Biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation: a review of incidence and risk factors

Duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction with or without an Intraductal Removable Stent in Liver Transplantation: The BILIDRAIN-T Multicentric Randomized Trial

Background & Aims

Biliary complications (BC) following liver transplantation (LT) are responsible for significant morbidity. No technical procedure during reconstruction has been associated with a risk reduction of BC. The placement of an intraductal removable stent (IRS) during reconstruction followed by its endoscopic removal showed feasibility and safety in a preliminary study. This multicentric randomised controlled trial aimed at evaluating the impact of an IRS on BC following LT.

Methods

This multicentric randomised controlled trial was conducted in 7 centres from April 2015 to February 2019. Randomisation was done during LT when a duct-to-duct anastomosis was confirmed with at least 1 of the stump diameters ≤7 mm. In the IRS group, a custom-made segment of a T-tube was placed into the bile duct to act as a stake during healing and was removed endoscopically 4 to 6 months post LT. The primary endpoint was the incidence of BC (fistulae and strictures) within 6 months post LT. The secondary criteria were complications related to the IRS placement or extraction, including endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP)-related complications.

Results

In total, 235 patients were randomised: 117 in the IRS group and 118 in the control group. BC occurred in 31 patients (26.5%) in the IRS group vs. 24 (20.3%) in the control group (p = 0.27), including 16 (13.8%) and 15 (12.8%) strictures, respectively. IRS migration occurred in 24 patients (20.5%), cholangitis in 1 (0.9%), acute pancreatitis in 2 (1.8%), and difficulty during endoscopic extraction in 19 (19.4%). No predictive factor for BC was identified.

Conclusions

IRS does not prevent BC after LT and may require specific endoscopic expertise for removal.

Trial registration number (ClinicalTrials.gov)

NCT02356939 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02356939?term=NCT02356939&draw=2&rank=1).

Lay summary

Liver transplantation is a life-saving treatment for many patients with end-stage liver disease. However, it can be associated with complications involving the bile duct reconstruction. Herein, the placement of a specific stent called an intraductal removable stent was trialled as a way of reducing bile duct complications in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Unfortunately, it did not help preventing such complications.

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An IRS was placed during biliary reconstruction in bile ducts ≤7 mm; ERCP removal was 4–6 months post LT.

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The primary endpoint was the incidence of biliary complications (fistulae and strictures) within 6 months post LT.

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Biliary complications occurred in 31 patients (26.5%) in the IRS vs. 24 (20.3%) in the control group (p = 0.27).

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IRS migrated in 24 (20.5%) patients, and extraction was difficult in 19 (19.4%).

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No predictive factor for biliary complications was identified.

Anastomotic biliary stricture following liver transplantation and management analysis: 15 years of experience at a high-volume transplant center

INTRODUCTION

The occurrence of anastomotic biliary stricture (BS) remains an essential issue following liver transplantation (LT). The present study aimed to compare our findings regarding the incidence of anastomotic BS to what is known.

METHODS

The present study is a single-center, retrospective cohort study of a total number of 717 consecutive patients (426 men and 291 women) who had undergone LT from January 2001 to March 2016. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the risk factors associated with anastomotic BS development.

RESULTS

Post-transplant anastomotic BS developed in 70 patients (9.8%). In the Cox multivariate analysis (a stepwise forward conditional method), factors including biliary leak (hazard ratio [HR]: 6.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.08-17.58, p < 0.001), hepatic artery thrombosis (HR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.03-5.88; p = 0.003), and acute rejection (HR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.16-3.37; p = 0.006) were identified as independent risk factors for the development of anastomotic BS. Surgery in 6 cases (66.7%), followed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ECRP) with a metal stent in 18 cases (62.1%), percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in 9 (20.9%), and ERCP with a single plastic stent in 8 (18.2%), had the highest effectiveness rates in the management of BS, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors including biliary leak, hepatic artery thrombosis, and acute rejection were independently associated with an anastomotic BS. ERCP with a metal stent may be considered as an effective treatment procedure with a relatively low complication rate in the management of benign post-LT anastomotic BS.

ERCP in critically ill patients is safe and does not increase mortality

ABSTRACT

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the gold standard for minimally-invasive treatment of biliary or pancreatic tract disease. When treating patients on intensive care units (ICU) with ERCP, interventionalists are faced with considerably higher morbidity compared to patients in ambulatory settings. However, data on complications and outcome of critical ill patients undergoing emergency ERCP are limited.A retrospective analysis of 102 patients treated on ICUs undergoing 121 ERCP procedures at the University Hospital of Essen, Germany between 2002 and 2016 was performed. Indications, interventional success, outcome including survival and procedure-related complications were analyzed. Patients' condition pre-ERCP was categorized by using the "Simplified Acute Physiology Score" (SAPS 3).66/102 patients (64.7%) were referred to ERCP from surgical ICU, 36/102 (35.3%) from nonsurgical ICU. The majority of patients were male (63.7%), the mean age was 54.1 ± 14.9 [21-88] years. Indications for ERCP were biliary complications after liver transplantation (n = 34, 33.3%), biliary leakage after hepatobiliary surgery (n = 32, 31.4%), and cholangitis/biliary sepsis (n = 36; 35.3%), respectively. 117/121 (96.7%) ERCPs were successful, 1 patient (1.0%) died during ERCP. Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 11.8% of interventions. The median simplified acute physiology score 3 was 65 points, predicting a risk-adjusted estimated mortality of 48.8%, corresponding to an observed mortality of 52.2% (P = n.s.).ERCP is safe in critically ill patients on ICU, it does not increase overall mortality rate and has a relatively low rate of procedure-associated complications.

Non-invasive diagnosis and follow-up in liver transplantation

The field of liver transplantation directly or indirectly embodies all liver diseases, in addition to specific ones related to organ rejection (cellular and humoral). The recommended non-invasive methods for determining the indication for liver transplantation are the Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, and the alpha-foetoprotein score in case of hepatocellular carcinoma. Radiological methods are the cornerstones for the diagnosis of vascular and biliary complications after liver transplantation. The possible diseases of the liver graft after transplantation are multiple and often intertwined. Non-invasive diagnostic methods have been poorly evaluated in this context, apart from the recurrence of hepatitis C. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for evaluating graft lesions in the majority of cases, especially graft rejection.

The Need to Update Endpoints and Outcome Analysis in the Rapidly Changing Field of Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) survival rates have continued to improve over the last decades, mostly due to the reduction of mortality early after transplantation. The advancement is facilitating a liberalization of access to LT, with more patients with higher risk profiles being added to the waiting list. At the same time, the persisting organ shortage fosters strategies to rescue organs of high-risk donors. This is facilitated by novel technologies such as machine perfusion. Owing to these developments, reconsideration of the current and emerging endpoints for the assessment of the efficacy of existing and new therapies is warranted. While conventional early endpoints in LT have focused on the damage induced to the parenchyma, the fate of the bile duct and the recurrence of the underlying disease have a stronger impact on the long-term outcome. In light of this evolving landscape, we here attempt to reflect on the appropriateness of the currently used endpoints in the field of LT trials.

Incidents and risk factors of biliary complications after orthotropic liver transplantation

Biliary complications (BC) especially stenosis and strictures are the most common complications after orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT) procedure in adult recipients. The intention of this study was analyzed BC in 273 patients after OLT for the last 4 years in our department.Retrospective study of 273 patients underwent cadaveric donor liver transplantation between January 2014 and December 2017. Most of them (n = 268) have anastomosed bile duct in end to end, rest of them (n = 5) underwent hepaticojejunostomy. Statistical analysis was performed using Fischer exact test and Student t test. A P value <.05 was considered significant.BC were developed in 48/273 transplants (17.6%). The most frequent was biliary stricture (n = 42, 87.5%) followed by bile leak (n = 4, 8.3%) and choledocholitiasis (n = 2, 4.2%). Treatment was usually using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Recipients with hypotension during and after OLT treated by norepinephrine have a higher index of BC.Self-expanding metal stents implantation seems to be more effective than repeated balloon dilatation of anastomotic strictures with subsequent plastic biliary stent placement and associated with similar complication rate. Good fluid management against inotropic therapy may reduce risk of BC.

Management of anastomotic biliary stricture after liver transplantation and impact on survival

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic biliary strictures (AS) is the main surgical complication after liver transplantation. The aims of this study are to investigate the risk factors of AS, its management and its impact on overall survival and survival of the graft.

METHODS

All patients who had received a liver transplantation with duct-to-duct anastomosis at Toulouse University Hospital between 2010 and 2016 were included.

RESULTS

Of 225 included patients, 56 (24.9%) presented with AS. The median time to discovery of AS was 83 days and 69.6% of the AS appeared within 6 months. Transplantation in critically ill patients, with a liver score >800 points, was an independent predictive factor of survival (P = 0.003). The first-line treatment was endoscopic (87.5%), with a success rate of 79.6% and a median of 4 procedures per patient in 12 months. In cases of failure of endoscopic therapy, percutaneous treatment had a high failure rate (50%). AS had no impact in terms of overall survival or in terms of graft survival.

CONCLUSION

AS do not have any repercussions on patient or graft survival, requiring long endoscopic treatment with multiple procedures. In the event of failure of this first-line endoscopic treatment, it seems preferable to turn directly towards surgical repair.

Extended criteria grafts and emerging therapeutics strategy in liver transplantation. The unstable balance between damage and repair

Due to increasing demand for donor organs, "extended criteria" donors are increasingly considered for liver transplantation, including elderly donors and donors after cardiac death. The grafts of this subgroup of donors share a major risk to develop significant features of ischemia reperfusion injury, that may eventually lead to graft failure. Ex-situ machine perfusion technology has gained much interest in liver transplantation, because represents both a useful tool for improving graft quality before transplantation and a platform for the delivery of therapeutics directly to the organ. In this review, we survey ongoing clinical evidences supporting the use of elderly and DCD donors in liver transplantation, and the underlying mechanistic aspects of liver aging and ischemia reperfusion injury that influence graft quality and transplant outcome. Finally, we highlight evidences in the field of new therapeutics to test in MP in the context of recent findings of basic and translational research.

Biliary complications after liver transplantation: current perspectives and future strategies

Importance

Liver transplantation (LT) is a life-saving therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease and with acute liver failure, and it is associated with excellent outcomes and survival rates at 1 and 5 years. The incidence of biliary complications (BCs) after LT is reported to range from 5% to 20%, most of them occurring in the first three months, although they can occur also several years after transplantation.

Objective

The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidences on pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and therapeutic management of BCs after LT.

Evidence Review

a literature review was performed of papers on this topic focusing on risk factors, classifications, diagnosis and treatment.

Findings

Principal risk factors include surgical techniques and donor's characteristics for biliary leakage and anastomotic biliary strictures and vascular alterations for non- anastomotic biliary strictures. MRCP is the gold standard both for intra- and extrahepatic BCs, while invasive cholangiography should be restricted for therapeutic uses or when MRCP is equivocal. About treatment, endoscopic techniques are the first line of treatment with success rates of 70-100%. The combined success rate of ERCP and PTBD overcome 90% of cases. Biliary leaks often resolve spontaneously, or with the positioning of a stent in ERCP for major bile leaks.

Conclusions and Relevance

BCs influence morbidity and mortality after LT, therefore further evidences are needed to identify novel possible risk factors, to understand if an immunological status that could lead to their development exists and to compare the effectiveness of innovative surgical and machine perfusion techniques.

Technical review of a single-center experience of biliary recanalization for liver transplantation-related benign biliary stricture

Purpose

To review a single-center experience of percutaneous biliary recanalization for liver transplantation-related benign biliary stricture, particularly focusing on the technical aspect

Method

Twenty-three recipients of liver transplantation (LT) with 27 benign biliary strictures underwent percutaneous recanalization using a step-by-step technique from June 2017 to March 2020. The step-by-step technique includes a hairy wire or an usual 0.035-inch wire passage, a coaxial system, supporting catheters of various shapes and wires, and an extraluminal passage. The success rate of percutaneous biliary recanalization, degree of stricture, interval between LT and biliary recanalization, procedure time, number of sessions, and recanalization techniques were analyzed.

Results

Among the 27 lesions, 26 (96 %) were successfully recanalized using a percutaneous approach without major complications. Of the 27 lesions, 8 were complete obstructions and 19 were partial obstructions. Consequently, the average interval between LT and biliary recanalization was 28.8 ± 42.7 months (range, 2–192 months). The average procedure time was 50 ± 65 min (range, 8–345 min). The average number of sessions was 1.4 ± 1 (range, 1–6). The case distribution for the used recanalization techniques was as follows: twelve cases utilized step 1, 10 utilized step 2, 4 utilized step 3, and only 1 case utilized step 4. The complete obstruction group required a more advanced technique and spent more recanalization time than the partial obstruction group.

Conclusions

The step-by-step percutaneous biliary recanalization technique had a high success rate without major complications. According to the patient’s biliary anatomy appropriate selection of an angled 5-Fr support catheter and wire is essential in increasing the recanalization success rate.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiologic Management of Biliary Obstruction

Biliary obstruction is a serious condition that can occur in the setting of both benign and malignant pathologies. In the setting of acute cholangitis, biliary decompression can be lifesaving; for patients with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy, untreated obstructive jaundice may lead to biochemical derangements that often preclude continuation of therapy unless biliary decompression is performed (see the ACR Appropriateness Criteria® topic on "Jaundice"). Recommended therapy including percutaneous decompression, endoscopic decompression, and/or surgical decompression is based on the etiology of the obstruction and patient factors including the individual's anatomy. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Imaging post liver transplantation part II: biliary complications

Biliary complications post liver transplantation are a significant source of morbidity and mortality and early recognition is paramount to the long-term success of the liver graft. Part II of this series will focus on liver transplant biliary anatomy, including the blood supply to the biliary system and potential problems if it is interrupted. The imaging rationale for investigating suspected biliary complications, potential pitfalls, and treatment options will be discussed. The various biliary complications will be illustrated using a collection of cases.

Biliary Internal Stents and Biliary Complications in Adult Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Biliary complications in liver transplantation (LT) can cause significant morbidity or even lead to a potential graft loss and patient mortality. Oftentimes biliary internal stents (ISs) are used at the time of LT to lower the risk for or prevent these biliary complications; however, their efficacy and outcomes remain controversial.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on all of the adult patients who underwent a deceased-donor LT (DDLT) with an end-to-end choledococholedocostomy. An IS was placed across the biliary anastomosis, passing through the ampulla. We compared the demographic profiles and various outcomes between the 2 groups (no-IS group vs IS group) and examined risk factors associated with anastomotic biliary complications.

RESULTS

The study comprised 350 patients in the no-IS group and 132 patients in the IS group. Anastomotic biliary fistula (ABF) occurred in 5 (1.4%) and 1 (0.8%) patients in the no-IS group and the IS group, respectively (P = .55). Anastomotic biliary stricture (ABS) occurred in 53 (15.1%) and 18 (13.6%) patients, respectively (P = .68). No significant difference was found in the overall biliary complications between the 2 groups (P = .33). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, acute rejection was the only risk factor for ABS (P = .02). One biliary complication-induced mortality occurred in the no-IS group in which the patient died of an ABF-induced hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm rupture.

CONCLUSION

The use of biliary ISs in DDLT did not reduce the overall risk for biliary complications, but more research is needed to draw definite conclusions.

Is Surgery Necessary? Endoscopic Management of Post-transplant Biliary Complications in the Modern Era

BACKGROUND

Biliary complications are common following liver transplantation (LT) and traditionally managed with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. However, endoscopic management has largely supplanted surgical revision in the modern era. Herein, we evaluate our experience with the management of biliary complications following LT.

METHODS

All LTs from January 2013 to June 2018 at a single institution were reviewed. Patients with biliary bypass prior to, or at LT, were excluded. Patients were grouped by biliary complication of an isolated stricture, isolated leak, or concomitant stricture and leak (stricture/leak).

RESULTS

A total of 462 grafts were transplanted into 449 patients. Ninety-five (21%) patients had post-transplant biliary complications, including 56 (59%) strictures, 28 (29%) leaks, and 11 (12%) stricture/leaks. Consequently, the overall stricture, leak, and stricture/leak rates were 12%, 6%, and 2%, respectively. Endoscopic management was pursued for all stricture and stricture/leak patients, as well as 75% of leak patients, reserving early surgery only for those patients with an uncontrolled leak and evidence of biliary peritonitis. Endoscopic management was successful in the majority of patients (stricture 94%, leak 90%, stricture/leak 90%). Only six patients (5.6%) received additional interventions-two required percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography catheters, three underwent surgical revision, and one was re-transplanted.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic management of post-transplant biliary complications resulted in long-term resolution without increased morbidity, mortality, or graft failure. Successful endoscopic treatment requires collaboration with a skilled endoscopist. Moreover, multidisciplinary transplant teams must develop treatment protocols based on the local availability and expertise at their center.

Impact of Blood Loss and Intraoperative Blood Transfusion During Liver Transplantation on the Incidence of Early Biliary Complications and Mortality

Biliary complications are one of the most serious and dangerous complications following liver transplantation. Factors that may determine their occurrence are still being assessed. The retrospective analysis of 239 consecutive liver transplantations (LT) performed between January 2013 and December 2018 was conducted in compliance with the Helsinki Congress and the Istanbul Declaration. We divided recipients into 2 groups depending on whether biliary complications occurred. The first (biliary complication [BC group]) consisted of patients who developed biliary complications (n = 41) and the second (nonbiliary complications [NBC group]) without them (n = 198). Demographic and statistical data analysis showed no differences between the groups in terms of age, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease with sodium serum concentration (MELD-Na) score, and average cold or warm ischemia time. In comparison, estimated intraoperative blood loss, 1341 mL in the NBC and 1399 mL in the BC, was not significantly different, as were the number of transfused red blood cells (RBC) units, which were respectively 1.7 and 2.1 (P = ns). The recipients' hemoglobin levels just before surgery were (11.5 g/dL vs 11.6 g/dL; P = ns) and after transplantation (9.8 g/dL vs 9.8 g/dL; P = ns). Eleven patients died within 30 days of transplantation. This group was characterized by a higher MELD-Na score (25 vs 17; P = .01), lower pretransplant hemoglobin level (10 g/dL vs 11.6 g/dL; P = .02), and the number of transfused RBC units (3.3 vs 1.7; P = .01). However, there was no correlation between intraoperative blood loss, the number of transfused RBC units, pre- and postoperative hemoglobin levels, and the incidence of biliary complications after LT. Lower pretransplant hemoglobin levels and a higher amount of intraoperatively transfused blood products were associated with a higher fatality rate after LT.

Tacrolimus and Indomethacin Are Safe and Effective at Reducing Pancreatitis After Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients Who Have Undergone Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Biliary complications occur in up to 25% of patient following liver transplantation and are often managed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Pancreatitis is the most common adverse event after ERCP (PEP). Tacrolimus and rectal indomethacin have each been reported to reduce risk of PEP. We investigated the incidence of PEP in patients who have undergone ERCP after liver transplantation and the effectiveness of tacrolimus and/or indomethacin in reducing risk of PEP.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of 337 patients who underwent ERCP (n = 937 procedures) for biliary complications after liver transplantation from June 1, 2007 through December 1, 2015. After June 1, 2012, rectal indomethacin (100 mg) was routinely administered at the conclusion of the ERCP unless patients had contraindications. Indomethacin was given after 286 ERCP procedures. After excluding patients with acute/chronic rejection, 323 patients were maintained on a stable dose of tacrolimus prior to ERCP (901 procedures). We collected data on demographic and clinical variables, pre-procedural tacrolimus trough levels, and development of PEP. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the association between tacrolimus and indomethacin use and risk of PEP using mixed-effects multivariable logistic regression. The primary outcome was development of PEP; secondary outcomes included the development moderate-to-severe PEP, cholangitis and bleeding.

RESULTS

PEP occurred after 2.2% of ERCP procedures. A trough level of tacrolimus above 2.5 ng/mL was associated with 79% lower odds of PEP (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.72; P = .01). Indomethacin was associated with a 91% reduction in risk of PEP (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-0.85; P = .03). Indomethacin use did not affect rates of bleeding or cholangitis or decrease in glomerular filtration rate. In patients with trough levels of tacrolimus above 2.5 ng/mL, addition of indomethacin reduced the odds of PEP by 93% compared with patients who were unexposed to indomethacin. (OR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01-0.90; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

In a retrospective study of patients who underwent ERCP for biliary complications after liver transplantation, we found trough levels of tacrolimus above 2.5 ng/mL to significantly reduce risk for PEP. Rectal administration of indomethacin after ERCP significantly decreased rates of pancreatitis, and reduced risk further in patients given tacrolimus. Administration of both drugs prevented patients from developing moderate or severe pancreatitis. Indomethacin did not worsen renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Autologous Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Introduced by Biliary Stents or Local Immersion in Porcine Bile Duct Anastomoses

Biliary complications (strictures and leaks) represent major limitations in living donor liver transplantation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising modality to prevent biliary complications because of immunosuppressive and angiogenic properties. Our goal was to evaluate the safety of adipose-derived MSC delivery to biliary anastomoses in a porcine model. Secondary objectives were defining the optimal method of delivery (intraluminal versus extraluminal) and to investigate MSC engraftment, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. Pigs were divided into 3 groups. Animals underwent adipose collection, MSC isolation, and expansion. Two weeks later, animals underwent bile duct transection, reanastomosis, and stent insertion. Group 1 received plastic stents wrapped in unseeded Vicryl mesh. Group 2 received stents wrapped in MSC-seeded mesh. Group 3 received unwrapped stents with the anastomosis immersed in an MSC suspension. Animals were killed 1 month after stent insertion when cholangiograms and biliary tissue were obtained. Serum was collected for liver biochemistries. Tissue was used for hematoxylin-eosin and trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry for MSC markers (CD44 and CD34) and for a marker of neoangiogenesis (CD31). There were no intraoperative complications. One pig died on postoperative day 3 due to acute cholangitis. All others recovered without complications. Cholangiography demonstrated no biliary leaks and minimal luminal narrowing. Surviving animals exhibited no symptoms, abnormal liver biochemistries, or clinically significant biliary stricturing. Group 3 showed significantly greater CD44 and CD34 staining, indicating MSC engraftment. Fibrosis was reduced at the anastomotic site in group 3 based on trichrome stain. CD31 staining of group 3 was more pronounced, supporting enhanced neoangiogenesis. In conclusion, adipose-derived MSCs were safely applied to biliary anastomoses. MSCs were locally engrafted within the bile duct and may have beneficial effects in terms of fibrosis and angiogenesis.

Cholangiolithiasis postliver transplantation: Successful treatment utilizing percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy and laser lithotripsy

Liver transplant is a risk factor for the development of cholangiolithiasis and choledocholithiasis. While usually addressed by endoscopic techniques, percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy combined with laser lithotripsy can be considered a suitable alternative option in select patients.

A 29-year-old male with a 27-year history of liver transplant presented with new onset of persistent pain localized to the lower abdomen 9 days after a liver biopsy. Abdominal CT scan and MRCP showed large calculi expanding intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts. All intrahepatic ductal calculi were removed after 2 sessions of laser lithotripsy and basket retrieval, while common hepatic duct calculi were anterogradely swept into the jejunum after balloon cholangioplasty of the hepaticojejunal anastomosis. No major procedure-related complications were seen.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy and choledochoscopy with laser lithotripsy is a minimally invasive and efficient technique for removal of intra- and extrahepatic bile duct stones postliver transplantation.

Management of Hemodynamic Collapse After Liver Transplantation From Native Bile Duct Stump Hemorrhage with Gelfoam

Spontaneous hemobilia is a rare complication after liver transplantation and is largely secondary to the formation of an arteriobiliary fistula, which is generally treated by vascular interventional radiology embolization. We present a case of hemorrhagic shock secondary to arterial hemorrhage at an oversewn bile duct stump after liver transplantation, which failed vascular interventional radiology embolization, and was subsequently controlled using an endoscopic application of a gelatin sponge slurry (Gelfoam). We present this unique approach and review the history of this surgical and interventional hemostasis tool that has not been previously described for endoscopic use.

Cost Effectiveness of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance After a Sustained Virologic Response to Therapy in Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Advanced Fibrosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis increases the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). After a sustained virologic response (SVR) to anti-HCV therapy, the risk of HCC is reduced but not eliminated. Recent developments in antiviral therapy have increased rates of SVR markedly. Guidelines recommend indefinite biannual ultrasound surveillance after SVR for patients with advanced fibrosis before treatment. Surveillance for HCC is cost effective before anti-HCV treatment; we investigated whether it remains so after SVR.

METHODS

We developed a Markov model to evaluate the cost effectiveness of biannual or annual HCC ultrasound surveillance vs no surveillance in 50-year-old patients with advanced fibrosis after an SVR to anti-HCV therapy. Parameter values were obtained from publications and expert opinions. Primary outcomes were quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), costs, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).

RESULTS

With a constant 0.5% annual incidence of HCC, biannual and annual surveillance resulted in ICERs of $106,792 and $72,105 per QALY, respectively, with high false-positive rates. When surveillance was limited to patients with cirrhosis, but not F3 fibrosis, biannual surveillance likely was cost effective, with ICERs of $48,729 and $43,229 per QALY after treatment with interferon and direct-acting antiviral agents, respectively. In patients with F3 fibrosis, the incidence of HCC was 0.3% to 0.4% per year, leading to an ICER of $188,157 per QALY for biannual surveillance. If HCC incidence increases with age, surveillance becomes more cost effective but remains below willingness-to-pay thresholds only for patients with cirrhosis or with pretreatment aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index greater than 2.0 or FIB-4 measurements greater than 3.25. Sensitivity analyses identified HCC incidence and transition rate to symptomatic disease without surveillance as factors that affect cost effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

In a Markov model, we found HCC surveillance after an SVR to HCV treatment to be cost effective for patients with cirrhosis, but not for patients with F3 fibrosis.

Biliary Stones After Brain Dead Liver Transplantation Today: Rates, Risk Factors, Treatments, and Outcomes

AIMS

Our aim was to review the rate of biliary duct stones (BDS) after liver transplantation (LT), risk factors, and treatments, and to identify predictive factors for their onset.

METHODS

LTs performed in our center from 2004 to 2014 were studied. Risk factors for the onset of BDS were identified using univariable Cox's proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Three hundred and sixty-four grafts with 317 duct-to-duct end-to-end biliary anastomosis on a T-tube and 47 hepaticojejunal anastomosis (HJ) were analyzed. BDS were identified in 13 of 364 (3.5%) grafts, including 10 duct-to-duct end-to-end biliary anastomosis on a T-tube grafts (3.2%) and 3 HJ grafts (6.4%). Predictive factors for BDS were biliary strictures (hazard ratio [HR] 9.94; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 3.25-30.4), bilirubin (HR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.06, for 1 unit increase), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (HR 1.07; 95% CI 1.01-1.14, for 1 unit increase), surgery time (HR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.08, for 10-minute increase), hepatocellular disease (HR 8.3; 95% CI 1.09-64.0), hepatic artery thrombosis (HR 6.71; 95% CI 1.47-30.6), and retransplantation (HR 3.69; 95% CI 1.02-13.43). Among 51 grafts (14%) with biliary strictures, female sex was identified as a risk factor for BDS (HR 5.19; 95% CI 1.29-20.98). Multimodality treatment of BDS was often successful but open surgery was still needed in 23% of them. One-, 5-, and 10-year graft survival was not influenced by the onset of BDS.

CONCLUSION

Main predictive factor for BDS in liver grafts is biliary stricture. Recipient's age and body mass index failed to show any statistical importance. In grafts with biliary strictures, female sex is the main risk factor for BDS. In the absence of biliary strictures, hepatic artery thrombosis lead to an increase in the risk of BDS. Multimodality treatment of BDS is often successful. BDS do not influence outcome.

Endoscopic Management of Biliary Issues in the Liver Transplant Patient

Biliary complications remain a common problem after liver transplantation (LT). The therapeutic endoscopist encounters a variety of situations in LT including strictures at the duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis, strictures elsewhere in the biliary tree caused by an ischemic injury, and bile leaks at the anastomosis or from the cut surface and stone disease. Biliary complications lead to significant morbidity and occasionally reduced graft and patient survival. Several factors increase the risk of strictures and leaks. Endoscopic intervention in experienced hands is successful in the management of biliary complications following LT and percutaneous or surgical correction should seldom be required.

VI consensus document by the Spanish Liver Transplantation Society

The goal of the Spanish Liver Transplantation Society (La Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático) is to promote and create consensus documents about current topics in liver transplantation with a multidisciplinary approach. To this end, on October 20, 2016, the 6th Consensus Document Meeting was held, with the participation of experts from the 24 authorized Spanish liver transplantation programs. This Edition discusses the following subjects, whose summary is offered below: 1) limits of simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation; 2) limits of elective liver re-transplantation; and 3) liver transplantation after resection and hepatocellular carcinoma with factors for a poor prognosis. The consensus conclusions for each of these topics is provided below.

Hepaticojejunostomy in Orthotopic Liver Transplant: A Retrospective Case Control Study

The reported biliary morbidity rate for deceased donor full-size orthotopic liver transplantation is up to 30%. The technique used may be influenced by multiple factors, and in some situations, biliary reconstruction must be carried out through Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. The aim of our study was to determine the results of the orthotopic liver transplantation according to the technique used in the biliary reconstruction. A retrospective study was performed with the first 1000 orthotopic liver transplants (951 patients) carried out consecutively (1996-2013) with follow-up until 2017. A matched case-control study was designed in 1:3 ratio (47/136) to compare the reconstruction by hepaticojejunostomy vs the end-to-end coledoco-coledocostomy. Hepaticojejunostomy was associated with patients with cholestatic (44.7% vs 3.7%) and ischemic disease (14.9% vs 0%; P < .001) and previous transplant (29.8% vs 1.5%; P = .003). The mean biliary duct reconstruction, surgery, and cold ischemia times were also higher. Vascular complications were significantly more frequent in the hepaticojejunostomy group (36.1% vs 10.4%; P < .001), mainly because of differences in early arterial complications. Nevertheless, there were no differences in the total biliary complication (21.2% vs 16.9%; P = .5). The biliary leakage rate and the biliary stricture rate were also similar. Hepaticojejunostomy in orthotopic liver transplantation presented longer biliary reconstruction, surgery, and cold ischemia times when compared with end-to-end coledoco-coledocostomy. In addition, it was followed by a higher incidence of arterial complications but had similar biliary complication rate and graft survival. Differences could be explained by the fact that hepaticojejunostomy was used more often in cholestatic or ischemic diseases and in retransplant procedures.

Vascular and Biliary Complications Following Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess biliary and vascular complications after liver transplantations (LTs) sourced from deceased donors.

METHODS

This study reviewed potentially relevant English-language articles gathered from PubMed and Medline published from 2012 to 2017. One additional study was carried out using our institution's database for articles published from 2013 to 2017. Biliary and vascular complications from adult patients receiving their first deceased-donor LT were included. This meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.2 (Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark) and the study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

Ten studies met our inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity in donation after cardiac death (DCD) and donation after brain death (DBD) recipients was observed and minimized after pooling a subgroup analysis. This latter analysis focused on biliary stricture, biliary leaks and stones, and vascular thrombosis and stenosis. Meta-analyses showed that patients receiving DCD organs have a greatly increased risk of biliary complications compared to those receiving DBD organs, particularly the following: biliary leaks and stones (odds ratio [OR] = 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22-2.34); and biliary stricture (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.21-2.06). DCD grafts tended to be but were not significantly associated with DBD regarding vascular thrombosis (OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.05-2.50), and the risk of vascular stenosis in DCD grafts was not statistically significant (OR = 1.25, 95% CI, .70-2.25).

CONCLUSION

DCD was associated with an increased risk of biliary complications after LT, tended to indicate an increased risk of vascular thrombosis versus, and was not associated with an increased risk of vascular stenosis compared to DBD. There was no significant difference between the grafts.

Effects of perioperative fluid management on postoperative outcomes in liver transplantation: a systematic review protocol

BACKGROUND

Liver transplant recipients suffer many complications, but few intraoperative interventions supported by high-quality evidence have been found effective to reduce their incidence or severity. Fluid balance has been proposed as an important aspect of perioperative care in high-risk recipients. We will conduct a systematic review aimed at evaluating the effects of restrictive perioperative fluid management strategies compared to liberal ones on clinically significant postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

We will search through major databases (CINAHL Complete, EMB Reviews, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and the gray literature (CADTH, Clinical Trials, National Guideline Clearing House, NICE, MedNar, Google Scholar and Open Grey)), from inception up to a date close to the review submission for publication, for eligible studies. Randomized controlled trials and comparative non-randomized studies (prospective or retrospective) comparing two fluid management strategies (or two outcomes with available data on fluid volume received for observational studies) on adult liver recipients will be included. Eligible studies will have to report at least one postoperative complication or mortality. Our primary outcome will be acute renal failure and our secondary exploratory outcomes will be all other postoperative complications and mortality. Study selection and data abstraction using an electronic standardized form will be performed by three authors. Risk of bias will be evaluated and data will be pooled if limited clinical diversity is observed.

DISCUSSION

Human organs available for transplantation are scarce resources. Strategies to improve recipients' survival are needed. We hypothesize that restrictive fluid management strategies will be associated with better postoperative outcomes than liberal fluid management strategies. This systematic review will improve our understanding of the available evidence and help us better inform future clinical trials.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

This systematic review protocol is registered in PROSPERO ( CRD42017054970 ).

Eversion Bile Duct Anastomosis: A Safe Alternative for Bile Duct Size Discrepancy in Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation

Bile duct size discrepancy in liver transplantation may increase the risk of biliary complications (BCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and outcomes of the eversion bile duct anastomosis technique in deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) with duct-to-duct anastomosis. A total of 210 patients who received a DDLT with duct-to-duct anastomosis from 2012 to 2017 were divided into 2 groups: those who had eversion bile duct anastomosis (n = 70) and those who had standard bile duct anastomosis (n = 140). BC rates were compared between the 2 groups. There was no difference in the cumulative incidence of biliary strictures (P = 0.20) and leaks (P = 0.17) between the 2 groups. The BC rate in the eversion group was 14.3% and 11.4% in the standard anastomosis group. All the BCs in the eversion group were managed with endoscopic stenting. A severe size mismatch (≥3:1 ratio) was associated with a significantly higher incidence of biliary strictures (44.4%) compared with a 2:1 ratio (8.2%; P = 0.002). In conclusion, the use of the eversion technique is a safe alternative for bile duct discrepancy in DDLT. However, severe bile duct size mismatch may be a risk factor for biliary strictures with such a technique.

Effect of heme oxygenase-1 on the protection of ischemia reperfusion injury of bile duct in rats after liver transplantation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) on the ischemic reperfusion injury (IRI) of bile duct in rat models after liver transplantation.

METHODS

320 SD rats were equally and randomly divided into 5 groups, which were group A receiving injection of 3×10⁸/pfu/ml adenovirus (adv), group B with donor receiving Adv-HO-1 and recipient receiving Adv-HO-1-siRNA, group C with donor and recipient both receiving Adv-HO-1, group D with donor receiving Adv-HO-1-siRNA and recipient receiving Adv-HO-1, and group E with donor and recipient both receiving Adv-HO-1-siRNA at 24h before liver transplantation. Donor liver was stored in UW liquid at 4°C followed by measuring HO-1 level by western blot before transplantation. On d1, d3, d7 and d14, serum and liver was isolated for analysis of liver function, inflammatory cell infiltration by H&E staining, ultrastructure of liver by transmission electron microscopy as well as the expression of HO-1, Bsep, Mrp2 and Ntcp by western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with group D and E, group B and C displayed improved liver function as demonstrated by lower level of ALT, AST, LDH, TBIL, ALP and GGT, increased secretion of TBA and PL as well as expression of transporter proteins (Bsep, Mrp2 and Ntcp), reduced inflammatory cells infiltration and liver injury.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that overexpression of HO-1 in donor liver can ameliorate the damage to bile duct and liver, and improved liver function, suggesting HO-1 might be a new therapeutic target in the treatment of IRI after liver transplantation.

VI consensus document by the Spanish Liver Transplantation Society

The goal of the Spanish Liver Transplantation Society (La Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático) is to promote and create consensus documents about current topics in liver transplantation with a multidisciplinary approach. To this end, on October 20, 2016, the 6th Consensus Document Meeting was held, with the participation of experts from the 24 authorized Spanish liver transplantation programs. This Edition discusses the following subjects, whose summary is offered below: 1) limits of simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation; 2) limits of elective liver re-transplantation; and 3) liver transplantation after resection and hepatocellular carcinoma with factors for a poor prognosis. The consensus conclusions for each of these topics is provided below.

Minimally invasive treatment of intrahepatic cholangiolithiasis after stricture of hepaticojejunal anastomosis

The aim of the study was to improve the results of treatment of patients with intrahepatic cholangiolithiasis for hepaticojejunostomy stricture with use of miniinvasive methods. In our centre during the period from 2002 till 2016 were treated in 58 patients with hepaticojejunostomy strictures. Thirteen patients from their was coexistant intrahepatic cholangiolithiasis. Forty-six (79.3%) patients was performed rehepaticojejunostomy. Twelve patients was performed a minimally invasive intervention such as laser recanalisation using double balloon enteroscopy (7 patients) and lithoextraction with double balloon enteroscopy (1), transhepatic cholangioscopy (2 patients) with laser lithotripsy (1), balloon dilatation of the stricture rehepaticojejunostomosis (4), lithoextraction (4), including with double balloon enteroscopy ("randevoux" procedure) (1), stenting (2). We observed several complication such as cholangitis (5); recurrent cholangiolithiasis (1); restricture of rehepaticojejunostomosis (2). Miniinvasive endoscopic techniques treatment and endobiliary correction of rehepaticojejunostomosis strictures and cholangiolithiasis have shown good results.

Patient and Graft Survival: Biliary Complications after Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Biliary complications (BCs) affect up to to 34% of liver transplant recipients and are a major source of morbidity and cost. This is a 13-year review of BCs after liver transplantation (LT) at a tertiary care center.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a single-center retrospective review of our prospective database to assess BCs in adult (aged 18 years or older) liver transplant recipients during a 13-year period (2002 to 2014). Biliary complications were divided into 3 subgroups: leak alone (L), stricture alone (S), and both leak and strictures (LS). Controls (no BCs) were used for comparison.

RESULTS

There were 1,041 adult LTs performed during the study period; BCs developed in 239 (23%) of these patients: 55 (23%) L, 148 (62%) S, and 36 (15%) LS. One hundred and two (43%) were early (less than 30 d). Surgical revision was required in 42 cases (17%) (30 L, 10 LS, and 2 S), while the remaining 197 (83%) were managed nonsurgically (25 L, 26 LS, and 146 S), with a mean of 4.2 interventions/patient. One-, 3-, and 5-year overall patient and graft survival was significantly reduced in patients with bile leaks (84%, 71%, and 68% and 76%, 67%, and 64%, respectively) compared with controls (90%, 84%, and 78% and 88%, 81%, and 76%, respectively [p < 0.05]). Patients with BCs had higher incidence of cholestatic liver disease, higher pre-LT bilirubin, higher use of T-tubes, higher use of donor after cardiac death grafts, and higher rates of acute rejection (p < 0.05). Patients with BCs had longer ICU and hospital stays and higher rates of 30- and 90-day readmissions (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis identified cholestatic liver disease, Roux-en-Y anastomosis, donor risk index >2, and T-tubes as independent BC predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

Biliary complications after LT can significantly decrease patient and graft survival rates. Careful donor and recipient selection and attention to anastomotic technique can reduce BCs and improve outcomes.

Peritoneal and pleural fluids may appear hyperintense on hepatobiliary phase using hepatobiliary MR contrast agents

AIM

To describe the effect of hepatobiliary-specific MR imaging contrast agent (HBCA) administration on the signal intensity of peritoneal and pleural fluid effusions on T1-weighted MR images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From October 2015 to May 2016 139 patients (mean 60±10 years old, 69 % males) with peritoneal or pleural effusions without biliary leakage who underwent HBCA-MRI (Gd-BOPTA or Gd-EOB-DTPA) at 1.5T and 3T were included from two centres. The fluid signal intensity was classified as hypo/iso/hyperintense before/after HBCA administration. The relative signal enhancement (RE) was calculated.

RESULTS

On hepatobiliary phase (HBP), peritoneal fluids appeared hyper/isointense in 88-100 % and pleural effusions in 100 % of the patients following Gd-BOPTA administration. All fluids remained hypointense following Gd-EOB-DTPA. The signal intensity of fluids increased with both HBCA but RE was significantly higher following Gd-BOPTA (p=0.002 to <0.001). RE was correlated with HBP acquisition time-point (r=0.42, p<0.001 and r=0.50, p=0.033 for peritoneal and pleural fluids).

CONCLUSION

The signal intensity of pleural and peritoneal fluids progressively increases following HBCA administration in the absence of biliary leakage. Due to its later hepatobiliary phase, this is more pronounced after Gd-BOPTA injection, leading to fluid hyperintensity that is not observed after Gd-EOB-DTPA injection.

KEY POINTS

• Fluids appear hyper/isointense on HBP in most patients after Gd-BOPTA injection. • Fluids remain hypointense on HBP after Gd-EOB-DTPA injection. • RE of fluids increases with time after liver-specific Gd injection. • RE of fluids is higher in patients with chronic liver disease.

One Hundred Consecutive Liver Transplants Using Institutes Georges Lopez-1 Preservation Solution: Outcomes and Prognostic Factors

BACKGROUND

There are only 4 prior studies reporting on outcomes of liver transplantation (LT) using Institutes Georges Lopez-1 (IGL-1) preservation solution. Detection of negative predictors of LT using IGL-1 may help finding strategies to protect selected recipients at higher risk of graft failure and death.

METHODS

Review of all consecutive adult patients who underwent a first whole-graft LT using IGL-1 at authors' institution from 2013 to 2016. Primary end point was graft failure within the first 90 postoperative days (PODs). Graft losses due to any cause (including all deaths with a functioning graft) were recorded as graft failures.

RESULTS

Of all 100 patients included in this study, 37 were women; median age was 58 years (range 18-71). There were 12 graft losses during the first 90 PODs (including 3 cases of primary nonfunction of the liver allograft), and 10 of the 12 graft losses occurred on first 30 PODs. All 12 patients who experienced graft loss (including 1 patient who underwent liver retransplantation) died within the first 90 PODs. Of the total 100 patients, 14 experienced biliary complications. Univariate analysis revealed prolonged warm ischemic time (WIT) as the only predictor of 90-day graft failure (odds ratio = 23.5, confidence interval = 1.29-430.18, P = .03). The cutoff by receiver operating characteristic curve for WIT was 38 minutes (area under the curve = 0.70). Positive predictive value for WIT >38 minutes was 94.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

LT using IGL-1 can be performed safely. Similar to prior reports on LT using other preservation solutions, prolonged WIT was associated with adverse outcomes.

Characteristics of fecal microbial communities in patients with non-anastomotic biliary strictures after liver transplantation

AIM

To explore the possible relationship between fecal microbial communities and non-anastomotic stricture (NAS) after liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

A total of 30 subjects including 10 patients with NAS, 10 patients with no complications after LT, and 10 non-LT healthy individuals were enrolled. Fecal microbial communities were assessed by the 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology.

RESULTS

Different from the uncomplicated and healthy groups, unbalanced fecal bacterium ratio existed in patients with NAS after LT. The results showed that NAS patients were associated with a decrease of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes and an increase of Proteobacteria at the phylum level, with the proportion-ratio imbalance between potential pathogenic families including Enterococcaceae, Streptococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae and dominant families including Bacteroidaceae.

CONCLUSION

The compositional shifts of the increase of potential pathogenic bacteria as well as the decrease of dominant bacteria might contribute to the incidence of NAS.

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.

Efficacy of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in the Treatment of Biliary Complications following Liver Transplant: 10 Years of a Single-Centre Experience

Background and Aims

Biliary tract complications following liver transplant remain an important source of morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become a common therapeutic option before other invasive procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate ERCP efficacy in managing this type of complications.

Methods

Retrospective study of all patients who underwent therapeutic ERCP due to post-liver transplant biliary complications between September 2005 and September 2015, at a deceased donor liver transplantation centre.

Results

Therapeutic ERCP was performed in 120 patients (64% men; mean age 46 ± 14 years). Biliary complications were anastomotic strictures (AS) in 70%, non-anastomotic strictures (NAS) in 14%, bile leaks (BL) in 5.8%, and bile duct stones (BDS) in 32%. The mean time between liver transplant and first ERCP was: 19 ± 30 months in AS, 17 ± 30 months in NAS, 61 ± 28 months in BDS, and 0.7 ± 0.6 months in BL (p < 0.001). The number of ERCP performed per patient was: 3.8 ± 2.4 in AS, 3.8 ± 2.1 in NAS, 1.9 ± 1 in BDS, and 1.9 ± 0.5 in BL (p = 0.003). The duration of the treatment was: 18 ± 19 months in AS, 21 ± 17 months in NAS, 10 ± 10 months in BDS, and 4 ± 3 months in BL (p = 0.064). Overall, biliary complications were successfully managed by ERCP in 46% of cases, either as an isolated procedure (43%) or rendez-vous ERCP (3%). Per complication, ERCP was effective in 39% of AS, in 12% of NAS, in 91% of BDS, and in 86% of BL. Globally, the mean follow-up of the successful cases was 43 ± 31 months. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and/or surgery were performed in 48% of patients in whom ERCP was unsuccessful. The odds ratio for effective endoscopic treatment was 0.2 for NAS (0.057-0.815), 12.4 for BDS (1.535-100.9), and 6.9 for BL (0.798-58.95). No statistical significance was found for AS (p = 0.247).

Conclusions

ERCP allowed the treatment of biliary complication in about half of patients, avoiding a more invasive procedure. Endoscopic treatment was more effective for BDS and BL.

Prediction of biliary anastomotic stricture after deceased donor liver transplantation: the impact of platelet counts - a retrospective study

Biliary stricture is a common cause of morbidity after liver transplantation (LT). This study aimed to determine the risk factors for post-transplant biliary anastomotic strictures (BAS), focusing on perioperative platelet counts. We enrolled 771 consecutive recipients who underwent ABO-identical/compatible deceased donor LT with duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction from January 2000 to June 2012. BAS was identified in 142 cases. The median time for stricture development was 176 days. Preoperative and postoperative platelet counts within 5 days after LT were significantly lower in patients with BAS than those without BAS. Using cutoff values acquired by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, persistent postoperative thrombocytopenia was defined as platelet counts <41 × 1000/μl and <53 × 1000/μl on postoperative day (POD) 3 and POD 5, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated persistent postoperative thrombocytopenia (OR = 2.38) was the only independent risk factor for BAS. No significant associations were observed in terms of donor and surgical factors. Multivariate analysis demonstrated estimated blood loss (OR = 1.01, per 100 ml) was an independent contributing factor for persistent postoperative thrombocytopenia. We demonstrated low platelet count was associated with progression of post-transplant BAS. Minimizing intraoperative blood loss potentially contributes to maintain post-transplant platelet count, which may reduce incidence of BAS.

Thirteen-Year Evaluation of the Management of Biliary Tract Complication After Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Although patient and graft survival rate has increased in recent years, biliary complications after liver transplantation are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We reviewed the database of 1930 patients who underwent deceased donor liver transplantation between 2000 and 2013. The patients had abnormal results in liver tests, as well as fever and jaundice. Abdominal sonography was performed, and if complication was identified, the patient underwent an interventional procedure by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. If the complication was not resolved by the mentioned procedures, exploration of common bile duct and Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy or revision of Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy was done.

RESULTS

Our study group comprised 105 patients including 66 (63%) men and 39 (37.1%) women with a mean age of 36.7 ± 12.5 years (range: 15-66 years). Among 1930 patients, 105 (5.4%) cases presented with biliary complication after liver transplantation, of which 97 (5%) and 8 (0.4%) cases presented with biliary stricture and bile leak/biloma, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In our study, most patients with biliary complications after liver transplantation responded to interventional procedures, with 37.1% requiring surgical exploration.

Refractory anastomotic bile leaks after orthotopic liver transplantation are associated with hepatic artery disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Anastomotic bile leaks are common after orthotopic liver transplant (OLT), and standard treatment consists of placement of a biliary endoprosthesis. The objectives of this study were to identify risk factors for refractory anastomotic bile leaks and to determine the morbidity associated with refractory bile leaks after OLT.

METHODS

Consecutive adult patients who underwent ERCP for treatment of post-OLT biliary adverse events between 2009 and 2014 at a high-volume transplant center were retrospectively identified. A refractory leak was defined as a bile leak that persisted after placement of a plastic biliary endoprosthesis and required repeat endoscopic or surgical intervention.

RESULTS

Forty-three subjects met study inclusion criteria. Median age was 57 years, and 36 (84%) subjects were men. Refractory bile leaks were diagnosed in 40% of subjects (17/43). Time-to-event analysis revealed an association between refractory bile leaks and the combined outcome of death, repeat transplant, or surgical biliary revision (hazard ratio, 3.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-11.45; P = .01). Hepatic artery disease was more common with refractory compared with treatment-responsive bile leaks (53% vs 8%, P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Refractory anastomotic bile leaks after liver transplantation are associated with decreased event-free survival. Hepatic artery disease is associated with refractory leaks. Large-scale prospective studies should be performed to define the optimal management of patients at risk for refractory bile leaks.

Biliary complications after liver transplantation; recent developments in etiology, diagnosis and endoscopic treatment

Biliary complications are considered to be the Achilles' heel of liver transplantation. The most common complications are leaks and bile duct strictures. Strictures can arise at the level of the anastomosis (anastomotic strictures; AS) or at other locations in the biliary tree (non-anastomotic strictures; NAS). Endoscopic treatment via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is considered to be the preferred therapy for these complications. This review will focus on the diagnostic modalities, new insights in etiology of biliary complications and outcomes after different endoscopic therapies, in both deceased donor transplantation and living-donor liver transplantations. Advances in recent therapies, such as the use of self-expendable metal stents (SEMS) and endoscopic therapy for patients with a bilio-digestive anastomosis will be discussed.

High MELD score and extended operating time predict prolonged initial ICU stay after liver transplantation and influence the outcome

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study is to determine the incidence of a prolonged (>3 days) initial ICU-stay after liver transplantation (LT) and to identify risk factors for it.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data of adult recipients who underwent deceased donor first-LT at the University Hospital Essen between 11/2003 and 07/2012 and showed a primary graft function.

RESULTS

Of the 374 recipients, 225 (60.16%) had prolonged ICU-stay. On univariate analysis, donor INR, high doses of vasopressors, "rescue-offer" grafts, being hospitalized at transplant, high urgency cases, labMELD, alcoholic cirrhosis, being on renal dialysis and length of surgery were associated with prolonged ICU-stay. After multivariate analysis, only the labMELD and the operation's length were independently correlated with prolonged ICU-stay. Cut-off values for these variables were 19 and 293.5 min, respectively. Hospital stay was longer for patients with a prolonged initial ICU-stay (p<0.001). Survival rates differed significantly between the two groups at 3 months, 1-year and 5-years after LT (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

LabMELD and duration of LT were identified as independent predictors for prolonged ICU-stay after LT. Identification of recipients in need of longer ICU-stay could contribute to a more evidenced-based and cost-effective use of ICU facilities in transplant centers.

PEDIATRIC LIVER TRANSPLANTATION WITH EX-SITU LIVER TRANSECTION AND THE APPLICATION OF THE HUMAN FIBRINOGEN AND THROMBIN SPONGE IN THE WOUND AREA

Background

Surgical strategy to increase the number of liver transplants in the pediatric population is the ex-situ liver transection (reduction or split). However, it is associated with complications such as hemorrhage and leaks. The human fibrinogen and thrombin sponge is useful for improving hemostasis in liver surgery.

Aim

Compare pediatric liver transplants with ex-situ liver transection (reduction or split) with or without the human fibrinogen and thrombin sponge.

Methods

Was performed a prospective analysis of 21 patients submitted to liver transplantation with ex-situ liver transection with the application of the human fibrinogen and thrombin sponge in the wound area (group A) and retrospective analysis of 59 patients without the sponge (group B).

Results

The characteristics of recipients and donors were similar. There were fewer reoperations due to bleeding in the wound area in group A (14.2%) compared to group B (41.7%, p=0.029). There was no difference in relation to the biliary leak (group A: 17.6%, group B: 5.1%, p=0.14).

Conclusion

There was a lower number of reoperations due to bleeding of the wound area of ​​the hepatic graft when the human fibrinogen and thrombin sponge were used.

Coffee consumption protects against progression in liver cirrhosis and increases long-term survival after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic options to treat progression of end-stage liver disease (ESLD) or improve long-term survival after liver transplantation remain scarce. We investigated the impact of coffee consumption under these conditions.

METHODS

We recorded coffee consumption habits of 379 patients with ESLD awaiting liver transplantation and 260 patients after liver transplantation. Survival was analyzed based on coffee intake.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-five patients with ESLD consumed coffee on a daily basis, while 184 patients did not. Actuarial survival was impaired (P = 0.041) in non-coffee drinkers (40.4 ± 4.3 months, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 32.0-48.9) compared with coffee drinkers (54.9 ± 5.5 months, 95% CI: 44.0-65.7). In subgroup analysis, the survival of patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD; P = 0.020) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC; P = 0.017) was increased with coffee intake while unaffected in patients with chronic viral hepatitis (P = 0.517) or other liver disease entities (P = 0.652). Multivariate analysis showed that coffee consumption of PSC and ALD patients retained as an independent risk factor (odds ratio [OR]: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.15-3.28; P = 0.013) along with MELD score (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.09-1.17; P = 0.000). Following liver transplantation, long-term survival was longer in coffee drinkers (coffee: 61.8 ± 2.0 months, 95% CI: 57.9-65.8) than non-drinkers (52.3 ± 3.5 months, 95% CI: 45.4-59.3; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Coffee consumption delayed disease progression in ALD and PSC patients with ESLD and increased long-term survival after liver transplantation. We conclude that regular coffee intake might be recommended for these patients.

Risk factors of biliary intervention by imaging after living donor liver transplantation

AIM: To determine the risk factors of biliary intervention using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 196 patients who underwent right lobe LDLT between 2006 and 2010 at a single liver transplantation center. Direct duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis was performed in all 196 patients. MRCP images routinely taken 1 mo after LDLT were analyzed to identify risk factors for biliary intervention during follow-up, such as retrograde cholangiopancreatography or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. Two experienced radiologists evaluated the MRCP findings, including the anastomosis site angle on three-dimensional images, the length of the filling defect on maximum intensity projection, bile duct dilatation, biliary stricture, and leakage.

RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients underwent biliary intervention during follow-up. The anastomosis site angle [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.48; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.30-0.75, P < 0.001], a filling defect in the anastomosis site (HR = 2.18, 95%CI: 1.41-3.38, P = 0.001), and biliary leakage (HR = 2.52, 95%CI: 1.02-6.20, P = 0.048) on MRCP were identified in the multivariate analysis as significant risk factors for biliary intervention during follow-up. Moreover, a narrower anastomosis site angle (i.e., below the median angle of 113.3°) was associated with earlier biliary intervention (38.5 ± 4.2 mo vs 62. 1 ± 4.1 mo, P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis comparing biliary intervention-free survival according to the anastomosis site angle revealed that lower survival was associated with a narrower anastomosis site angle (36.3% vs 62.0%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The biliary anastomosis site angle in MRCP after LDLT may be associated with the need for biliary intervention.

Management of biliary complications after liver transplantation

Biliary complications (BC) currently represent a major source of morbidity after liver transplantation. Although refinements in surgical technique and medical therapy have had a positive influence on the reduction of postoperative morbidity, BC affect 5% to 25% of transplanted patients. Bile leak and anastomotic strictures represent the most common complications. Nowadays, a multidisciplinary approach is required to manage such complications in order to prevent liver failure and retransplantation.