Management of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation: The role of endoscopy

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http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/abstract_en.asp?f=493 & v=14

Londono MC, Balderramo D, Cardenas A.Management of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation: The role of endoscopy.World J Gastroenterol 2008 January;14(4):493-497Management of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation: The role of endoscopyLondono MC, Balderramo D, Cardenas A.Institut de Malalties Digestives I Metaboliques, Hospital Clinic, Villarroel 170, Esc 3-2, Barcelona 08036, Spain. acardena@...Biliary complications are significant causes of morbidity and mortality after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The estimated incidence of biliary complications after OLT ranges between 10%-25%, however, these numbers continue to decline due to improvement in surgical techniques. The most common biliary complications are strictures (both anastomotic and non-anastomotic) and bile leaks. Most of these problems can be appropriately managed with endoscopic retrograde colangiography (ERC). Other complications such as bile duct stones, bile casts, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, and hemobilia, are less frequent and also can be managed with ERC. This article will review the risk factors, diagnosis, and endoscopic management of the most common biliary complications after OLT.