Biliary Complications Following Liver Transplantation

Overview

Journal Dig Dis Sci

Specialty Gastroenterology

Date 2010 Apr 23

PMID 20411422

Citations 27

Authors

Walid S Ayoub

Carlos O Esquivel

Paul Martin

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The aphorism that reconstruction of the biliary anastomosis is the "Achilles heel" of liver transplantation remains valid as biliary complications following liver transplantation remain a major source of morbidity with an incidence of 5-32%. Biliary complications include biliary strictures, biliary leaks, and stones. Biliary strictures can be divided into anastomotic and non-anastomotic. The management of biliary complications previously relied on surgical intervention. However, advances in endoscopic and radiological interventions have resulted in less-invasive options. The management of biliary complications post-liver transplantation requires a multidisciplinary approach and continues to evolve. Biliary complications also reflect the continued expansion of the donor pool with extended, live, and non-heart beating donors.

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