Published online May 21, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i19.2841
Revised: March 23, 2013
Accepted: April 10, 2013
Published online: May 21, 2013
Biliary tract complications are the most common complications after liver transplantation. These complications are encountered more commonly as a result of increased number of liver transplantations and the prolonged survival of transplant patients. Biliary complications remain a major source of morbidity in liver transplant patients, with an incidence of 5%-32%. Post liver transplantation biliary complications include strictures (anastomotic and non-anastomotic), leaks, stones, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, and recurrence of primary biliary disease such as primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cirrhosis. The risk of occurrence of a specific biliary complication is related to the type of biliary reconstruction performed at the time of liver transplantation. In this article we seek to review the major biliary complications and their relation to the type of biliary reconstruction performed at the time of liver tranplantation.
Core tip: Biliary complications continue to be a major cause of morbidity in liver transplant recipients. In this article, we review the etiology, as well as the main types of biliary complications according to the technique of biliary reconstruction and liver transplant procedure performed. Their management is also discussed with endoscopic techniques emerging as the preferred treatment option, obviating the need for surgery in majority of patients.