Endoscopic management of anastomotic stricture after living-donor liver transplantation

Korean J Intern Med. 2019 Mar;34(2):261-268. doi: 10.3904/kjim.2019.044. Epub 2019 Feb 25.

Abstract

The most effective and fundamental treatment for end-stage liver disease is liver transplantation. Deceased-donor liver transplantation has been performed for many of these cases. However, living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has emerged as an alternative because it enables timely procurement of the donor organ. The success rate of LDLT has been improved by development of the surgical technique, use of immunosuppressant drugs, and accumulation of post-transplantation care experience. However, the occurrence of biliary stricture after LDLT remains a problem. This article reviews the pathogenesis, diagnosis, endoscopic management, and long-term outcomes of post-liver transplantation biliary stricture, with a focus on anastomotic stricture.

Keywords: Bile ducts; Cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic retrograde; Constriction, pathologic; Liver transplantation; Living donors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Surgical / adverse effects*
  • Biliary Tract Diseases / etiology
  • Biliary Tract Diseases / therapy*
  • Endoscopy, Digestive System / methods*
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Living Donors
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy*