Ursodiol Prophylaxis in Recipients of Liver Transplant From Donors After Cardiac Death.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of ursodiol in preventing biliary complications after transplant of livers from donors after cardiac death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center, nonrandomized, retrospective study that evaluated biliary complication rates in patients who received ursodiol (13-15 mg/kg/day) for 30 days (n = 32; post-ursodiol group) compared with patients who did not receive ursodiol after liver transplant from a cardiac death donor (n = 36; pre-ursodiol group [before introduction of ursodiol in the prophylaxis regimen]). Data were collected from September 2012 to September 2021. Patients were included if they were at least 19 years old and received a liver transplant from a donor after cardiac death. The primary endpoint of this study was to determine whether ursodiol decreased biliary complications within 30 days posttransplant. Secondary endpoints included change in biochemical serum liver tests (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine amino-transferase, total bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase) and time to identification of hepatobiliary complications at posttransplant days 7, 14, and 28, acute graft loss, biopsy-proven acute rejection, and patient survival at 1 and 6 months. RESULTS: Biliary complications were similar between groups. Four patients (12.5%) experienced biliary complications in the post-ursodiol group versus 1 patient (2.9%) in the pre-ursodiol group (not significant, P = .19). Biochemical liver enzymes at days 7, 14, and 28 were also not significant different between groups. Acute graft loss, biopsy-proven acute rejection, and patient survival at 1 and 6 months were similar between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Ursodiol prophylaxis did not show a diffrence in preventing biliary complications for recipients of liver transplant from donors after cardiac death.

Precise planning based on 3D-printed dry-laboratory models can reduce perioperative complications of laparoscopic surgery for complex hepatobiliary diseases: a preoperative cohort study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Complications after laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) are important factors affecting the prognosis of patients, especially for complex hepatobiliary diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the value of a three-dimensional (3D) printed dry-laboratory model in the precise planning of LLR for complex hepatobiliary diseases. METHODS: Patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases who underwent LLR were preoperatively enrolled, and divided into two groups according to whether using a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model (3D vs. control group). Clinical variables were assessed and complications were graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification. The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) scores were calculated and compared for each patient. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of postoperative complications. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases underwent the precise planning of LLR. Among them, thirty-one patients acquired the guidance of a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model, and others were only guided by traditional enhanced CT or MRI. The results showed no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characters. However, compared to the control group, the 3D group had a lower incidence of intraoperative blood loss, as well as postoperative 30-day and major complications, especially bile leakage (all P < 0.05). The median score on the CCI was 20.9 (range 8.7-51.8) in the control group and 8.7 (range 8.7-43.4) in the 3D group (mean difference, -12.2, P = 0.004). Multivariable analysis showed the 3D model was an independent protective factor in decreasing postoperative complications. Subgroup analysis also showed that a 3D model could decrease postoperative complications, especially for bile leakage in patients with intrahepatic cholelithiasis. CONCLUSION: The 3D-printed models can help reduce postoperative complications. The 3D-printed models should be recommended for patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases undergoing precise planning LLR.

Applying LASSO logistic regression for the prediction of biliary complications after ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation in patients with end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to explore the relevant risk factors associated with biliary complications (BCs) in patients with end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) following ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ELRA) and to establish and visualize a nomogram model. METHODS: This study retrospectively analysed patients with end-stage HAE who received ELRA treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between August 1, 2010 and May 10, 2023. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was applied to optimize the feature variables for predicting the incidence of BCs following ELRA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to develop a prognostic model by incorporating the selected feature variables from the LASSO regression model. The predictive ability, discrimination, consistency with the actual risk, and clinical utility of the candidate prediction model were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Internal validation was performed by the bootstrapping method. RESULTS: The candidate prediction nomogram included predictors such as age, hepatic bile duct dilation, portal hypertension, and regular resection based on hepatic segments. The model demonstrated good discrimination ability and a satisfactory calibration curve, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.818 (95% CI 0.7417-0.8958). According to DCA, this prediction model can predict the risk of BCs occurrence within a probability threshold range of 9% to 85% to achieve clinical net benefit. CONCLUSIONS: A prognostic nomogram with good discriminative ability and high accuracy was developed and validated to predict BCs after ELRA in patients with end-stage HAE.

Biliary complications after adult-to-adult living-donor liver transplantation: An international multicenter study of 3633 cases.

In living-donor liver transplantation, biliary complications including bile leaks and biliary anastomotic strictures remain significant challenges, with incidences varying across different centers. This multicentric retrospective study (2016-2020) included 3633 adult patients from 18 centers and aimed to identify risk factors for these biliary complications and their impact on patient survival. Incidences of bile leaks and biliary strictures were 11.4% and 20.6%, respectively. Key risk factors for bile leaks included multiple bile duct anastomoses (odds ratio, [OR] 1.8), Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (OR, 1.4), and a history of major abdominal surgery (OR, 1.4). For biliary anastomotic strictures, risk factors were ABO incompatibility (OR, 1.4), blood loss >1 L (OR, 1.4), and previous abdominal surgery (OR, 1.7). Patients experiencing biliary complications had extended hospital stays, increased incidence of major complications, and higher comprehensive complication index scores. The impact on graft survival became evident after accounting for immortal time bias using time-dependent covariate survival analysis. Bile leaks and biliary anastomotic strictures were associated with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.7 and 1.8 for graft survival, respectively. The study underscores the importance of minimizing these risks through careful donor selection and preoperative planning, as biliary complications significantly affect graft survival, despite the availability of effective treatments.

The Usefulness of High-Magnification Loupe for Reducing Biliary Complications After Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in surgical techniques, biliary complications are still considered to be a technical "Achilles' heel" of liver transplantation (LT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of loupe magnification in reducing biliary complications after LT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2017 to February 2022, LT was performed on 307 patients in our center. Among them, except for 3 patients who underwent hepaticojejunostomy, 304 adult patients with LT were enrolled. They were divided into 3 groups according to the loupe magnification: 2.5 times (×2.5 group, n = 105), 3.5 times (×3.5 group, n = 95), and 5.0 times (×5.0 group, n = 105). RESULTS: Biliary complications occurred in 63 (20.7%) patients. Anastomosis site leakage occurred in 37 patients (12.2%), and stricture occurred in 52 patients (17.1%). Anastomosis site leakage occurred in 15 patients (14.3%) in the ×2.5 group, 15 patients (16.0%) in the ×3.5 group, and 7 patients (6.7%) in the ×5.0 group (P = .097). Biliary stricture occurred in 26 patients (24.8%) in the ×2.5 group, 15 patients (16.0%) in the ×3.5 group, and 11 patients (10.5%) in the ×5.0 group (P = .021). Total biliary complications occurred in 31 patients (29.5%) in the ×2.5 group, 19 patients in the ×3.5 group (20.2%), and 13 patients in the ×5.0 group (12.4%) (P = .009). CONCLUSION: The use of a high magnification loupe can reduce biliary complications in liver transplantation. Further large-scale analyses of clinical data or randomized controlled trials are required to support this study.

Recipient-associated risk factors for post-liver transplantation biliary complications: A cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Biliary complications (BCs) are a well-documented post-liver transplantation concern with potential implications for patient survival. This study aims at identifying risk factors associated with the development of BCs in recipients after liver transplantation (LT) and exploring strategies for their management. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1595 adult patients (age > 18 years) who underwent LT surgery between 2019 and 2021. The study assessed the incidence of BCs in this cohort. RESULTS: Of 1595 patients, 178 (11.1%) experienced BCs, while 1417 (88.8%) did not exhibit any signs of such complications. Patients who developed BCs were found to have a significantly lower average age (p < 0.001) and longer cold ischemic times (p < 0.001) compared to those without BCs. Variables such as sex, body mass index (BMI), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, primary diagnosis, type of anastomosis, hepatectomy technique, type of transplanted liver and mortality did not demonstrate statistically significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a cold ischemic time exceeding 12 hours and duct-to-duct anastomosis were positive predictors for BC development (odds ratios of 6.23 [CI 4.29-9.02] and 1.47 [CI 0.94-2.30], respectively). Conversely, increasing age was associated with a protective effect against BC development, with an odds ratio of 0.64 (CI 0.46-0.89). CONCLUSION: Our multi-variate analysis identified cold ischemia time (CIT) as the sole significant predictor of post-liver transplantation biliary complications. Additionally, this study observed that advancing patient age had a protective influence in this context. Notably, no significant disparities were detected between hepatectomy techniques and the etiology of liver disease types in the two study groups.

Outcome of forgotten biliary stents for more than five years-A two-decade experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Prolonged biliary stenting may lead to complications such as cholangitis, stentolith and stent migration. There is limited data on forgotten biliary stents for more than five years in literature. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the complications and outcomes in patients who forgot to get their biliary stents removed or exchanged for more than five years. METHODS: The study population included patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and plastic biliary stent placements in a tertiary care center from 1990 to 2022 for benign biliary diseases. Loss to follow-up and subsequent forgotten stent for more than five years were observed in 40 patients who underwent ERCP during this study period. We retrospectively analyzed the indications of stenting, present status of stent, complications and outcomes in the study patients. RESULTS: The mean age of the study patients was 51.5 ± 11.5 years with 27 females. Indications of biliary stent placement were choledocholithiasis (33, 82.5%), bile leak (3, 7.5%), benign biliary stricture (2, 5%) and choledochal cyst (2, 5%). The mean duration of forgotten stent was 5.9 ± 3.6 years. Presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (37, 92.5%), fever (26, 65%) and jaundice (32, 80%). Most commonly placed stent was 7 French double pigtail of 10 cm length. Complications in the study patients were cholangitis (35, 87.5%), internal migration (2, 5%), pancreatitis (1, 2.5%) and portal hypertension (1, 2.5%). The outcomes were stone removal (30, 90.9%), stent removal (31, 77.5%), stent reinsertion (19, 47.5%), broken stent (3, 7.5%) and surgery (2, 5%). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged duration (> 5 years) of forgotten stent is uncommon and is observed most commonly in patients with choledocholithiasis. The most common complication of long duration of forgotten stents was cholangitis followed by internal migration, pancreatitis and portal hypertension. Stone and stent removal was successful in a majority of patents, while surgery was required in less number of patients.

Tratamiento endoscópico de las complicaciones biliares en el trasplante hepático / No disponible

INTRODUCCIÓN: las complicaciones biliares tras el trasplante hepático son una causa importante de morbimortalidad. La colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) es una alternativa terapéutica menos invasiva que el manejo quirúrgico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se han revisado el manejo endoscópico de las complicaciones derivadas de la reconstrucción biliar en pacientes receptores de trasplante hepático en el Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña entre los años 2012 y 2018 y su tratamiento mediante CPRE. RESULTADOS: se estudiaron 232 pacientes receptores de trasplante hepático. Se produjeron complicaciones biliares en 70 (30,1 %). La complicación más frecuente fue la estenosis de la anastomosis biliar, generalmente colédoco-coledocal, en 43 (61,4 %) pacientes. Siguieron la fístula biliar en 16 (22,9 %), la estenosis biliar no anastomótica en seis (8,6 %) y, finalmente, la coledocolitiasis en cinco (7,1 %). Se realizaron CPRE en 39/43 pacientes con estenosis de la anastomosis y se alcanzó el éxito clínico en 36 (92,3 %). También en todos los pacientes con fístula biliar temprana, con éxito en 10/16 (62,5 %). En los cálculos biliares se consiguió éxito con la CPRE en 3/5 pacientes (60 %). En las estenosis no anastomóticas no se consiguió buen resultado endoscópico en ningún caso. Como complicaciones se registraron cinco (7,7 %) hemorragias leve-moderadas tras esfinterotomía biliar. CONCLUSIONES: en nuestro estudio, parece que la CPRE es útil en la mayoría de estenosis de anastomóticas biliares, fístulas biliares tempranas y coledocolitiasis tras el trasplante hepático. El número de complicaciones de la CPRE en estos pacientes ha sido bajo, sin ninguna mortalidad

No disponible

Fístulo-yeyunostomía como alternativa de tratamiento en la reparación de una fístula biliar compleja / Fistulo-jejunostomy as an alternative treatment in the repair of a complex biliary leak

No disponible

Patología quirúrgica hepatobiliar en la infancia / Pediatric hepatobiliary surgery pathology

La patología quirúrgica hepatobiliar en la infancia posee una gran relevancia debido a la repercusión que presenta en los niños afectados, razón por la que el correcto conocimiento de la misma se correlaciona con un diagnóstico temprano y un manejo oportuno que redunda en beneficio para nuestros pacientes. la presente revisión es una actualización centrada en las cuatro principales patologías hepatobiliares pediátricas. en primer lugar, se considera la atresia de vías biliares (aVB), que es la causa quirúrgica más común de enfermedad colestásica neonatal y la primera indicación de trasplante hepático infantil. es de resaltar la evolución en el concepto de la aVB en la última década, que recientemente se ha definido como un fenotipo caracterizado por la obliteración o ausencia de las vías biliares extrahepáticas, asociado a una alteración en la formación de los conductos biliares intrahepáticos, que puede deberse a múltiples etiologías. en segundo lugar, se revisa la dilatación de la vía biliar extrahepática y/o intrahepática, que afecta con mayor frecuencia al colédoco, conocida como quiste de colédoco. Se hace énfasis en su clasificación anatómica y etiológica, en el papel relevante de la colangiorresonancia en la evaluación preoperatoria de la lesión y en el tratamiento oportuno en función del tipo de dilatación y de la condición clínica del niño. en tercer lugar, se analiza el incremento de la presión del sistema venoso portal, denominado como hipertensión portal. dicho aumento de presión puede encontrar su origen en una obstrucción venosa a nivel prehepático, hepático y posthepático. Se destaca la singularidad de la hipertensión portal en la infancia que, a diferencia de los adultos, muestran una gran proporción de pacientes con una causa prehepática, los cuales desarrollan hiperesplenismo y hemorragia secundaria a várices esofagogástricas con mayor frecuencia, pero con una baja mortalidad atribuible a dicha hemorragia y ausencia de progresión a cirrosis hepática. Finalmente, se habla de la litiasis biliar en la infancia, destacando el amplio espectro clínico que presentan los niños afectados y la variedad en la composición de los cálculos biliares en pediatría, remarcando las estrategias terapéuticas a seguir en cada caso

Pediatric hepatobiliary surgery pathology is of great relevance due to its repercussion in the affected children. For this reason, correct knowledge about it is correlated with an early diagnosis and pertinent management that results in a benefit for our patients. This review is an update focused on the four main pediatric hepatobiliary pathologies. Bile duct atresia (BVA) is considered in the first place, this being the most common surgical cause of neonatal cholestatic disease and the first indication of child liver transplant. the evolution in the concept of BVa in the last decade should be emphasized, which has recently been defined as a phenotype characterized by the obliteration or absence of the extrahepatic bile ducts, associated to an alteration in the formation of the intrahepatic bile ducts, which can be due to multiple etiologies. in the second place, dilatation of the extrahepatic and/or intrahepatic bile ducts, that with greater frequency affects the choledoch, known as choledochal cyst, is reviewed. emphasis is placed on their anatomical and etiological classification, on the relevant role of the cholangioresonance in the pre-operative evaluation of the lesion and on the pertinent treatment based on the type of dilatation and on the clinical condition of the child. in the third place, an analysis is made of the increase of the pressure of the portal venous system, called portal hypertension. Said increase in pressure can originate in a venous obstruction on the prehepatic, hepatic or post-hepatic level. the singularity of portal hypertension in children stands out which, on the contrary to in adults, shows a large proportion of patients with a prehepatic cause, these developing hypersplenism and hemorrhaging secondary to esophagogastric varices more frequently. However, they have a low mortality attributable to said hemorrhaging and absence of progression to hepatic cirrhosis. Finally, mention is made of gallstones in children, stressing the wide clinical spectrum that the affected children have and the variety in the composition of the gallstones in pediatrics, emphasizing the therapeutic strategies to follow in each case

Biliary complications after liver transplantation / Complicações biliares pós-transplante hepático

ABSTRACT Background: Biliary reconstitution has been considered the Achilles's heel of liver transplantations due to its high rate of postoperative complications. Aim: To evaluate the risk factors for occurrence of biliary strictures and leakages, and the most efficient methods for their treatment. Method: Of 310 patients who underwent liver transplantation between 2001 and 2015, 182 medical records were retrospectively analyzed. Evaluated factors included demographic profile, type of transplantation and biliary reconstitution, presence of vascular and biliary complications, their treatment and results. Results: 153 (84.07%) deceased donor and 29 (15.93%) living donor transplantations were performed. Biliary complications occurred in 49 patients (26.92%): 28 strictures (15.38%), 14 leakages (7.7%) and seven leakages followed by strictures (3.85%). Hepatic artery thrombosis was present in 10 patients with biliary complications (20.4%; p=0,003). Percutaneous and endoscopic interventional procedures (including balloon dilation and stent insertion) were the treatment of choice for biliary complications. In case of radiological or endoscopic treatment failure, surgical intervention was performed (biliodigestive derivation or retransplantation (32.65%). Complications occurred in 25% of patients treated with endoscopic or percutaneous procedures and in 42.86% of patients reoperated. Success was achieved in 45% of patients who underwent endoscopic or percutaneous procedures and in 61.9% of those who underwent surgery. Conclusion: Biliary complications are frequent events after liver transplantation. They often require new interventions: endoscopic and percutaneous procedures at first and surgical treatment when needed. Hepatic artery thrombosis increases the number of biliary complications.

RESUMO Racional: A reconstituição biliar é considerada o calcanhar-de-Aquiles do transplante hepático devido à sua elevada taxa de complicações pós-operatórias. Objetivo: Analisar os fatores de risco para ocorrência de estenoses e fístulas biliares e os métodos terapêuticos mais eficientes para seu tratamento. Método: De 310 pacientes transplantados entre 2001 e 2015, 182 prontuários foram analisados retrospectivamente. Foram avaliados o perfil demográfico dos pacientes, tipo de transplante e reconstituição biliar, presença de complicações biliares e vasculares, tratamento utilizado e seus resultados. Resultados: Foram realizados 153 (84,07%) transplantes hepáticos cadavéricos e 29 intervivos (15,93%). Complicações biliares ocorreram em 49 pacientes (26,92%): 28 estenoses (15,38%), 14 fístulas (7,7%) e sete fístulas seguidas de estenose (3,85%). Trombose de artéria hepática esteve presente em 10 pacientes com complicações biliares (20,4%, p=0,003). Os tratamentos de escolha foram os procedimentos endoscópicos ou percutâneos (incluindo dilatação por balão e colocação de próteses (40,82%). No insucesso deles, foi realizado tratamento cirúrgico (derivação biliodigestiva ou retransplante (32,65%). Complicações ocorreram em 25% dos pacientes que fizeram procedimentos endoscópicos ou percutâneos e em 42,86% dos submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico. A resolução das complicações biliares foi de 45% com os procedimentos endoscópicos ou percutâneos e de 61,9% com o cirúrgico. Conclusão: Complicações biliares são frequentes após transplante hepático. Comumente requerem novas intervenções. Os procedimentos endoscópicos e percutâneos são a primeira escolha e os cirúrgicos, empregados na falha destes. Trombose de artéria hepática aumenta a incidência de complicações biliares.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de las lesiones iatrogénicas de la vía biliar poscolecistectomía / Surgical treatment of iatrogenic bile duct injury post cholecystectomy

Introducción: Las lesiones de la vía biliar (LVB) iatrogénicas durante una colecistectomía constituyen una complicación grave, con una significativa morbimortalidad. El objetivo del estudio es analizar los resultados de la reparación de las LVB poscolecistectomía realizadas entre los años 2000 y 2015. Métodos: Estudio de serie de casos. Se consignaron en una base de datos: variables demográficas, el centro donde se realizó la colecistectomía, la vía de reparación, el tipo de LVB, el tipo de reparación efectuada, las complicaciones postoperatorias, la mortalidad operatoria y la sobrevida. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el software SPSS 22 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, EE. UU.). Resultados: Se estudiaron 36 pacientes, de los cuales 33 (92%) fueron mujeres; la edad promedio fue de 48,5 ± 14 años. La colecistectomía que originó la iatrogenia fue laparoscópica en 24 (67%) casos. La LVB fue identificada en el intraoperatorio en 9 pacientes (25%). La LVB más frecuente se localizó a menos de 2cm de la confluencia (Bismuth-Strasberg tipo E2) en 14 (39%) pacientes. La derivación biliodigestiva con asa en Y de Roux fue la técnica más utilizada en la reparación de las LVB en 26 (72%) casos. A largo plazo, se observó una estenosis en 7 (19%) pacientes, con necesidad de una nueva reparación. Hubo mortalidad operatoria de un paciente (3%). Conclusiones: Las LVB poscolecistectomía fueron satisfactoriamente reparadas preferentemente con una derivación biliodigestiva con Y de Roux en nuestro centro.

Abstract Introduction: Iatrogenic bile duct injuries (BDI) during a cholecystectomy are a serious complication with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to analyze the results BDI's repair post cholecystectomy which was performed between the years 2000-2015. Methods: Case series study. Demographic variables, the center where the cholecystectomy was performed, repair pathway, the type of bile duct injury, the type of reparation performed, postoperative complications, operative mortality and survival were entered in a database. For statistical analysis, software SPSS 22 was used. Results: Thirty-six patients were studied; 33 (92%) were women; mean age 48.5 ± 14 years. The Cholecystectomy that originated the iatrogenia was laparoscopic in 24 (67%) cases. BDI was identified intraoperatively in 9 patients (25%). The most common BDI was located less than 2 cm to confluence (Bismuth-Strasberg type E2) in 14 (39%) patients. The biliodigestive Roux-Y bypass was the most used technique in the repair of the BDI in 26 (72%) cases. In the long term, stenosis was observed in 7 (19%) patients with the need of a new repair. Operative mortality of 1 patient (3%). Conclusions: BDI post cholecystectomy were successfully repaired preferably with a biliodigestive Roux-Y bypass in our center.

Role of Gastroenterologists in Management of Obesity / 대한소화기학회지

Obesity is a serious disorder that increases morbidity and mortality. Primary intervention with life style modification and medication is not always effective for obese patients. Endoscopic management of obesity may be a less invasive, more cost-effective, and relatively safer option than bariatric surgery. Moreover, therapeutic endoscopy is considered to be the primary modality for managing complications that occur after bariatric surgery. In the near future, role of gastroenterologists will be more important in the management of obesity and its related problems.

Endoscopic Management of Bile Leakage after Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be an effective treatment for bile leakage after liver transplantation. We evaluated the efficacy of endoscopic treatment in liver transplantation in patients who developed bile leaks. METHODS: Forty-two patients who developed bile leaks after liver transplantation were included in the study. If a bile leak was observed on ERCP, a sphincterotomy was performed, and a nasobiliary catheter was then inserted. If a bile leak was accompanied by a bile duct stricture, either the stricture was dilated with balloons, followed by nasobiliary catheter insertion across the bile duct stricture, or endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage was performed. RESULTS: In the bile leakage alone group (22 patients), endoscopic treatment was technically successful in 19 (86.4%) and clinically successful in 17 (77.3%) cases. Among the 20 patients with bile leaks with bile duct strictures, endoscopic treatment was technically successful in 13 (65.0%) and clinically successful in 10 (50.0%) cases. Among the 42 patients who underwent ERCP, technical success was achieved in 32 (76.2%) cases and clinical success was achieved in 27 (64.3%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP is an effective and safe therapeutic modality for bile leaks after liver transplantation. ERCP should be considered as an initial therapeutic modality in post-liver transplantation patients.

Endoscopic Management of Bile Leakage after Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be an effective treatment for bile leakage after liver transplantation. We evaluated the efficacy of endoscopic treatment in liver transplantation in patients who developed bile leaks. METHODS: Forty-two patients who developed bile leaks after liver transplantation were included in the study. If a bile leak was observed on ERCP, a sphincterotomy was performed, and a nasobiliary catheter was then inserted. If a bile leak was accompanied by a bile duct stricture, either the stricture was dilated with balloons, followed by nasobiliary catheter insertion across the bile duct stricture, or endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage was performed. RESULTS: In the bile leakage alone group (22 patients), endoscopic treatment was technically successful in 19 (86.4%) and clinically successful in 17 (77.3%) cases. Among the 20 patients with bile leaks with bile duct strictures, endoscopic treatment was technically successful in 13 (65.0%) and clinically successful in 10 (50.0%) cases. Among the 42 patients who underwent ERCP, technical success was achieved in 32 (76.2%) cases and clinical success was achieved in 27 (64.3%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP is an effective and safe therapeutic modality for bile leaks after liver transplantation. ERCP should be considered as an initial therapeutic modality in post-liver transplantation patients.

ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF POST-LIVER TRANSPLANTATION ANASTOMOTIC BILIARY STRICTURE: systematic review andmeta-analysis / Tratamento endoscópico na estenose da anastomose biliar no pós-transplante hepático: revisão sistemática e meta-análise

Context Biliary strictures after liver transplantation are recognized as its Achilles’ heel. The strictures are classified in anastomotic and ischemic or non-anastomotic biliary strictures, and they figure among the most common complications after liver transplantation. There are some treatment options including balloon dilation, the placement of multiple plastic stents and the placement of self-expandable metal stents and all of them seem to have good results. Objectives The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature concerning the results of the endoscopic treatment of anastomotic biliary strictures after liver transplantation. Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed on the management of anastomotic biliary strictures post- orthotopic liver transplantation. The Medline-PubMed, EMBASE, Scielo-LILACS, and Cochrane Databases were electronically searched from January 1966 to April 2013. Results No well-designed randomized controlled trial was found. Most studies were retrospective or prospective comparisons in design. One study (86 patients) compared the endoscopic and the percutaneous accesses. The sustained clinical success rates were similar but the treatment duration was longer in the percutaneous group access. Two studies (56 patients) compared balloon dilation with balloon dilation and multiple plastic stents. There were no differences concerning sustained clinical success and complication rates. Conclusions Balloon dilation is as effective as balloon dilation plus multiple plastic stenting for the resolution of the anastomotic biliary strictures. Well-designed randomized trials are still needed to compare balloon dilation versus multiple plastic stenting versus metallic stenting. .

Contexto A estenose biliar figura como uma das complicações mais frequentes pós-transplante hepático. São classificadas em anastomóticas e não anastomóticas, sendo estas últimas geralmente isquêmicas. Dentre as várias opções de tratamento, destacam-se a dilatação balonada, a colocação de próteses plásticas e a colocação de próteses metálicas autoexpansíveis, que podem ser realizadas tanto por via endoscópica, como por via percutânea. Não há consenso quanto ao melhor tratamento para a estenose da anastomose biliar. Objetivos O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar revisão sistemática da literatura sobre o resultado do tratamento endoscópico da estenose da anastomose biliar após transplante hepático. Métodos Revisão sistemática da literatura foi realizada sobre o tratamento da estenose da anastomose biliar pós transplante hepático, através do acesso aos bancos de dados pesquisados eletronicamente: Medline - PubMed, EMBASE, Scielo- Lilacs, Cochrane de janeiro de 1966 a abril de 2013. Resultados Não foi encontrado estudo clinico controlado e randomizado. A maioria dos estudos são comparativos retrospectivos ou prospectivos. Um estudo (86 pacientes) avaliou o acesso endoscópico e percutâneo. As taxas de sucesso clínico sustentados foram semelhantes, mas a duração do tratamento foi maior no grupo de acesso percutâneo. Dois estudos (56 pacientes) compararam a dilatação por balão com dilatação por balão e múltiplas próteses plásticas. Não houve diferenças em relação as taxas de sucesso e de complicações clínicas sustentadas. Conclusões A dilatação com balão é tão eficaz quanto a dilatação ...

A terapêutica endoscópica nas complicações biliares pós-transplante hepático / Endoscopic management of biliary complications after liver transplantation

RACIONAL: O transplante hepático é o único tratamento efetivo para as hepatopatias crônicas terminais e a taxa de sobrevida tem aumentado nas últimas décadas. No entanto, as complicações biliares têm alta incidência e permanecem como o "calcanhar de Aquiles" do transplante de fígado. OBJETIVO: Avaliar retrospectivamente os resultados do tratamento endoscópico das complicações biliares em pacientes submetidos à transplante hepático. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados pacientes transplantados hepáticos para realização de colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica por suspeita de complicação biliar. RESULTADOS: Quinze pacientes (11 homens, média de idade de 49,57 anos) foram estudados. Nesse período foram realizadas 36 colangiopancreatografias retrógradas endoscópicas (2,4/paciente). Neste grupo, 100% receberam órgão de doador falecido. Estenose da anastomose coledococoledocociana foi diagnosticada em 13 pacientes e o sucesso da terapêutica endoscópica foi de 53,84% (38,46% ainda em tratamento). Fístula biliar foi diagnosticada em um paciente, sendo resolvida pelo tratamento endoscópico. Disfunção da âmpola hepatopancreaticobiliar com coledocolitíase foi diagnosticada em um paciente, também resolvida pela terapêutica endoscópica. CONCLUSÕES: As complicações biliares pós-transplante hepático são relativamente comuns, com predominância de estenoses. O tratamento endoscópico foi eficaz na maioria dos pacientes desta série.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is the only effective treatment for chronic liver diseases and terminal survival rate has increased in recent decades. However, biliary complications have high incidence and remain as the "Achilles heel" for liver transplantation. AIM: To evaluate retrospectively endoscopic treatment outcomes of biliary complications in post-liver transplantations. METHODS: The sample consisted of post-liver transplantation patients for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography due to suspected biliary complications. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included (10 male, mean age of 49.57 years) and 36 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies were undertaken (2.4/patient). Biliary stricture was diagnosed in 13 patients and endoscopic treatment was successful in 56% (38,46% still in treatment). Biliary leaks were found in one patient and dysfunction of the hepatobilliary ampulla with choledocholithiasis was diagnosed in one patient, both cured by endoscopic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Post-liver transplantation biliary complications are relatively common and endoscopic treatment may result in satisfactory outcome. Stenosis was the more frequent complication in this series.

Reconstrução cirúrgica da estenose cicatricial de vias biliares pós-colecistectomia / Surgical reconstruction of post-cholecistectomy cicatricial biliary stenosis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar uma série de casos de estenose cicatricial de vias biliares pós-colecistectomia submetidos à reconstrução cirúrgica. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo de 27 pacientes submetidos à reconstrução cirúrgica da via biliar por estenose cicatricial. O tipo de colecistectomia que resultou na lesão, idade e sexo, sinais e sintomas, o momento do diagnóstico, se precoce ou tardio, presença de cirurgias prévias na tentativa de reconstruir a árvore biliar, classificação das estenoses, e tipo de operação empregada para o tratamento da injúria foram analisados. RESULTADOS: Vinte e seis lesões ocorreram durante laparotomia e uma durante vídeolaparoscopia. Dezesseis pacientes (59%) tiveram as lesões diagnosticadas no transoperatório ou nos primeiros dias de pós-operatório, sete (26%) dos quais já submetidos à reoperação no hospital de origem, evoluindo mal; nove pacientes desse grupo (33%) não tinham reoperação. Onze pacientes (41%) apresentaram a forma clássica de estenose cicatricial, sem acidentes transoperatórios aparentes, com desenvolvimento de obstrução biliar tardia. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à anastomose hepático-jejunal em "Y" de Roux, sendo que em dois casos os ductos hepáticos direito e esquerdo foram implantados separadamente na alça exclusa de jejuno. Vinte e seis pacientes (96,3%) evoluíram bem inicialmente, um paciente teve fístula biliar e foi a óbito. Uma paciente com bom resultado inicial apresentou recidiva da anastomose, cirrose secundária e está aguardando transplante hepático. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria das lesões foi diagnosticada durante a colecistectomia ou nos primeiros dias de pós-operatório, sete pacientes já tinham sido operados na tentativa de reconstruir o trato biliar. A hepaticojejunostomia em "Y" de Roux empregada mostrou-se segura e efetiva em recanalizar a via biliar a curto e longo prazos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a series of cases of cicatricial stenosis of the biliary tract after cholecystectomy undergoing surgical reconstruction. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study with 27 patients who underwent surgical reconstruction of the biliary tree for cicatricial stenosis. We analyzed the type of cholecystectomy that resulted in injury, age, gender, signs and symptoms, time of diagnosis, early or late, presence of previous surgery in an attempt to reconstruct the biliary tree, classification of stenosis and type of operation used for treatment of the injury. RESULTS: Twenty-six injuries occurred during a laparotomy and one during laparoscopy. Sixteen (59%) lesions were diagnosed intraoperatively or within the first postoperative day, seven (26%) havinh been submitted to reoperation at the local hospital, with poor results; nine patients in this group (33%) had no reoperation. Eleven patients (41%) had the classic form of cicatricial stenosis, without apparent intraoperative accidents and late development of biliary obstruction. All patients underwent Roux-en-Y hepatic-jejunal anastomosis; in two cases the right and left hepatic ducts were implanted separately in the excluded jejunal loop. Twenty-six patients (96.3%) had no early complications; one patient had biliary fistula and died. One patient presented with stenosis recurrence, secondary cirrhosis and is awaiting liver transplantation. CONCLUSION: Most injuries were diagnosed during cholecystectomy within the first postoperative days; seven patients had been reoperated in an attempt to reconstruct the biliary tract. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy proved safe and effective in draining the bile duct in the short and long term.