Editorial
Copyright ©2008 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jan 28, 2008; 14(4): 493-497
Published online Jan 28, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.493
Management of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation: The role of endoscopy
Maria C Londoño, Domingo Balderramo, Andrés Cárdenas
Maria C Londoño, Domingo Balderramo, Andrés Cárdenas, GI Unit, Institut de Malalties Digestives i Metaboliques, University of Barcelona, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona 08036, Spain
Correspondence to: Andres Cardenas, MD, MMSc, Institut de Malalties Digestives I Metaboliques, Hospital Clínic, Villarroel 170, Esc 3-2, Barcelona 08036, Spain. acardena@clinic.ub.es
Telephone: +34-93-2275499
Fax: +34-93-4515522
Received: July 6, 2007
Revised: December 10, 2007
Published online: January 28, 2008
Abstract

Biliary complications are significant causes of morbidity and mortality after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The estimated incidence of biliary complications after OLT ranges between 10%-25%, however, these numbers continue to decline due to improvement in surgical techniques. The most common biliary complications are strictures (both anastomotic and non-anastomotic) and bile leaks. Most of these problems can be appropriately managed with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). Other complications such as bile duct stones, bile casts, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, and hemobilia, are less frequent and also can be managed with ERC. This article will review the risk factors, diagnosis, and endoscopic management of the most common biliary complications after OLT.

Keywords: Encoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography; Orthotopic liver transplantation; Biliary strictures; Bile leaks