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Semash KO. Post-liver transplant biliary complications. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL ORGANS 2024; 26:72-90. [DOI: 10.15825/1995-1191-2024-3-72-90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Biliary complications (BCs) are the most frequent complications following liver transplantation (LT). They are a major source of morbidity after LT. The incidence of BCs after LT is reported to range from 5% to 45%. The main post-LT biliary complications are strictures, biliary fistulas and bilomas, cholelithiasis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, hemobilia, and mucocele. Risk factors for biliary complications are diverse. In this article we seek to review the main types of biliary complications and modern approaches to their diagnosis and treatment.
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Gheorghe G, Diaconu CC, Bungau S, Bacalbasa N, Motas N, Ionescu VA. Biliary and Vascular Complications after Liver Transplantation-From Diagnosis to Treatment. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:850. [PMID: 37241082 PMCID: PMC10221850 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The last decades have brought impressive advances in liver transplantation. As a result, there was a notable rise in the number of liver transplants globally. Advances in surgical techniques, immunosuppressive therapies and radiologically guided treatments have led to an improvement in the prognosis of these patients. However, the risk of complications remains significant, and the management of liver transplant patients requires multidisciplinary teams. The most frequent and severe complications are biliary and vascular complications. Compared to vascular complications, biliary complications have higher incidence rates but a better prognosis. The early diagnosis and selection of the optimal treatment are crucial to avoid the loss of the graft and even the death of the patient. The development of minimally invasive techniques prevents surgical reinterventions with their associated risks. Liver retransplantation remains the last therapeutic solution for graft dysfunction, one of the main problems, in this case, being the low number of donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Gheorghe
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (G.G.); (N.B.); (V.-A.I.)
- Gastroenterology Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 105402 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Camelia Cristina Diaconu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (G.G.); (N.B.); (V.-A.I.)
- Internal Medicine Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 105402 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine “Fundeni” Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania
| | - Nicolae Bacalbasa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (G.G.); (N.B.); (V.-A.I.)
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine “Fundeni” Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Natalia Motas
- Institute of Oncology “Profesor Doctor Alexandru Trestioreanu” Bucharest, 022328 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vlad-Alexandru Ionescu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (G.G.); (N.B.); (V.-A.I.)
- Gastroenterology Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 105402 Bucharest, Romania
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Martins FP, Seleti SMR, Contini ML, DE Paulo GA, Ferrari AP. IS THERE A PLACE FOR CHOLANGIOSCOPIC EVALUATION OF BILIARY ANASTOMOTIC STRICTURE AFTER DECEASED DONOR LIVER TRANSPLANT? ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2021; 57:347-353. [PMID: 33237212 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.202000000-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/11/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biliary complications remain one of the most important causes of morbidity and graft loss after liver transplant (LT). Endoscopic therapy of biliary complications has proven to be effective over time, leaving surgical treatment restricted to only very few cases. However, we cannot yet predict which patients will have the greatest potential to benefit from endoscopic treatment. OBJECTIVE On this premise we decide to conduct this study to evaluate the role and safety of single operator cholangioscopy (SOC) in the endoscopic treatment of post-LT biliary anastomotic strictures (AS). METHODS Between March/2016 and June/2017, 20 consecutive patients referred for endoscopic treatment for biliary anastomotic stricture were included in this prospective observational cohort study. Inclusion criteria were age over 18 years old, and a deceased LT performed within at least 30 days. Exclusion criteria were non-anastomotic biliary stricture, biliary leakage, cast syndrome, any previous endoscopic therapy, pregnancy and inability to provide informed consent. All patients underwent SOC before endoscopic therapy with fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) and after stent removal. RESULTS At pre-treatment SOC, stricture orifice and fibrotic changes could be visualized in all patients, vascular changes and surgical sutures in 60% and acute inflammatory changes in 30%. SOC was essential for guidewire placement in five cases. FCSEMS was successfully deployed in all patients. Stricture resolution rate was 44.4% (median stent indwelling 372 days). Stricture recurrence was 12.5% (median follow-up of 543 days). Adverse events were distal (66.6%) and proximal (5.5%) stent migration, stent occlusion (16.6%), severe abdominal pain (10%) and mild acute pancreatitis (10%). SOC was repeated after FCSEMS removal. Post-treatment SOC showed fibrotic changes in all but one patient; vascular and acute inflammatory changes were less frequent in comparison to index procedure. The disappearance of suture material was remarkable. None of the cholangioscopic findings were statistically correlated to treatment outcome or stricture recurrence. CONCLUSION Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with SOC is feasible in post-LT patients with AS. Cholangioscopic findings can be classified into fibrotic, vascular and acute inflammatory changes. Cholangioscopy may be helpful to assist guidewire passage, but Its overall role for changing management is post-LT patients was not demonstrated.
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Boeva I, Karagyozov PI, Tishkov I. Post-liver transplant biliary complications: Current knowledge and therapeutic advances. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:66-79. [PMID: 33584987 PMCID: PMC7856868 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i1.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the current standard of care for end-stage liver disease and an accepted therapeutic option for acute liver failure and primary liver tumors. Despite the remarkable advances in the surgical techniques and immunosuppressive therapy, the postoperative morbidity and mortality still remain high and the leading causes are biliary complications, which affect up to one quarter of recipients. The most common biliary complications are anastomotic and non-anastomotic biliary strictures, leaks, bile duct stones, sludge and casts. Despite the absence of a recommended treatment algorithm many options are available, such as surgery, percutaneous techniques and interventional endoscopy. In the last few years, endoscopic techniques have widely replaced the more aggressive percutaneous and surgical approaches. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is the preferred technique when duct-to-duct anastomosis has been performed. Recently, new devices and techniques have been developed and this has led to a remarkable increase in the success rate of minimally invasive procedures. Understanding the mechanisms of biliary complications helps in their early recognition which is the prerequisite for successful treatment. Aggressive endoscopic therapy is essential for the reduction of morbidity and mortality in these cases. This article focuses on the common post-transplant biliary complications and the available interventional treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Boeva
- Department of Interventional Gastroenterology, Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
| | - Petko Ivanov Karagyozov
- Department of Interventional Gastroenterology, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria.
| | - Ivan Tishkov
- Department of Interventional Gastroenterology, Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
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Morphological Characteristics of Biliary Strictures after Liver Transplantation Visualized Using SpyGlass™ Cholangioscopy. Case Reports Hepatol 2020; 2020:8850000. [PMID: 32832173 PMCID: PMC7424373 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8850000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Biliary complications following liver transplant are common. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are the main techniques used to diagnose and treat biliary complications; however, these techniques have limits to the depth of visualization. In this report, we present five cases of orthotopic liver transplant patients with biliary complications that underwent ERCP- or MRCP-guided cholangioscopy with the SpyGlass™ DS Direct Visualization System (SDDVS). The SDDVS allowed for the visualization of the morphological characteristics of biliary strictures, and images collected using the SDDVS allowed for four of the cases to be treated endoscopically. Our findings suggest that cholangioscopy with the SDDVS is a promising method to guide the endoscopic treatment of biliary complications after liver transplantation.
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Navaneethan U, Moon JH, Itoi T. Biliary interventions using single-operator cholangioscopy. Dig Endosc 2019; 31:517-526. [PMID: 30689238 DOI: 10.1111/den.13361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cholangioscopy provides an opportunity to directly visualize the bile duct for diagnosing biliary lesions and for therapeutic interventions. Although there are different cholangioscopy techniques available, single-operator cholangioscopy has gained widespread acceptance as the standard technique for interventions in the biliary system because of its ease of use and widespread availability. Single-operator cholangioscopy can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic indications in the biliary tract. Diagnostic cholangioscopy is used for direct evaluation of indeterminate bile duct strictures with biopsies, diagnosing filling defects in the bile ducts observed during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) imaging, preoperative mapping of the precise location and extension of tumors of the biliary tract, and diagnosis of intraductal neoplasms. Therapeutic cholangioscopy is used for visually guided treatment of biliary stones that have failed extraction with conventional ERC techniques, residual or impacted stones by using intraductal lithotripsy, ablation of biliary tumors and for facilitation of guidewire advancement into selective intrahepatic ducts for adequate biliary drainage. In this review, we will focus on advances in the single-operator cholangioscopy techniques in the diagnosis and management of biliary disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jong Ho Moon
- Department of Gastroenterology, Soon Chun Hyang University School of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Takao Itoi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Akhter A, Pfau P, Benson M, Soni A, Gopal D. Endoscopic management of biliary strictures post-liver transplantation. World J Meta-Anal 2019; 7:120-128. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v7.i4.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary complications play a significant role in morbidity of liver transplant recipients. Biliary strictures occur between 10%-25% of patients with a higher incidence in living donor recipients compared to deceased donors. Strictures can be classified as either anastomotic or non-anastomotic and may be related to ischemic events. Endoscopic management of biliary strictures in the post-transplant setting has become the preferred initial approach due to adequate rates of resolution of anastomotic and non-anastomotic strictures (NAS). However, several factors may increase complexity of the endoscopic approach including surgical anatomy, location, number, and severity of bile duct strictures. Many endoscopic tools are available, however, the approach to management of anastomotic and NAS has not been standardized. Multi-disciplinary techniques may be necessary to achieve optimal outcomes in select patients. We will review the risk factors associated with the development of bile duct strictures in the post-transplant setting along with the efficacy and complications of current endoscopic approaches available for the management of bile duct strictures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Akhter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Patrick Pfau
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Mark Benson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Anurag Soni
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Deepak Gopal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI 53705, United States
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Lee HW, Shah NH, Lee SK. An Update on Endoscopic Management of Post-Liver Transplant Biliary Complications. Clin Endosc 2017; 50:451-463. [PMID: 28415168 PMCID: PMC5642064 DOI: 10.5946/ce.2016.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary complications are the most common post-liver transplant (LT) complications with an incidence of 15%-45%. Furthermore, such complications are reported more frequently in patients who undergo a living-donor LT compared to a deceased-donor LT. Most post-LT biliary complications involve biliary strictures, bile leakage, and biliary stones, although many rarer events, such as hemobilia and foreign bodies, contribute to a long list of related conditions. Endoscopic treatment of post-LT biliary complications has evolved rapidly, with new and effective tools improving both outcomes and success rates; in fact, the latter now consistently reach up to 80%. In this regard, conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography remains the preferred initial treatment. However, percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy is now central to the management of endoscopy-resistant cases involving complex hilar or multiple strictures with associated stones. Many additional endoscopic tools and techniques-such as the rendezvous method, magnetic compression anastomosis , and peroral cholangioscopy-combined with modified biliary stents have significantly improved the success rate of endoscopic management. Here, we review the current status of endoscopic treatment of post-LT biliary complications and discuss conventional as well as the aforementioned new tools and techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Woo Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Najmul Hassan Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Transplant Program, Shifa International Hospital Ltd., Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sung Koo Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Advances in Therapeutic Cholangioscopy. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2016; 2016:5249152. [PMID: 27403156 PMCID: PMC4925961 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5249152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, cholangioscopy is an established modality in diagnostic and treatment of pancreaticobiliary diseases. The more widespread use and the recent development of new technologies and accessories had renewed the interest of endoscopic visualization of the biliary tract, increasing the range of indications and therapeutic procedures, such as diagnostic of indeterminate biliary strictures, lithotripsy of difficult bile duct stones, ablative techniques for intraductal malignancies, removal of foreign bodies and gallbladder drainage. These endoscopic interventions will probably be the last frontier in the near future. This paper presents the new advances in therapeutic cholangioscopy, focusing on the current clinical applications and on research areas.
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Tabibian JH, Girotra M, Yeh HC, Singh VK, Okolo PI, Cameron AM, Gurakar A. Risk factors for early repeat ERCP in liver transplantation patients with anastomotic biliary stricture. Ann Hepatol 2015; 14:340-347. [PMID: 25864214 DOI: 10.1016/s1665-2681(19)31273-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2025]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anastomotic biliary strictures (ABS) are a significant clinical problem associated with decreased survival post-liver transplantation (LT). Contributing to the morbidity of ABS is the need for early (i.e. emergent or unplanned) repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ER-ERCPs). Our aim was to determine clinical, operative, and endoscopic predictors of ER-ERCP in patients with ABS. MATERIAL AND METHODS Medical records of 559 patients who underwent LT at our institution from 2000-2012 were retrospectively reviewed for pertinent data. The primary endpoint was need for ER-ERCP. Seventeen potential predictors of ER-ERCP were assessed in bivariate analyses, and those with p < 0.20 were included in multivariate regression models. RESULTS Fifty-four LT patients developed ABS and underwent a total of 200 ERCPs, of which 40 met criteria for ER-ERCP. Predictors of ER-ERCP in bivariate analyses included balloon dilation within 3 months post-LT and donation after cardiac death (both p < 0.05). Balloon dilation within 3 months post-LT was also associated with shorter ER-ERCP-free survival (p = 0.02). Moreover, a significantly higher proportion (67%) of patients who underwent balloon dilation within 3 months post-LT subsequent experienced ≥ 1 ER-ERCP (p = 0.03), and those who experienced ≥ 1 ER-ERCP had lower stricture resolution rates at the end of endoscopic therapy compared to those who did not (79 vs. 97%, p = 0.02). In multivariate analyses, balloon dilation within 3 months post-LT was the strongest predictor of ER-ERCP (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.7-8.6, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Balloon dilation of ABS within 3 months post-LT is associated with an increased risk of ER-ERCP, which itself is associated with lower ABS resolution rates. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and their implications for endoscopic management and follow-up of post-LT ABS.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Tabibian
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Transplant Hepatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mohit Girotra
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Transplant Hepatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hsin-Chieh Yeh
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vikesh K Singh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Transplant Hepatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Patrick I Okolo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Transplant Hepatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew M Cameron
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ahmet Gurakar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Transplant Hepatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Arain MA, Attam R, Freeman ML. Advances in endoscopic management of biliary tract complications after liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2013; 19:482-98. [PMID: 23417867 DOI: 10.1002/lt.23624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Biliary tract complications after liver transplantation (LT) most commonly include biliary leaks, strictures, and stone disease. Living donor recipients and donation after cardiac death recipients are at an increased risk of developing biliary complications. Biliary leaks usually occur early after transplantation, whereas strictures and stone disease occur later. The diagnosis of biliary complications relies on a combination of clinical presentation, laboratory abnormalities, and imaging modalities. Biliary leaks are usually diagnosed on the basis of bilious output from a surgical drain, fluid collections on imaging, or a cholescintigraphy scan demonstrating a leak. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is noninvasive, does not require the administration of an intravenous contrast agent, and provides detailed imaging of the entire biliary system both above and below the anastomosis. The latter not only helps in the diagnosis of biliary strictures and stones before patients undergo invasive procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) but also allows treating physicians to plan the optimal treatment approach. MRCP has, therefore, replaced invasive therapeutic modalities such as ERCP as the modality of choice for the diagnosis of biliary strictures and stones. There have been significant advances in endoscopic accessories, including biliary catheters, wires, and stents, as well as endoscopic technologies such as overtube-assisted endoscopy over the last decade. These developments have resulted in almost all patients, including those with difficult strictures or altered surgical anatomies (eg, Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy), being treated via an endoscopic approach with percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, which is more invasive and associated with significant morbidity, with surgery being reserved for a small minority of patients. Advances in the diagnosis and endoscopic management of patients with biliary complications after LT are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa A Arain
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Balderramo D, Sendino O, Miquel R, de Miguel CR, Bordas JM, Martinez-Palli G, Leoz ML, Rimola A, Navasa M, Llach J, Cardenas A. Prospective evaluation of single-operator peroral cholangioscopy in liver transplant recipients requiring an evaluation of the biliary tract. Liver Transpl 2013; 19:199-206. [PMID: 23404861 DOI: 10.1002/lt.23585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In this descriptive study, we examined the role of single-operator cholangioscopy (SOC) in the evaluation of biliary complications after liver transplantation (LT). We prospectively included adult recipients of deceased donor LT who were referred for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography between June 2009 and July 2011. All patients underwent SOC with biopsy of the biliary anastomosis. Sixteen patients were included: 12 with biliary anastomotic strictures (ASs), 2 with common bile duct stones, 1 with a bile leak, and 1 with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Patients with ASs displayed 1 of 2 patterns: (A) mild erythema (n = 9) or (B) edema, ulceration, and sloughing (n = 3). Those without ASs displayed a pale mucosa with mild edema at the anastomosis. Patients with ASs and pattern B required a longer period of stenting than patients with pattern A (457 versus 167 days, P = 0.02). In addition, patients with pattern A had a better response and better resolution of their strictures with endoscopic therapy than those with pattern B (66% versus 33%, P = 0.13). Histological examinations of ASs showed nonspecific intraepithelial inflammation in patients with patterns A and B. Biopsy samples from patients without ASs showed normal columnar epithelial bile duct cells. The total cholangioscopy time for all procedures was 26.8 ± 10.1 minutes. In conclusion, SOC in LT recipients is feasible and allows adequate visualization and tissue sampling of ASs and bile ducts. Two distinct visual patterns that are easily identified with SOC may help to predict the outcomes of endoscopic therapy in patients with biliary complications after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domingo Balderramo
- Gastrointestinal/Endoscopy Unit, Institute of Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has long been a tool utilized by gastroenterologists for many years, but direct cholangioscopy has only recently begun to be available for regular use in clinical practice. The focus of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a direct cholangioscopy system and its indications within our patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective analysis was carried out at North Shore University Hospital. After obtaining institutional review board approval, the charts of patients who had undergone cholangioscopy from January 2007 through October 2011 were reviewed. An excel spreadsheet was created to record demographic information, significant laboratory data, indications for ERCP, ERCP findings, indication for cholangioscopy, findings, interventions, and biopsy results (if performed). A total of 34 cases were included in the final review. RESULTS Cholangioscopy indications included incomplete or failed stone removal, biliary stricture evaluation, and retrieval of a migrated biliary stent, among others. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy was utilized with almost complete success in cases of previous failed stone removal. In 12 cases where a cholangioscopy-directed biopsy was performed, adequate tissue was obtained in all cases, and aided in the exclusion of malignancy. CONCLUSION Direct cholangioscopy is a new technology whose use is currently limited in clinical practice, but is growing in popularity. Its continued recognition as an important adjunct in the management of biliary and pancreatic disease should prompt further research into its use of a prospective nature. Given the limited number of direct cholangioscopy cases performed every year, large, randomized-controlled studies evaluating its efficacy and effect on outcomes have not yet been performed, but small studies may still continue to yield valuable information on its efficacy and safety.
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