Biliary reconstruction using a side-to-side choledochocholedochostomy with or without T-tube in deceased donor liver transplantation: a prospective randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE
The biliary anastomosis is still one of the major causes for morbidity after orthotopic liver transplantation. The optimal method of reconstruction remains controversial. The aim of the study was to assess biliary complications after liver transplantation using a choledochocholedochostomy with or without a temporary T-tube.


BACKGROUND
Several reports have suggested that biliary reconstruction without T-tube is a safer method with a lower rate of biliary complications compared with T-tube insertion.


METHODS
A total of 194 recipients of deceased donor liver grafts were randomized. In group 1 the biliary reconstruction was performed by side-to-side choledochocholedochostomy with (n = 99) and in group 2 (n = 95) without a T-tube. The T-tube was removed after 6 weeks.


RESULTS
The overall biliary complication rate was significantly increased in group 2 (P < 0.0005). Biliary leaks occurred in 5 patients in group 1 and in 9 patients in group 2 (5.05% vs. 9.47%; P = 0.2756 ns). Anastomotic strictures of the bile duct were seen in 7 patients in group 1 and in 8 patients in group 2 (7.07% vs. 8.42%; P = 0.7923 ns). Two of the patients in group 1 and 5 patients in group 2 developed an ischemic type biliary lesion (2.02% vs. 5.26%; P = 0.2716 ns). The rate of reoperations was comparable in both groups. The rate of invasive interventions was higher in the group without T-tubes (9% vs. 18%, P = ns), as was the rate of cholangitis (5% vs. 11%. P = ns) and pancreatitis (4% vs. 14%, P = 0.0218). No complications after removal of the T-tube were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
This study is a large prospective randomized trial to assess biliary complications that occur following liver transplantation, after anatomizing the bile duct with or without T-tubes. A significant increased rate of complications in the group without T-tube insertion was observed. In summary, our results indicate that the usage of T-tubes is safe and an excellent tool for the quality control of biliary anastomoses.
Weiss
Sascha
S
Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow Clinical Center, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
Schmidt
Sven-Ch
SC
Ulrich
Frank
F
Pascher
Andreas
A
Schumacher
Guido
G
Stockmann
Martin
M
Puhl
Gero
G
Guckelberger
Olaf
O
Neumann
Ulf P
UP
Pratschke
Johann
J
Neuhaus
Peter
P
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D002768:Choledochostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004322:Drainage / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications