Endoscopic Management of Biliary Issues in the Liver Transplant Patient

Abstract

Biliary complications remain a common problem after liver transplantation (LT). The therapeutic endoscopist encounters a variety of situations in LT including strictures at the duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis, strictures elsewhere in the biliary tree caused by an ischemic injury, and bile leaks at the anastomosis or from the cut surface and stone disease. Biliary complications lead to significant morbidity and occasionally reduced graft and patient survival. Several factors increase the risk of strictures and leaks. Endoscopic intervention in experienced hands is successful in the management of biliary complications following LT and percutaneous or surgical correction should seldom be required.

Keywords: Bile leak; Biliary stricture; ERCP; Liver transplantation.