One-step percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy combined with high-frequency needle-knife electrotomy in biliary strictures after liver transplantation

Abstract

Background Endoscopic management is the mainstay for biliary strictures after liver transplantation. However, this method is often failed in cases associated with hepatolithiasis or refractory strictures. The aim of this study is to investigate whether one-step PTC combined with high-frequency needle-knife electrotomy can be an alternative method in biliary strictures after liver transplantation that could not be treated by endoscopic management. Methods Clinical data of 14 patients suffering from biliary strictures after liver transplantation from June 2014 to January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. One-step PTC combined with high-frequency needle-knife electrotomy was used to resolve the strictures. Results One-step PTC was successfully performed in all 14 patients. In 10 of 12 (83.3%) patients with hepatolithiasis, the stones were removed completely. The stricture resolution was achieved in 13 of 14 (92.9%) patients at supporting catheter removal. Three mild adverse events occurred (cholangitis, 2 patient; delayed hemobilia, 1 patient), but were resolved with conservative treatment. The follow up after supporting catheter removal was 15.7 ± 4.5 months. Only 1 patient (8.3%) had stone recurrence and no stenosis occurred during supporting-free follow-up. Conclusion One-step PTC combined with high-frequency needle-knife electrotomy appears to be a useful for treating biliary strictures after liver transplantation.