Complications after endoscopic sphincterotomy in liver transplant recipients: A retrospective single-centre study

Abstract

Background and study aimsBiliary tract complications after liver transplantation are usually treated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. When biliary tract intervention is indicated, endoscopic sphincterotomy is often required. However, data regarding complication rates after endoscopic sphincterotomy in liver transplant recipients are limited. This study therefore investigated complication rates during the first 15days after endoscopic sphincterotomy in liver transplant recipients. Patients and methodsThis study retrospectively reviewed 157 consecutive liver transplant recipients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with endoscopic sphincterotomy between January 1998 and August 2013 at the University Hospital of Münster, Germany. Complications that occurred within the first 15days after the procedure were recorded, and complication rates were compared between patients who underwent conventional and precut endoscopic sphincterotomy. ResultsA total of 24 complications (15.2%) were recorded, including 9 cases (5.7%) of pancreatitis, 6 cases (3.8%) of bleeding, and 1 case (0.6%) of perforation. There were no procedure-related deaths. There were no significant differences in complication rates between the two sphincterotomy techniques. The rate of post-procedural pancreatitis decreased over time. ConclusionEndoscopic sphincterotomy is a safe procedure in liver transplant recipients. The procedure-related complication rate is reasonable and most complications can be managed conservatively.