Intrahepatic diffuse biliary stricture after orthotopic liver transplantation

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the treatment and prevention measure for intrahepatie diffuse biliary stricture after orthotopic liver transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 21 patients with intrahepatic diffuse biliary stricture after orthotopic liver transplantation from January 2002 to December 2007 in Beijing Center for Organ Transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. A prospective clinic study was launched in order to prevent microthrombosis in the microcireulation of bile duct during warm and cold iscbemia in non-heart-beating donor since January 2006. Urokinase perfusion of the artery system was conducted during graft harvesting and reperfusion at the end of graft trimming to reduce the incidence of intrahepatic diffuse biliary stricture. Results Among 21 patients with intrahepatie diffuse and mixed type biliary stricture, 16 patients underwent liver retransplantation, and the other 5 patients died of primary graft failure while waiting for retransplantation. The incidence of intrahepatic diffuse biiiary stricture was 5.9% in non-urokinase perfusion group. On the contrary, the incidence rate of intrahepatie diffuse biliary stricture was 1.4% in urokinase perfusian group (x2 = 5.98, P < 0. 05). Conclusions Liver retransplantation is effective for refractory biliary stricture in liver transplant recipients. The incidence of intrahepatic diffuse biliary stricture is reduced in non-heart-beating donor by using urokinase perfusian. Key words: Liver transplantation; Postoperative complications; Biliary stricture; Non-heart-beating donor