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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Chen
Jun-zhong
JZ
Department of Gastroenterology, Longgang Central Hospital, Shenzhen 518116, China. sz_chjz@hotmail.com
Cui
Yi
Y
Li
Chu-jun
CJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001649:Bile Duct Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000601:surgery; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged