Diagnostic and therapeutic value of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for biliary complications after liver transplantation: report of 12 cases.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic value of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for biliary complications after liver transplantation.

METHOD

ERCP was performed via electronic duodenoscopy in 12 patients suspected of having biliary complications such as obstructive jaundice after orthotopic liver transplantation.

RESULTS

ERCP displayed common bile duct stenosis or obstruction in 9 cases (including 2 cases with also calculi), common bile duct calculi in 2 cases (including 1 complicated by bile duct dilation) and intrahepatic bile duct thinning in the donor liver in 1 case. Balloon dilation of the common bile duct, calculus removal and metal stent placement in the common bile duct was performed in one case. Calculus removal by Oddi sphincterotomy was carried out in 3 cases. Nasobiliary catheter placement was performed in 2 cases.

CONCLUSION

ERCP may serve as the primary modality for diagnosing and treating biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation with good safety and effectiveness in most cases.