Biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation: a review of incidence and risk factors

Abstract

Biliary complications (BCs) are a common source of morbidity after liver transplantation, leading to long-term and repeated therapies. The incidence of BCs currently ranges from 5% and 25%. Biliary strictures and leaks are the most common complications after deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT), occurring in 9%-12% and 5%-10% of cases, respectively. Hepatic artery complications are recognized as the major risk factor for BCs; however, other circumstances such as advanced donor age, prolonged cold and warm ischemia times, grafts from donors after cardiac death, occurrence of a previous bile leak, T-tube use, cytomegalovirus infection, or graft steatosis have also been reported to be potential risk factors. Use of various preservation solutions has not significantly improved the biliary complication rate after DDLT. Technical modifications in biliary reconstruction have been proposed to improve outcomes after DDLT; the use of a T-tube for biliary reconstruction continues to be controversial. Non anastomotic strictures (NAS) are recognized to be different from anastomotic strictures. Although they have been associated with ischemic or immunological mechanisms, bile salt toxicity has recently been recognized as a potential factor for NAS. Donation after cardiac death is a significant source of organs that has been associated with decreased graft survival due to the increased BCs.