Published online Dec 24, 2017. doi: 10.5500/wjt.v7.i6.349
Peer-review started: August 14, 2017
First decision: September 4, 2017
Revised: September 18, 2017
Accepted: November 1, 2017
Article in press: November 2, 2017
Published online: December 24, 2017
Processing time: 131 Days and 0.6 Hours
To identify risk factors associated with the formation of biliary strictures post liver transplantation over a period of 10-year in Queensland.
Data on liver donors and recipients in Queensland between 2005 and 2014 was obtained from an electronic patient data system. In addition, intra-operative and post-operative characteristics were collected and a logistical regression analysis was performed to evaluate their association with the development of biliary strictures.
Of 296 liver transplants performed, 285 (96.3%) were from brain dead donors. Biliary strictures developed in 45 (15.2%) recipients. Anastomotic stricture formation (n = 25, 48.1%) was the commonest complication, with 14 (58.3%) of these occurred within 6-mo of transplant. A percutaneous approach or endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was used to treat 17 (37.8%) patients with biliary strictures. Biliary reconstruction was initially or ultimately required in 22 (48.9%) patients. In recipients developing biliary strictures, bilirubin was significantly increased within the first post-operative week (Day 7 total bilirubin 74 μmol/L vs 49 μmol/L, P = 0.012). In both univariate and multivariate regression analysis, Day 7 total bilirubin > 55 μmol/L was associated with the development of biliary stricture formation. In addition, hepatic artery thrombosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis were identified as independent risk factors.
In addition to known risk factors, bilirubin levels in the early post-operative period could be used as a clinical indicator for biliary stricture formation.
Core tip: Biliary stricture formation post liver transplantation is a frequent cause for patient morbidity and mortality and is referred to as the Achilles’ Heel of transplant. Strictures can be anastomotic or non-anastomotic depending on their number and anatomical location. Early stricture identification is key to providing successful treatment options. Known risk factors for biliary stricture formation include surgical technique, bile leak, hepatic artery thrombosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, donation after circulatory death donors and increased cold ischemic time. This study identifies risk factors and clinical indicators for the development of biliary strictures post liver transplantation. It also discusses the importance of bilirubin and its potential role when implementing surveillance tools for biliary stricture formation post-transplant.