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Biliary Complications Following Liver Transplantation

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Abstract

The aphorism that reconstruction of the biliary anastomosis is the “Achilles heel” of liver transplantation remains valid as biliary complications following liver transplantation remain a major source of morbidity with an incidence of 5–32%. Biliary complications include biliary strictures, biliary leaks, and stones. Biliary strictures can be divided into anastomotic and non-anastomotic. The management of biliary complications previously relied on surgical intervention. However, advances in endoscopic and radiological interventions have resulted in less-invasive options. The management of biliary complications post-liver transplantation requires a multidisciplinary approach and continues to evolve. Biliary complications also reflect the continued expansion of the donor pool with extended, live, and non-heart beating donors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, 750 Welch Road, Suite 210, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA

    Walid S. Ayoub

  2. Division of Transplantation, Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Carlos O. Esquivel

  3. Division of Hepatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Paul Martin

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  1. Walid S. Ayoub
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  2. Carlos O. Esquivel
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  3. Paul Martin
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Correspondence to Walid S. Ayoub.

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Ayoub, W.S., Esquivel, C.O. & Martin, P. Biliary Complications Following Liver Transplantation. Dig Dis Sci 55, 1540–1546 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-010-1217-2

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