Non-anastomotic biliary strictures after liver transplantation: Focus on percutaneous treatment and extent of disease

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Biliary strictures remain a key problem after liver transplantation. Anastomotic strictures are treated by surgery or interventional therapy. Intrahepatic stenosis requires retransplantation. For bridging, percutaneous and endoscopic interventions are used. The extent of the strictures may have an important role in therapy planning. Methods: Strictures were divided into four zones (1: extrahepatic, not included in this study; 2: hilar; 3: central; 4: peripheral). Twenty patients were treated with balloon dilatation/stent implantation/retransplantation/supportive care (Zone 1: 0/0/0/0; Zone 2: 8/7/2/0; Zone 3: 7/5/2/1; Zone 4: 1/1/3/1). Results: Mean follow-up time was 48 months. In Zone 2, one patient died as a result of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and seven patients are alive, five after stent placements and two after retransplantation. Four patients are alive in Zone 3: all had stent placements and one later retransplantation. One patient died after retransplantation, two on the waiting list, and one due to chronic liver failure. One patient is alive in Zone 4 after early retransplantation, and three died. Conclusion: Percutaneous therapy is safe and effective in intrahepatic biliary stenosis after liver transplantation. It can provide the cure or bridge retransplantation. Based on zonal classification, we recommend the following treatments: Zone 4: early retransplantation; Zone 2: minimally invasive therapy; Zone 3: individual decisions.