another recipient who underwent duct-to-duct anastomoses using a surgical loupe. CONCLUSION: Introduction of a microsurgical technique for biliary reconstruction in LDLT, especially using an operating microscope in the setting of hepatico-jejunostomy for small hepatic duct (< or =2 mm in diameter), showed good results. We believe that using the operative microscope for biliary reconstruction could reduce the incidence of biliary complications associated with LDLT.     

The Risk of End‐Stage Renal Disease Among Living Donor Liver Transplant Recipients in the United States

Since initiation of model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD)‐based allocation for liver transplantation, the risk of posttransplant end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) has increased. Recent US data have demonstrated comparable, if not superior survival, among recipients of living donor liver transplants (LDLT) when compared to deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) recipients. However, little is known about the incidence of ESRD post‐LDLT. We analyzed linked Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) and US Renal Data System (USRDS) data of first‐time liver‐alone transplant recipients from February 27, 2002 to March 1, 2011, and restricted the cohort to recipients with a laboratory MELD score ≤25 not on dialysis prior to transplantation, in order to evaluate the incidence of ESRD post‐LDLT, and to compare the incidence among LDLT versus DDLT recipients. There were 28 707 DDLT and 1917 LDLT recipients included in the analyses. The 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year unadjusted risk of ESRD was 1.7%, 2.9% and 3.4% in LDLT recipients, compared with 1.5%, 3.0% and 4.8% in DDLT recipients (p > 0.05), respectively. In multivariable competing risk Cox regression models, there was no association between receiving an LDLT and risk of ESRD (sub‐hazard ratio: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.77–1.26, p = 0.92). In conclusion, the incidence of ESRD post‐LDLT in the United States is low, and there are no significant differences among LDLT and DDLT recipients with MELD scores ≤25 at transplantation.     

ERCP诊治成人原位肝移植术后胆道并发症的临床研究

目的 :回顾性分析和评价内镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)在成人原位肝移植胆道并发症诊疗中的作用。方法:38例成人原位肝移植术后胆道并发症患者实施61次ERCP,根据ERCP结果实施内镜治疗。结果:60次ERCP成功,成功率为98.36%(60/61)。ERCP明确胆道并发症原因后实施内镜治疗。并发症发生的部位为:供体肝胆管、受体胆管、胆管吻合口及十二指肠乳头。其中单纯胆管炎性狭窄7例,胆管炎性狭窄伴肝内外胆管铸型、胆泥或胆石形成10例;单纯胆管吻合口狭窄3例,狭窄伴肝内外胆管铸型、胆泥或胆石形成2例;胆管吻合口瘘2例,供体胆管与受体胆管直径差异过大1例;受体胆管过长、扭曲3例,受体胆管轻度扩张1例;十二指肠乳头狭窄2例,Oddi括约肌功能失调3例;T管脱落1例;胆道出血1例;ERCP插管失败1例。该组供体肝胆管并发症发生率最高,为44.74%(17/38);其次为胆管吻合口并发症,为21.05%(8/38)。治疗方式:乳头括约肌切开(EST)24.59%(15/61),乳头柱状球囊扩张(EPBD)16.39%(10/61),EST+EPBD 13.12%(8/61),扩张器扩张胆管36.07%(22/61),鼻胆管引流(ENBD)52.46%(32/61),胆管支架引流(ERBD)32.79%(20/61),取胆管铸型、胆泥或结石19.67%(12/61),胆道冲洗24.59%(15/61)。结论:ERCP具有诊疗一体化优点,已成为成人原位肝移植术后胆道并发症微创治疗的主要方法和重要治疗手段。     

Feasibility of using the cystic duct for biliary reconstruction in right-lobe living donor liver transplantation.

Duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction has been introduced in adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In right-lobe grafts, however, the presence of two or three separated bile duct orifices is not rare and makes an alternative approach for reconstruction necessary. We used the cystic duct for one of the anastomoses in biliary reconstruction for 5 right-lobe living donor liver transplants with two separated ducts. Before the anastomosis, the inside lumen of the cystic duct was straightened with a metal probe. Two external drainage tubes were placed in all recipients, and posttransplant cholangiography through the tubes approximately one month after transplantation showed no leakage or stricture at any of the anastomotic sites. The drainage tubes were removed between 17 and 37 weeks after transplantation. All of the patients except one who died of chronic rejection have been doing well without any late biliary complications during follow-up periods ranging from 10 to 28 months after transplantation. In conclusion, our results indicate that biliary reconstruction using the cystic duct is feasible and safe for living donor liver transplantation and that external drainage tubes may be effective for prevention of complications.     

肝移植术后胆道并发症的内镜治疗

目的:探讨内镜下逆行胰胆管造影术(ERCP)在治疗肝移植术后胆道并发症方面的临床疗效.方法:回顾性分析2002年8月-2012年12月采用ERCP治疗8例肝移植术后胆道并发症患者的临床资料,其中胆道狭窄5例(吻合口狭窄4例,肝内型胆道狭窄1例),胆瘘1例,胆石和胆泥形成2例.8例患者共行ERCP治疗21次,对胆道狭窄患者行括约肌切开、胆管扩张、鼻胆管引流和内支架置放术等治疗;对胆瘘患者行鼻胆管引流及塑料内支架置放术等治疗;对结石患者行括约肌切开、鼻胆管冲洗引流术及取石网篮取石等治疗.结果:ERCP手术成功率为100％ (21/21);4例吻合口狭窄、1例胆瘘和2例结石患者均治愈,1例肝内型胆道狭窄治疗未成功,建议再次肝移植;术后胆道感染的发生率为14.3％(3/21),胰腺炎发生率为19.0％ (4/21),经对症治疗后均痊愈.结论:ERCP是治疗肝移植术后胆道并发症微创、安全和有效的方法.     

Biliary complications in right lateral sector graft live donor liver transplantation.

Biliary complications remain the most challenging issue in adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and to the best of our knowledge, no study has focused on the biliary complications in LDLT with right lateral sector graft (RLSG), a graft consisting of segments VI and VII according to Couinaud's nomenclature for liver segmentation. Between January 1996 and October 2006, 310 LDLTs were performed for adult recipients at our institution. Among them, 20 patients received RLSG. The incidence of biliary complications during follow-up in these patients with RLSG was retrospectively analyzed. Follow-up period after transplantation ranged from 1 to 87 months (median 58 months). The 3-year and 5-year graft survival rates following the use of RLSGs in LDLT were 90% and 90%, respectively. Biliary complications were encountered in altogether nine patients. Two patients (10%) were complicated with bile leakage requiring surgical intervention. Seven patients (35%) were complicated with bile duct stenosis, which occurred with a median interval of 26 months (range: 6-51 months) after LDLT. Four were treated surgically and the other three were treated by endoscopic approach. Outcomes of the interventions were satisfactory in all cases. The incidence and severity of biliary complications after LDLT using RLSG was within an acceptable range with excellent graft survival. Accordingly, it is concluded that RLSG is a technically feasible option that may effectively expand the donor pool. Further application of RLSG is warranted.     

Biliary Complications in 108 Consecutive Recipients With Duct-to-Duct Biliary Reconstruction in Living-Donor Liver Transplantation

Background

Biliary complications remain the leading cause of postoperative complications after living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in patients undergoing duct-to-duct choledochocholedochostomy. The aim of this study was to analyze the causes of these complications.

Methods

One hundred eight patients who underwent LDLT with duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction at Mie University Hospital were enrolled in this study. The mean follow-up time was 58.4 months (range, 3–132). The most recent 18 donors underwent indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence cholangiography for donor hepatectomy. The development of biliary complications was retrospectively analyzed. Biliary complications were defined as needing endoscopic or radiologic treatment.

Results

Biliary leakages and strictures occurred in 6 (5.6%) and 15 (13.9%) of the recipients, respectively, and 3 donors (2.7%) experienced biliary leakage. However, since the introduction of ICG fluorescence cholangiography, we have not encountered any biliary complications in either donors or recipients. Biliary leakage was an independent risk factor for the development of biliary stricture (P = .013). Twelve (80%) of the 15 recipients with biliary stricture had successful nonoperative endoscopic or radiologic management, and 3 patients underwent surgical repair with hepaticojejunosotomy.

Conclusions

Biliary leakage was an independent factor for biliary stricture. ICG fluorescence cholangiography might be helpful to reduce biliary complications after LDLT in both donors and recipients.     

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.     

Recipient Morbidity After Living and Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation: Findings from the A2ALL Retrospective Cohort Study†

Patients considering living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) need to know the risk and severity of complications compared to deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). One aim of the Adult‐to‐Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort Study (A2ALL) was to examine recipient complications following these procedures. Medical records of DDLT or LDLT recipients who had a living donor evaluated at the nine A2ALL centers between 1998 and 2003 were reviewed. Among 384 LDLT and 216 DDLT, at least one complication occurred after 82.8% of LDLT and 78.2% of DDLT (p = 0.17). There was a median of two complications after DDLT and three after LDLT. Complications that occurred at a higher rate (p < 0.05) after LDLT included biliary leak (31.8% vs. 10.2%), unplanned reexploration (26.2% vs. 17.1%), hepatic artery thrombosis (6.5% vs. 2.3%) and portal vein thrombosis (2.9% vs. 0.0%). There were more complications leading to retransplantation or death (Clavien grade 4) after LDLT versus DDLT (15.9% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.023). Many complications occurred more commonly during early center experience; the odds of grade 4 complications were more than two‐fold higher when centers had performed ≤20 LDLT (vs. >40). In summary, complication rates were higher after LDLT versus DDLT, but declined with center experience to levels comparable to DDLT.