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Kim MS, Hong SK, Woo HY, Cho JH, Lee JM, Yoon KC, Choi Y, Yi NJ, Lee KW, Suh KS. Optimal Intervention for Initial Treatment of Anastomotic Biliary Complications After Right Lobe Living Donor Liver Transplantation. Transpl Int 2022; 35:10044. [PMID: 35529595 PMCID: PMC9073559 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2022.10044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: This study evaluated endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) as interventions for patients with anastomotic biliary complications (ABC) after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Methods: Prospectively collected data of patients who were diagnosed with ABC after LDLT between January 2013 and June 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: There were 57 patients who underwent LDLT with a right liver graft using duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction and experienced ABC. Among the patients with RAD involvement, there were no significant differences in the intervention success (p = 0.271) and patency rates (p = 0.267) between ERCP and PTBD. Similarly, among the patients with RPD involvement, there were no significant differences in the intervention success (p = 0.148) and patency rates (p = 0.754) between the two procedures. Graft bile duct variation (p = 0.013) and a large angle between the recipient and graft bile duct (R-G angle) (p = 0.012) significantly increased the likelihood of failure of ERCP in the RAD. When the R-G angle was greater than 47.5°, the likelihood of ERCP failure increased. Conclusion: We recommend PTBD when graft bile duct variation is presented in patients with RAD involvement and/or when the R-G angle is greater than 47.5°.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Seob Kim
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Suk Kyun Hong
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hye Young Woo
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Hyung Cho
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Moo Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung Chul Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - YoungRok Choi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Nam-Joon Yi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Woong Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Suk Suh
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Madhusudhan KS, Jineesh V, Keshava SN. Indian College of Radiology and Imaging Evidence-Based Guidelines for Percutaneous Image-Guided Biliary Procedures. Indian J Radiol Imaging 2021; 31:421-440. [PMID: 34556927 PMCID: PMC8448229 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1734222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Percutaneous biliary interventions are among the commonly performed nonvascular radiological interventions. Most common of these interventions is the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for malignant biliary obstruction. Other biliary procedures performed include percutaneous cholecystostomy, biliary stenting, drainage for bile leaks, and various procedures like balloon dilatation, stenting, and large-bore catheter drainage for bilioenteric or post-transplant anastomotic strictures. Although these procedures are being performed for ages, no standard guidelines have been formulated. This article attempts at preparing guidelines for performing various percutaneous image-guided biliary procedures along with discussion on the published evidence in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valakkada Jineesh
- Department of Radiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala, India
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3
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Rao HB, Koshy AK, Priya K, Nair P, Sudhindran S, Venu RP. Endoscopic management of high-grade biliary strictures complicating living donor liver transplantation using soehendra stent retrievers. Scand J Gastroenterol 2021; 56:1103-1108. [PMID: 34242116 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2021.1944300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biliary strictures following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) are usually managed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) with stricture dilation and stent placement. While current endoscopic techniques are successful in most cases, high-grade biliary strictures (HGBS) pose a challenge using currently employed techniques which have a low rate of technical success. AIMS In this study, we have explored the safety and efficacy of Soehendra stent retrievers (SSR) for the dilation of HGBS complicating LDLT. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study where all patients with anastomotic biliary strictures following LDLT from January 2016 till February 2018 were included. Patients with HGBS defined as the exclusive passage of 0.018-inch guidewire, were included in Group 1. In these patients, 5 Fr Soehendra stent retrievers were used to dilate HGBS over guidewire, using torsional movements. Technical success, safety and clinical response was compared with patients who required Per-cutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) with rendezvous procedure due to a failed ERC, before the commencement of the study (Group 2). RESULTS Ten patients with HGBS were included into Group 1. Technical success defined as successful placement of a biliary stent across the stricture was achieved in all the patients in group 1. Favorable response to endotherapy was higher in group 1(8/10 patients (80%)) as compared to group 2(6/14 patients (42.8%)). There were no post procedure complications in patients of group 1, while 3 patients developed cholangitis in group 2. CONCLUSIONS HGBS can be successfully treated with SSR for stricture dilation. It is safe with no significant complications and requires fewer procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshavardhan B Rao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India
| | - Anoop K Koshy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India
| | - Krishna Priya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India
| | - Priya Nair
- Department of Gastroenterology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India
| | - S Sudhindran
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India
| | - Rama P Venu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India
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Magro B, Tacelli M, Mazzola A, Conti F, Celsa C. Biliary complications after liver transplantation: current perspectives and future strategies. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2021; 10:76-92. [PMID: 33575291 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn.2019.09.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Magro
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpétrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Matteo Tacelli
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mazzola
- Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpétrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Filomena Conti
- Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpétrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Ciro Celsa
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Fairchild AH, Hohenwalter EJ, Gipson MG, Al-Refaie WB, Braun AR, Cash BD, Kim CY, Pinchot JW, Scheidt MJ, Schramm K, Sella DM, Weiss CR, Lorenz JM. ACR Appropriateness Criteria ® Radiologic Management of Biliary Obstruction. J Am Coll Radiol 2020; 16:S196-S213. [PMID: 31054746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2019.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eric J Hohenwalter
- Panel Chair, Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | | | - Waddah B Al-Refaie
- Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia; American College of Surgeons
| | - Aaron R Braun
- St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Brooks D Cash
- University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas; American Gastroenterological Association
| | - Charles Y Kim
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Matthew J Scheidt
- Central Illinois Radiological Associates, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, Illinois
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Mukund A, Choudhury A, Das S, Pamecha V, Sarin SK. Salvage PTBD in post living donor liver transplant patients with biliary complications-a single centre retrospective study. Br J Radiol 2020; 93:20191046. [PMID: 31971831 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20191046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the outcome of salvage percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) in complex and technically challenging post-liver transplant (LT) biliary complications and analyse the reason for failure of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS AND MATERIALS Hospital data were searched for all LT patients with biliary complications requiring salvage PTBD (upon failure of ERCP) from January 2010 to May 2017. Patients who underwent primary PTBD were excluded. Patients clinical and biochemical parameters were analysed for clinical, biochemical and imaging response, stent-free survival and the reason for ERCP failure. RESULTS Salvage PTBD was performed in 32 patients with post-LT biliary stricture/bile leak presenting with deranged liver function in 12 (37.5%), cholangitis in 12 (37.5%) and cholangitis with cholangitic abscess in remaining 8 (25%) patients. Of 32 patients, 20 (62.5%) already had plastic biliary stent placed by ERCP, while in remaining (n = 12, 37.5%) a wire could not be negotiated across stricture by ERCP. These patients were found to have long/tortuous stricture (n = 18, 56.3%) and multiple duct disconnection at anastomosis (n = 14, 43.7%). Immediate as well as sustained (persisting for a year or more) clinical and biochemical improvement was seen in 26 (81.3%) patients, while failure of resolution of sepsis and death occurred in remaining 6 (18.8%). CONCLUSION Salvage PTBD is an effective treatment in difficult-to-treat post-LT biliary strictures with deranged liver functions with or without cholangitis/cholangitic abscess. It can reduce graft loss with improved clinical outcome. Post-LT ductal anatomy at anastomosis is important to decide the appropriate approach (ERCP/PTBD). ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE (1). PTBD as a salvage procedure in difficult anatomy or upon failure of ERCP-based intervention is effective and a good alternative strategy. (2). Postoperative surgical anatomy (type & length of stricture, number of ductanastomosis, location and graft-recipient duct alignment) is the key factor indeciding the appropriate therapeutic procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Mukund
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashok Choudhury
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Swati Das
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Viniyendra Pamecha
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic surgery and Liver Transplantation, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Shiv Kumar Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
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Paradigm shift in the management of bile duct strictures complicating living donor liver transplantation. Indian J Gastroenterol 2019; 38:488-497. [PMID: 32065353 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-019-01000-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM Validation of new metrics to identify functionally significant obstruction (FSO), to better define biliary strictures complicating living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). METHODS All LDLT recipients who presented with cholestasis were studied. Novel metrics for FSO are as follows: (1) magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) ductal ratio (MDR): The ratio between hepatic duct and recipient duct diameter on the MRCP taken at presentation; (2) endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) ductal ratio (EDR): The ratio between hepatic duct and recipient duct diameter on the first ERC done for suspected biliary strictures; (3) delayed contrast drainage (DCD): > 50% contrast retained above the anastomotic site, in more than three consecutive fluoroscopic images taken at least 15 min after contrast instillation. Association between these metrics and endotherapy response was analyzed along with patient demographics, intraoperative variables (cold ischemia time, blood transfusions, biliary anastomosis) and perioperative complications (hepatic artery thrombosis [HAT], bile leak). Favorable response to endotherapy was defined as symptomatic relief with ≥ 80% reduction in total bilirubin/alkaline phosphatase. RESULTS A total of 83 LDLT recipients presented with altered liver function tests. Favorable response was seen in 18/39 patients (46.2%). On univariate analysis, HAT, multiple biliary anastomoses, graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR), MDR, EDR and DCD were significant (p value ≤ 0.05). On multivariate analysis, only MDR ≥ 1.15 was an independent predictor of favorable response to endotherapy (OR 48 [95% CI 7.096-324.71]). CONCLUSION A paradigm shift in the approach to management of biliary strictures complicating LDLT is proposed whereby a multidimensional definition of FSO can help in reliable patient selection for endotherapy and improve patient outcome as a whole.
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8
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Abdelgawad MS, Aly RA, Sherif AE. Impact of MRCP findings on the management of biliary strictures in post-living donor liver transplant. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s43055-019-0013-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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9
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Lee DW, Han J. Endoscopic management of anastomotic stricture after living-donor liver transplantation. Korean J Intern Med 2019; 34:261-268. [PMID: 30840808 PMCID: PMC6406087 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2019.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The most effective and fundamental treatment for end-stage liver disease is liver transplantation. Deceased-donor liver transplantation has been performed for many of these cases. However, living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has emerged as an alternative because it enables timely procurement of the donor organ. The success rate of LDLT has been improved by development of the surgical technique, use of immunosuppressant drugs, and accumulation of post-transplantation care experience. However, the occurrence of biliary stricture after LDLT remains a problem. This article reviews the pathogenesis, diagnosis, endoscopic management, and long-term outcomes of post-liver transplantation biliary stricture, with a focus on anastomotic stricture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wook Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jimin Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
- Correspondence to Jimin Han, M.D. Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, 33 Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Namgu, Daegu 42472, Korea Tel: +82-53-650-3442 Fax: +82-53-624-3281 E-mail:
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10
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Bhutiani N, Jones JM, Wei D, Goldstein LJ, Martin RCG, Jones CM, Cannon RM. A cost analysis of early biliary strictures following orthotopic liver transplantation in the United States. Clin Transplant 2018; 32:e13396. [PMID: 30160322 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.13396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To date, the financial burden of biliary strictures (BS) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has remained largely unassessed. This study sought to approximate perioperative costs associated with early BS and delineate where in the hospital these costs are incurred. METHODS The Premier Healthcare Database was queried for patients undergoing OLT between 2010 and 2016. Patients who did and did not develop early BS were compared with respect to perioperative costs and outcome variables. Multivariable regression models were used to estimate differences between groups. RESULTS Patients who developed early BS had a longer length of stay (LOS) (35.3 days vs 17.8 days, P < 0.001) and were less likely to be discharged home (odds ratio = 0.45, P = 0.003). Development of early BS was associated with an incremental cost increase of $81 881 (45.8%, P < 0.001). The greatest relative cost increases were in radiology (+163.5%) and respiratory therapy (+157.1%), while the greatest absolute increase was in room and board (+$27 589). CONCLUSIONS Early BS after OLT result in higher costs stemming from longer LOS and increased need for various diagnostic studies and therapies. In addition to incentivizing measures that may prevent early BS, hospitals should account for these factors when developing payment schemes for OLT with payors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal Bhutiani
- Division of Transplantation, Hiram C. Polk Jr, MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Jordan M Jones
- Division of Transplantation, Hiram C. Polk Jr, MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - David Wei
- Epidemiology, Medical Devices, Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Laura J Goldstein
- Franchise Health Economics and Market Access, Ethicon, Somerville, New Jersey
| | - Robert C G Martin
- Division of Transplantation, Hiram C. Polk Jr, MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Christopher M Jones
- Division of Transplantation, Hiram C. Polk Jr, MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Robert M Cannon
- Division of Transplantation, Hiram C. Polk Jr, MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
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11
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Rao HB, Prakash A, Sudhindran S, Venu RP. Biliary strictures complicating living donor liver transplantation: Problems, novel insights and solutions. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:2061-2072. [PMID: 29785075 PMCID: PMC5960812 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i19.2061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary stricture complicating living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a relatively common complication, occurring in most transplant centres across the world. Cases of biliary strictures are more common in LDLT than in deceased donor liver transplantation. Endoscopic management is the mainstay for biliary strictures complicating LDLT and includes endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, sphincterotomy and stent placement (with or without balloon dilatation). The efficacy and safety profiles as well as outcomes of endoscopic management of biliary strictures complicating LDLT is an area that needs to be viewed in isolation, owing to its unique set of problems and attending complications; as such, it merits a tailored approach, which is yet to be well established. The diagnostic criteria applied to these strictures are not uniform and are over-reliant on imaging studies showing an anastomotic narrowing. It has to be kept in mind that in the setting of LDLT, a subjective anastomotic narrowing is present in most cases due to a mismatch in ductal diameters. However, whether this narrowing results in a functionally significant narrowing is a question that needs further study. In addition, wide variation in the endotherapy protocols practised in most centres makes it difficult to interpret the results and hampers our understanding of this topic. The outcome definition for endotherapy is also heterogenous and needs to be standardised to allow for comparison of data in this regard and establish a clinical practice guideline. There have been multiple studies in this area in the last 2 years, with novel findings that have provided solutions to some of these issues. This review endeavours to incorporate these new findings into the wider understanding of endotherapy for biliary strictures complicating LDLT, with specific emphasis on diagnosis of strictures in the LDLT setting, endotherapy protocols and outcome definitions. An attempt is made to present the best management options currently available as well as directions for future research in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshavardhan B Rao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita University, Kochi 682041, India
| | - Arjun Prakash
- Department of Gastroenterology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita University, Kochi 682041, India
| | - Surendran Sudhindran
- Department of Transplant and Vascular Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita University, Kochi 682041, India
| | - Rama P Venu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita University, Kochi 682041, India
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