Biliary complications following liver transplantation: Single-center experience over three decades and recent risk factors

Infections After Liver Transplant -Timeline, Management and Prevention

Liver transplantation (LT) is the standard treatment for end- stage liver disease. Patient and graft survival have improved significantly in the last three decades owing to improvement in surgical technique, better perioperative management and better immunosuppressive regimens. However, LT recipients are at increased risk of infections, particularly in the first year after transplantation. The risk of infection is directly proportional to immunosuppressive regimen and graft function. In this review, we will briefly discuss the timeline of infections after liver transplant, preventive strategies and management of infectious complications.

Hepatic artery-related complications after live donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Hepatic artery-related complications (HARC) after live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is associated with high morbidity and mortality rate.

METHODS

Prospectively maintained data from July 2011 to September 2020 was analyzed for etiology, detection, management, and outcome of HARC.

RESULTS

Six hundred fifty-seven LDLT (adult 572/pediatrics 85) were performed during the study period. Twenty-one (3.2%) patient developed HARC; 16 (2.4%) hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) and 5 (0.76%) non-thrombotic hepatic artery complication (NTHAC). Ninety percent (19/21) HARC were asymptomatic and detected on protocol Doppler. Median time to detection was day 4 (range - 1 to 35), which included 18 early (within 7 days) vs 3 late incidents. Only one pediatric patient had HAT. Seven patients underwent surgical revascularization, 11 had endovascular intervention and 3 with attenuated flow required only systemic anticoagulation. All NTHAC survived without any sequelae. Revascularization was successful in 81% (13/16) with HAT. Biliary complications were seen in 5 (23.8%); four were managed successfully. Overall mortality was 14.8% (3/21). The 1-year and 5-year survival were similar to those who did not develop HARC (80.9% vs 84.2%, p = 0.27 and 71.4% vs 75.19%, p = 0.36 respectively) but biliary complications were significantly higher (23.8% vs 14.2%, p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, clockwise technique of arterial reconstruction was associated with decreased risk of HAT (1.7% vs 4.1% (p value - 0.003)).

CONCLUSION

Technical refinement, early detection, and revascularization can achieve good outcome in patients with HARC after LDLT.

[Indocyanine green in liver transplantation]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the first own experience of using indocyanine green (ICG) in liver transplantation compared to literature data and to determine its potential for clinical practice. Liver transplantation is an effective option for patients with end-stage disease, but this procedure is associated with many problems such as graft rejection, graft dysfunction, surgical risk and postoperative management. Modern methods for assessing graft function have their limitations, so a more efficient method is needed. According to this review, ICG fluorescence is valuable for effective intraoperative blood flow control, assessment of graft function, intraoperative and postoperative monitoring of clinical status. ICG fluorescence can also predict clinical status of patients at all stages of liver transplantation. Routine ICG fluorescence method is advisable in liver transplantation to improve outcomes and optimize treatment process.

Biliary complications in recipients of living donor liver transplantation: A single-centre study

BACKGROUND

Biliary complications (BCs) after liver transplantation (LT) remain a considerable cause of morbidity, mortality, increased cost, and graft loss.

AIM

To investigate the impact of BCs on chronic graft rejection, graft failure and mortality.

METHODS

From 2011 to 2016, 215 adult recipients underwent right-lobe living-donor liver transplantation (RT-LDLT) at our centre. We excluded 46 recipients who met the exclusion criteria, and 169 recipients were included in the final analysis. Donors’ and recipients’ demographic data, clinical data, operative details and postoperative course information were collected. We also reviewed the management and outcomes of BCs. Recipients were followed for at least 12 mo post-LT until December 2017 or graft or patient loss.

RESULTS

The overall incidence rate of BCs including biliary leakage, biliary infection and biliary stricture was 57.4%. Twenty-seven (16%) patients experienced chronic graft rejection. Graft failure developed in 20 (11.8%) patients. A total of 28 (16.6%) deaths occurred during follow-up. BCs were a risk factor for the occurrence of chronic graft rejection and failure; however, mortality was determined by recurrent hepatitis C virus infection.

CONCLUSION

Biliary complications after RT-LDLT represent an independent risk factor for chronic graft rejection and graft failure; nonetheless, effective management of these complications can improve patient and graft survival.

Intensified Endoscopic Evaluation for Biliary Complications After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Background

Biliary complications are common causes of morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation.

Material/Methods

From 2013 to 2018, 102 whole-organ liver transplantations were conducted in our department. Patients were closely monitored for biliary complication development. In all suspected cases, patients underwent either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage. Patients’ demographic characteristics, preexisting conditions, and perioperative characteristics, as well as morbidity and mortality, were analyzed. Risk factors for 1-year survival were calculated.

Results

Of the 102 patients, 43 (42%) experienced biliary complications. In comparison with patients without biliary complications, patients with biliary complications exhibited the following risk factors: underlying liver disease (viral hepatitis; P=0.009), blood group A (P=0.005), and previous abdominal surgery (P=0.037). Neither perioperative characteristics, especially duration of cold ischemia (P=0.86), nor postoperative course differed between patients with and without biliary complications. Risk factors for mortality within 1 year were cirrhosis caused by entities other than viral hepatitis (P=0.017), cardiac comorbidities (P=0.019), re-transplantation (P=0.032), and reduced organ weight (P=0.002). Biliary complications, postoperative hemorrhage, primary nonfunction, and repeated surgery worsened outcome; moreover, serum bilirubin trough in the first 30 days after transplantation might be prognostic for mortality (P=0.043).

Conclusions

Biliary complications adversely affect outcome after liver transplantation. Neither frequency nor outcome of biliary complications was improved by intensified endoscopic evaluation. Patients on the waiting list for liver transplants should also be closely monitored for cardiac comorbidities.

500 Consecutive Liver Transplants: The Outcomes of a New Transplantation Program in the Middle West of Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Liver transplantation is the standard treatment for end-stage liver disease. Brazil holds the third highest number of liver transplants performed per year, but center maldistribution results in high discrepancies in accessing this treatment. In 2012, an interstate partnership successfully implemented a new liver transplantation program in the middle west of Brazil. Here, we report the results of the first 500 liver transplants performed in this new program and discuss the impacts of a new transplant center in regional transplantation dynamics.

METHODS

We reviewed data from the first 500 consecutive deceased donor liver transplants performed in the new program during an 8-year period. We analyzed data on patients' clinical and demographic profiles, postoperative outcomes, and graft and recipient survival rates. Univariate survival analysis was conducted using log-rank tests to compare the groups.

RESULTS

Almost half (48%) of the procured organs and 40% of the recipients transplanted in our center were from outside our state. Recipient 30-day mortality was 9%. Overall recipient survival at 1 year and 5 years was 85% and 80%, respectively. Mortality was significantly associated with higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (P < .001) but not with the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma (P = .795).

DISCUSSION

The new transplantation program treated patients from different regions of Brazil and became the reference center in liver transplantation for the middle west region. Despite the recent implementation, our outcomes are comparable to experienced centers around the world. This model can inspire the creation of new transplantation programs aiming to democratize access to liver transplantation nationwide.

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.

Assessment of Anastomotic Biliary Complications in Adult Patients Undergoing High-Acuity Liver Transplant

Importance

Anastomotic biliary complications (ABCs) constitute the most common technical complications in liver transplant (LT). Given the ever-increasing acuity of LT, identification of factors contributing to ABCs is essential to minimize morbidity and optimize outcomes. A detailed analysis in a patient population undergoing high-acuity LT is lacking.

Objective

To evaluate the rate of, risk factors for, and outcomes of ABCs and acuity level in LT recipients.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included adult LT recipients from January 1, 2013, through June 30, 2016, at a single large urban transplant center. Patients were followed up for at least 12 months after LT until June 30, 2017. Of 520 consecutive adult patients undergoing LT, 509 LTs in 503 patients were included. Data were analyzed from May 1 through September 13, 2017.

Exposure

Liver transplant.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Any complications occurring at the level of the biliary reconstruction.

Results

Among the 503 transplant recipients undergoing 509 LTs included in the analysis (62.3% male; median age, 58 years [interquartile range {IQR}, 50-63 years), median follow-up was 24 months (IQR, 16-34 months). Overall patient and graft survival at 1 year were 91.1% and 90.3%, respectively. The median Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 35 (IQR, 15-40) for the entire cohort. T tubes were used in 199 LTs (39.1%) during initial bile duct reconstruction. Overall incidence of ABCs included 103 LTs (20.2%). Anastomotic leak occurred in 25 LTs (4.9%) and stricture, 77 (15.1%). Exit-site leak in T tubes occurred in 36 (7.1%) and T tube obstruction in 16 (3.1%). Seventeen patients with ABCs required surgical revision of bile duct reconstruction. Multivariate analysis revealed the following 7 independent risk factors for ABCs: recipient hepatic artery thrombosis (odds ratio [OR], 12.41; 95% CI, 2.37-64.87; P = .003), second LT (OR, 4.05; 95% CI, 1.13-14.50; P = .03), recipient hepatic artery stenosis (OR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.30-11.17; P = .02), donor hypertension (OR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.27-6.11; P = .01), recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.23-5.74; P = .01), donor death due to anoxia (OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.13-6.03; P = .03), and use of nonabsorbable suture material for biliary reconstruction (OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.09-5.54; P = .03).

Conclusions and Relevance

This large, single-center series identified physiologic and anatomical independent risk factors contributing to ABCs after high-acuity LT. Careful consideration of these factors could guide perioperative management and mitigate potentially preventable ABCs.

Infections in Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation has become an important treatment modality for patients with end-stage liver disease/cirrhosis, acute liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although surgical techniques and immunosuppressive regimens for liver transplantation have improved significantly over the past 20 years, infectious complications continue to contribute to the morbidity and mortality in this patient population. The use of standardized screening protocols for both donors and recipients, coupled with targeted prophylaxis against specific pathogens, has helped to mitigate the risk of infection in liver transplant recipients. Patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis have immunological deficits that place them at increased risk for infection while awaiting liver transplantation. The patient undergoing liver transplantation is prone to develop healthcare-acquired infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms that could potentially affect patient outcomes after transplantation. The complex nature of liver transplant surgery that involves multiple vascular and hepatobiliary anastomoses further increases the risk of infection after liver transplantation. During the early post-transplantation period, healthcare-acquired bacterial and fungal infections are the most common types of infection encountered in liver transplant recipients. The period of maximal immunosuppression that occurs at 1–6 months after transplantation can be complicated by opportunistic infections due to both primary infection and reactivation of latent infection. Severe community-acquired infections can complicate the course of liver transplantation beyond 12 months after transplant surgery. This chapter provides an overview of liver transplantation including indications, donor-recipient selection criteria, surgical procedures, and immunosuppressive therapies. A focus on infections in patients with chronic liver disease/cirrhosis and an overview of the specific infectious complications in liver transplant recipients are presented.