Organ Transplantation Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Organ Transplantation, including details on risks, prognosis, procedure, surgery.

Outcome of ERCP in the management of duct-to-duct anastomotic strictures in orthotopic liver transplant.

Elmi F, Silverman WB

Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.

This study sought to determine the efficacy of endoscopic treatment of duct-to-duct anastomotic stricture in orthotopic liver transplant. A retrospective chart and database review was carried out using procedure and diagnosis codes during the period of 1997-2001. One hundred ninety-eight adult patients underwent orthotopic liver transplantation from 1997 to 2001. Fifteen patients (age 52+/-9 years; 60% women) with duct-to-duct anastomotic strictures were identified. They underwent a total of 53 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) and received different endoscopic treatments including biliary dilation, stent placement, and sphinctrerotomy. Thirteen of these patients (87%) had complete resolution of stricture. Of the remaining two patients, one had partial resolution of stricture and underwent long-term self-expanding metal stenting, while the other had no resolution after two ERCPs. We conclude that ERCP was effective in treating 87% of the duct-to-duct anastomotic strictures in this series.

Published 9 August 2007 in Dig Dis Sci, 52(9): 2346-50.
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