Asymmetric kinetics of volume and function of the remnant liver after major hepatectomy as a key for postoperative outcome - A case-matched study.

BACKGROUND: The kinetics of remnant liver (RL) function is unknown after major hepatectomy (MH), especially in case of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). This study investigated the change in RL function after MH using 99mTc-labelled-mebrofenin SPECT-scintigraphy and its correlation with RL volume and PHLF. METHODS: From 2011 to 2015, 125 patients undergoing MH had volumetric assessment by CT and functional SPECT-scintigraphy preoperatively and at day 7 (POD7) and 1 month (1M). RL volume and function changes were compared in (i) overall population and (ii) 17 patients with vs. 42 without PHLF (ISGLS) matched on preoperative RL function. RESULTS: Increase in RL function correlated poorly with volume increase at POD7 (r = 0.035, p = 0.43) and 1M (r = 0.394, p < 0.0001). Overall, function increase on POD7 (+38.8%) was lower than volume (+49.4%), but comparable at 1M (+78.8% vs. +73%). PHLF patients showed lower function increase on POD7 (+2.1% [-89%-77.8%] vs. +50% [-39%-218%]; p = 0.006). At 1M, 4 PHLF patients died with no function increase despite significant volumetric gain. CONCLUSIONS: We first showed via sequential SPECT-scintigraphy that RL function increase after MH is slower than volume increase. A poor kinetic of function was correlated with PHLF as early as POD7, contrasting with substantial volume gain in PHLF patients.

Factors associated with fatal liver failure after extended hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is the leading cause of posthepatectomy mortality. This study aimed to revisit the etiology and pattern of PHLF and its role in posthepatectomy morbidity and mortality. METHODS: The pattern and etiology of PHLF and subsequent morbidity and mortality were analysed in the subgroup of patients without cirrhosis undergoing an extended hepatectomy (≥4 segments) over a 5 year period. PHLF was defined using ISGLS criteria and/or 50-50 and/or peak serum bilirubin >7 mg/dl. RESULTS: Among 285 included patients (median age 62 [20-89]), 81 (28%) developed PHLF with higher rates of major complications (38%) and mortality (27%) than patients without PHLF (13% and 2%, respectively; p < 0.001). Twenty-six patients (9%) died, 22 of whom had PHLF. Of these 22 patients, only 4 patients died from complications purely-attributed to PHLF. All the remaining 18 patients had additional peri-operative factors that contributed to the mortality of which severe vascular events were the most common. CONCLUSION: PHLF is associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality following extended resection. The etiology of PHLF is multifactorial with vascular events being common precipitant. The multifactorial origin of PHLF may explain the low predictive value of current clinical risk scores.

Liver function following extended hepatectomy can be accurately predicted using remnant liver volume to body weight ratio.

BACKGROUND: Standardised measurement of remnant liver volume (RLV), where total liver volume (TLV) is calculated from patients' body surface area (RLV-sTLV), has been advocated. Extrapolating the model of living donor liver transplantation, we showed in a pilot study that the simplified RLV/body weight ratio (RLVBWR) was accurate in assessing the functional limit of hepatectomy. The aim of the study was to compare in a prospective series of extended right hepatectomy the predictive value of the RLVBWR and the RLV-sTLV at a cut-off of 0.5% (RLVBWR0.5%) and 20% (RLV-sTLV20%), respectively. METHODS: We studied the impact of RLVBWR0.5% and of RLV-sTLV20% on three months morbidity and mortality in 74 non-cirrhotic patients operated on for malignant tumours. Of these, 47 patients who were not included in the initial pilot study were enrolled in a prospective validation cohort to reappraise the predictive value of each method. RESULTS: RLVBWR and RLV-sTLV were highly correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.966). Three months overall and severe morbidity (grade 3b-5) and mortality were significantly increased in groups RLVBWR ≤ 0.5% and RLV-sTLVs ≤ 20% compared to groups >0.5% and >20%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity in predicting death from liver failure were 100 and 84.1% for RLVBWR0.5% and 60 and 94.2% for RLV-sTLV20%, respectively. Similar results were observed in the validation cohort for the RLVBWR0.5% (lack of statistical power for RLV-sTLV as only 2 patients showed a RLV-sTLV ≤ 20%). CONCLUSIONS: The RLVBWR0.5% is a method of assessing the remnant liver that is simple and as reliable as the standardised RLV-sTLV20%.

Percutaneous radiological gastrostomy in esophageal cancer patients: a feasible and safe access for nutritional support during multimodal therapy.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is not widely used in malnourished esophageal cancer (EC) patients because of concerns about its feasibility in frequently obstructive tumors, suitability of the stomach as an esophageal substitute, and potential for metastatic inoculation. A percutaneous radiological gastrostomy (PRG) could be an optimal alternative. METHODS: Experience with PRG among 1,205 consecutive patients presenting with EC from 2002 to 2011 in our department was retrospectively reviewed. PRG was mostly utilized for malnourished patients for whom neoadjuvant chemoradiation was scheduled. The rates of both successful placement and major related complications (Dindo-Clavien ≥III) were analyzed. A matched cohort analysis was constructed in patients who underwent esophagectomy with gastroplasty (n = 688) to evaluate the impact of PRG placement on the suitability of the gastric conduit and on postoperative course. For 78 resected patients with PRG (PRG group), 156 randomly selected controls without PRG (no PRG group) were matched 2:1 for gender, age, ASA grade, clinical TNM stage, and neoadjuvant treatment delivery. RESULTS: PRG placement was planned in 269 (22.3 %) patients mainly with locally advanced EC (63.8 %). PRG placement was feasible in 259 (96.3 %) patients. Sixty-day PRG-related mortality and major morbidity rates were 0 and 3.8 % respectively. For resected patients, the PRG and no PRG groups were comparable regarding perioperative characteristics, except for malnutrition, which was more frequent in the PRG group (P < 0.001). At the time of operation, PRG takedown and site closure were uncomplicated and the use of the stomach was possible in all 78 patients. Despite a higher malnutrition rate at presentation in the PRG group, rates of overall morbidity, and morbidity related to esophageal surgery, were similar between the two groups (P > 0.258). CONCLUSION: PRG is feasible, safe, and useful in nonselected patients with EC and does not compromise the suitability of the stomach as an esophageal substitute in patients deemed to be resectable.

Hepatic resection for post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries: a literature review.

OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to identify factors for hepatectomy in the management of post-cholecystectomy bile duct injury (BDI) and outcome via a systematic review of the literature. METHODS: Relevant literature was found by searching the PubMed database and the bibliographies of extracted articles. To avoid bias selection, factors for hepatectomy were analysed in series reporting both patients undergoing hepatectomy and patients undergoing biliary repair without hepatectomy (bimodal treatment). Relevant variables were the presence or absence of additional hepatic artery and/or portal vein injury, the level of BDI, and a previous biliary repair. RESULTS: Among 460 potentially relevant publications, only 31 met the eligibility criteria. A total of 99 hepatectomies were reported among 1756 (5.6%) patients referred for post-cholecystectomy BDI. In eight series reporting bimodal treatment, including 232 patients, logistic regression multivariate analysis showed that hepatic arterial and Strasberg E4 and E5 injuries were independent factors associated with hepatectomy. Patients with combined arterial and Strasberg E4 or E5 injury were 43.3 times more likely to undergo hepatectomy (95% confidence interval 8.0-234.2) than patients without complex injury. Despite high postoperative morbidity, mortality rates were comparable with those of hepaticojejunostomy, except in urgent hepatectomies (within 2 weeks; four of nine patients died). Longterm outcome was satisfactory in 12 of 18 patients in the largest series. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatectomies were performed mainly in patients showing complex concurrent Strasberg E4 or E5 and hepatic arterial injury and provided satisfactory longterm outcomes despite high postoperative morbidity.

Consequences of TIPSS placement on the body composition of patients with cirrhosis and severe portal hypertension: a large retrospective CT-based surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Body composition may be modified after improvement of portal hypertension (PHT) by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) insertion. AIMS: To evaluate changes in body composition following TIPSS placement, their relationship with radiological TIPSS patency and function, and the predictive value of these parameters METHODS: We retrospectively included 179 patients with cirrhosis who underwent TIPSS placement in our centre for severe PHT from 2011 to 2017. CT scan-based surveillance was performed at baseline, 1-3 (M1-M3) and 6 months (M6). RESULTS: The median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 11.4 (8.8-15.1) and Child-Pugh score 8 (7-9). Only the MELD score (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.08-1.20) and sarcopenia assessed by transversal right psoas muscle thickness at the umbilical level/height (TPMPT/height) (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79-0.96) were independently associated with 6-month mortality on multivariate analysis. After TIPSS insertion, TPMT/height increased from 19 mm/m (baseline) to 19.6 mm/m (M1-M3, P = 0.004) and 21.1 mm/m (M6, P < 0.0001). The improvement and its extent were dependent on the radiological patency and dysfunction of TIPSS. Subcutaneous fat surface (SCFS) increased from 183.4 to 193 cm2 (P < 0.0001) and 229.8 cm2 (P < 0.0001), respectively. We observed a decrease in visceral fat surface (VFS) between baseline and M1-M3 (163.5-140.5 cm2 [P < 0.0001]), but not between M1-M3 and M6 (140.5-141.2 cm2 [P = 0.9]). SCFS and VFS did not seem to be modified by radiological TIPSS patency and dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia is independently associated with 6-month outcome and improves after TIPSS placement, together with an inverse evolution of subcutaneous and visceral fat. TIPSS not only treats PHT but also improves body composition.

Real Life Prospective Evaluation of New Drug-Eluting Platform for Chemoembolization of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: PARIS Registry.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Transarterial chemoembolization with drug-eluting microspheres (DEM-TACE) is recommended for patients with BCLC stage B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and stage 0-A unsuitable for curative treatments. We assessed efficacy and safety along with hepatobiliary toxicities (HBT) of DEM-TACE using a novel microsphere, LifePearlTM, loaded with anthracyclines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 97 patients diagnosed with HCC were prospectively enrolled and treated using LifePearlTM loaded with doxorubicin (77%) or idarubicin (23%). Safety and tolerability were assessed using CTCAE, HBT by CT/MRI scans, and tumor response by applying modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Follow-up was after 2 years. RESULTS: Adverse events (AE) were reported in 73.2% of patients, majority being Grade 1-2. Grade ≥ 3 AE reported in 13.4% of patients were mainly related to postembolization syndrome. HBT were observed after 15.5% (29/187) of the DEM-TACEs. Objective response and disease control rates were 81% and 99%, respectively, as the best responses. Survival rates at one and two years were 81% and 66%, respectively, while the median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Median progression free survival was 13.7 months (95% CI: 11.3; 15.6) and median time to TACE untreatable progression was 16.7 months (95% CI: 12.7; not estimable (n.e.)). CONCLUSIONS: DEM-TACE using LifePearlTM provides a high tumor response rate in HCC patients. HBT rates within or below previously reported results for cTACE and DEM-TACE indicate a good safety profile for LifePearlTM. The trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov National Library of Medicine (ID: NCT03053596).

Remnant liver volume to body weight ratio > or =0.5%: A new cut-off to estimate postoperative risks after extended resection in noncirrhotic liver.

BACKGROUND: Before extended hepatectomy of five or more segments, the remnant liver volume (RLV) is usually calculated as a ratio of RLV to total liver volume (RLV-TLV) and must be >20% to 25%. This method can lead to compare parts of normal liver parenchyma to others compromised by biliary or vascular obstruction or by portal vein embolization. Extrapolating from living-donor liver transplantation, we hypothesized that RLV to body weight ratio (RLV-BWR) could accurately assess the functional limit of hepatectomy. STUDY DESIGN: From September 2000 to December 2004, volumetric measurements of RLV using computed tomography were obtained before right-extended hepatectomy in 31 patients. RLV-BWR of 0.5% as a critical point for patient course was compared with stratification by RLV-TLV (< or =25% or >25% and < or =20% or >20%). RESULTS: Three-month morbidity and mortality were not significantly different between groups RLV-TLV < or = and >25% and between groups RLV-TLV < or = and >20%, but increased significantly in group RLV-BWR < or = 0.5% compared with group RLV-BWR > 0.5% (p = 0.038 and p = 0.019, respectively) with an non-significant increase in death from liver failure (p = 0.077). CONCLUSIONS: RLV-BWR was more specific than RLV-TLV in predicting postoperative course after extended hepatectomy. Patients with an anticipated RLV < or = 0.5% of body weight are at considerable risk for hepatic dysfunction and postoperative mortality.

Drug-Eluting Beads Loaded With Doxorubicin (DEBDOX) Chemoembolisation Before Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Imaging/Histologic Correlation Study.

PURPOSE: Most transplant centers use chemoembolisation as locoregional bridge therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before liver transplantation (LT). Chemoembolisation using beads loaded with doxorubicin (DEBDOX) is a promising technique that enables delivery of a large quantity of drugs against HCC. We sought to assess the imaging-histologic correlation after DEBDOX chemoembolisation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients who had undergone DEBDOX chemoembolisation before receiving liver graft for HCC were included. Tumour response was evaluated according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) and modified RECIST (mRECIST) criteria. The result of final imaging made before LT was correlated with histological data to predict tumour necrosis. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients underwent 43 DEBDOX procedures for 45 HCC. Therapy had a significant effect as shown by a decrease in the mean size of the largest nodule (p = 0.02) and the sum of viable part of tumour sizes according to mRECIST criteria (p < 0.001). An objective response using mRECIST criteria was significantly correlated with mean tumour necrosis ≥90 % (p = 0.03). A complete response using mRECIST criteria enabled accurate prediction of complete tumour necrosis (p = 0.01). Correlations using RECIST criteria were not significant. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm the potential benefit of DEBDOX chemoembolisation as bridge therapy before LT, and they provide a rational basis for new studies focusing on recurrence-free survival after LT. Radiologic evaluation according to mRECIST criteria enables accurate prediction of tumour necrosis, whereas RECIST criteria do not.

Impact of Procedure-Related Complications on Long-term Islet Transplantation Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic islet transplantation offers a promising biotherapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes, but this procedure has met significant challenges over the years. One such challenge is to address why primary graft function still remains inconsistent after islet transplantation. Several variables have been shown to affect graft function, but the impact of procedure-related complications on primary and long-term graft functions has not yet been explored. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with established type 1 diabetes were included in this study. Each patient had two to three intraportal islet infusions to obtain 10,000 islet equivalent (IEQ)/kg in body weight, equaling a total of 68 islet infusions. Islet transplantation consisted of three sequential fresh islet infusions within 3 months. Islet infusions were performed surgically or under ultrasound guidance, depending on patient morphology, availability of the radiology suite, and patient medical history. Prospective assessment of adverse events was recorded and graded using "Common Terminology Criteria for adverse events in Trials of Adult Pancreatic Islet Transplantation." RESULTS: There were no deaths or patients dropouts. Early complications occurred in nine of 68 procedures. ß score 1 month after the last graft and optimal graft function (ß score ≥7) rate were significantly lower in cases of procedure-related complications (P = 0.02, P = 0.03). Procedure-related complications negatively impacted graft function (P = 0.009) and was an independent predictive factor of long-term graft survival (P = 0.033) in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Complications occurring during radiologic or surgical intraportal islet transplantation significantly impair primary graft function and graft survival regardless of their severity.

Pancreatic head carcinoma and right hepatic artery: embolization management-A case report.

A replaced right hepatic artery (RHA) is the most common anatomical variation in pancreatic surgery. The RHA is frequently encountered and can be problematic in pancreatic carcinoma. The preservation of the RHA is necessary to avoid ischemic complications but can impact margins resection in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). We report a case of a 53-year-old man with a head pancreatic carcinoma. There was a close contact between the tumor and the RHA arising from superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Preoperative embolization of the RHA was performed prior to PD.

Atrial embolism caused by portal vein embolization: Treatment by percutaneous withdrawal and stenting.

Hepatectomy remains the only curative treatment for many primary and secondary liver cancers. Portal vein embolization (PVE) has been used to increase the volume of the future liver remnant and thus lower the risk of small-for-size syndrome and postoperative liver failure. This technique has proven its safety, with a low post-procedure morbidity rate. Here, we describe a very rare case in which a young patient suffered a glue embolism to the right atrial cavity following PVE in preparation for a major hepatectomy for colorectal metastasis. The foreign body was withdrawn from the heart with a femoral, percutaneous device and trapped against the wall of the femoral vein with a self-expanding metal stent. Our report shows that this previously unknown complication of PVE can be resolved without recourse to sternotomy and open heart surgery.

Prospective randomized study of doxorubicin-eluting-bead embolization in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: results of the PRECISION V study.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) offers a survival benefit to patients with intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A widely accepted TACE regimen includes administration of doxorubicin-oil emulsion followed by gelatine sponge-conventional TACE. Recently, a drug-eluting bead (DC Bead) has been developed to enhance tumor drug delivery and reduce systemic availability. This randomized trial compares conventional TACE (cTACE) with TACE with DC Bead for the treatment of cirrhotic patients with HCC. Two hundred twelve patients with Child-Pugh A/B cirrhosis and large and/or multinodular, unresectable, N0, M0 HCCs were randomized to receive TACE with DC Bead loaded with doxorubicin or cTACE with doxorubicin. Randomization was stratified according to Child-Pugh status (A/B), performance status (ECOG 0/1), bilobar disease (yes/no), and prior curative treatment (yes/no). The primary endpoint was tumor response (EASL) at 6 months following independent, blinded review of MRI studies. The drug-eluting bead group showed higher rates of complete response, objective response, and disease control compared with the cTACE group (27% vs. 22%, 52% vs. 44%, and 63% vs. 52%, respectively). The hypothesis of superiority was not met (one-sided P = 0.11). However, patients with Child-Pugh B, ECOG 1, bilobar disease, and recurrent disease showed a significant increase in objective response (P = 0.038) compared to cTACE. DC Bead was associated with improved tolerability, with a significant reduction in serious liver toxicity (P < 0.001) and a significantly lower rate of doxorubicin-related side effects (P = 0.0001). TACE with DC Bead and doxorubicin is safe and effective in the treatment of HCC and offers a benefit to patients with more advanced disease.

Primary graft function, metabolic control, and graft survival after islet transplantation.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of primary graft function (PGF) on graft survival and metabolic control after islet transplantation with the Edmonton protocol. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 14 consecutive patients with brittle type 1 diabetes were enrolled in this phase 2 study and received median 12,479 islet equivalents per kilogram of body weight (interquartile range 11,072-15,755) in two or three sequential infusions within 67 days (44-95). PGF was estimated 1 month after the last infusion by the beta-score, a previously validated index (range 0-8) based on insulin or oral treatment requirements, plasma C-peptide, blood glucose, and A1C. Primary outcome was graft survival, defined as insulin independence with A1C < or =6.5%. RESULTS All patients gained insulin independence within 12 days (6-23) after the last infusion. PGF was optimal (beta-score > or =7) in nine patients and suboptimal (beta-score < or =6) in five. At last follow-up, 3.3 years (2.8-4.0) after islet transplantation, eight patients (57%) remained insulin independent with A1C < or =6.5%, including seven patients with optimal PGF (78%) and one with suboptimal PGF (20%) (P = 0.01, log-rank test). Graft survival was not significantly influenced by HLA mismatches or by preexisting islet autoantibodies. A1C, mean glucose, glucose variability (assessed with continuous glucose monitoring system), and glucose tolerance (using an oral glucose tolerance test) were markedly improved when compared with baseline values and were significantly lower in patients with optimal PGF than in those with suboptimal PGF. CONCLUSIONS Optimal PGF was associated with prolonged graft survival and better metabolic control after islet transplantation. This early outcome may represent a valuable end point in future clinical trials.

Comparison of two techniques of transarterial chemoembolization before liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: a case-control study.

Supraselective transarterial chemoembolization (STACE) more efficiently targets chemotherapy delivered via the feeding arterial branches of the tumor than does conventional transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, the hypothesis of its greater efficacy compared with the latter is subject to controversy. The aim of the present study was to compare STACE to conventional TACE in a controlled study of candidates for liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients were matched for factors associated with HCC recurrence and survival. Sixty patients were included: 30 who were treated with STACE and 30 treated with conventional TACE. The 2 groups were similar in terms of matched criteria. In the overall population (uni- and multinodular HCC), there was no marked difference between the 2 groups in 5-year disease-free survival: 76.8% vs. 74.8%. In sensitivity analysis of patients considered to be the best candidates for TACE (uninodular HCC < or =5 cm), there was a trend toward significance between STACE and TACE in 5-year disease-free survival: 87% vs. 64% (P = 0.09). The only factor associated with complete tumor necrosis was STACE in the overall population (30.8% vs. 6.9%, P = 0.02), with a similar trend in the subgroup of patients with a single nodule (33.3% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.06), whereas the mean number of procedures was similar in the 2 groups (mean, 1.3 procedures; range 1-5 procedures; P = NS). STACE is more efficient at inducing complete tumor necrosis in the liver. This study observed trends toward improvement in the disease-free survival of patients with uninodular HCC < or =5 cm. Future studies focusing on such patients are warranted.

Helical CT in acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of helical CT in depicting the location of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding. A three-phase helical CT of the abdomen was performed in 24 patients referred for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The diagnosis of the bleeding site was established by CT when there was at least one of the following criteria: spontaneous hyperdensity of the peribowel fat; contrast enhancement of the bowel wall; vascular extravasation of the contrast medium; thickening of the bowel wall; polyp or tumor; or vascular dilation. Diverticula alone were not enough to locate the bleeding site. The results of CT were compared with the diagnosis obtained by colonoscopy, enteroscopy, or surgery. A definite diagnosis was made in 19 patients. The bleeding site was located in the small bowel in 5 patients and the colon in 14 patients. The CT correctly located 4 small bowel hemorrhages and 11 colonic hemorrhages. Diagnosis of the primary lesion responsible for the bleeding was made in 10 patients. Our results suggest that helical CT could be a good diagnostic tool in acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding to help the physician to diagnose the bleeding site.

Long-term results of percutaneous management for anastomotic biliary stricture after orthotopic liver transplantation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of percutaneous transhepatic management (PTM) of anastomotic biliary strictures (BS). Among 168 liver transplant adult recipients, BS was identified in 30 patients. In 6 patients, narrowing of the anastomosis was found early, and in all cases disappeared spontaneously with prolonged draining of the bile tube. Within a mean time of 14 months after transplantation, 24 patients had symptomatic BSs, revealed by cholestasis (n = 17) or cholangitis (n = 7). Twenty-two patients underwent PTM as first treatment of BS (balloon dilatation or stent placement). We evaluated the primary and secondary patency rate of PTM. In 1 patient, PTM failed because the stricture could not be passed with the guide wire, necessitating conversion to a Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy (CDJ). Fourteen patients were treated by percutaneous balloon dilatation from which 8 patients (57.2%) were recurrence-free with a mean follow-up of 61 months. One patient with a patent biliary anastomosis underwent retransplantation for acute rejection. Twelve patients received metallic expandable stent placement as their primary treatment (n = 7) or after failure of balloon dilatation (n = 5). Recurrent stricture was found in 7 cases (58%) and was treated by PTM (n = 6) or surgery (n = 1). The primary patency rate for PTM was 58.8% at 12 months and the secondary patency rate 88.4%, with a mean follow-up of 47 months (median: 44 months). The mortality rate was 3.5% (one death). PTM with balloon dilatation, stent placement, or both, represent a safe method to treat anastomotic BSs after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) resulting in a secondary patency rate of 88% at 5 years.