Stent placement can achieve same prognosis as endoscopic nasobiliary drainage in treatment of bile leakage after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND

Both stent placement and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) are commonly used for treating bile leakage following liver transplantation. However, little research has compared the advantages of both methods.

AIM

To compare the prognosis of stent placement and ENBD in treating bile leakage following liver transplantation.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data for patients with bile leakage after liver transplantation in our center. The efficiency and prognosis were compared between the stent placement and ENBD groups.

RESULTS

We retrospectively collected data from 50 patients diagnosed with bile leakage within 1 month after liver transplantation. Forty patients underwent ENBD and nine received stent placement. Baseline patient characteristics, except white blood cell count, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels, were comparable between the two groups. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the rates of reconveyance or postoperative biliary stricture.

CONCLUSION

Stent placement and ENBD are recommended for treating bile leakage after liver transplantation, with similar efficacy and prognosis.