The therapeutic value of percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy for biliary cast after liver transplantation / 中华消化内镜杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the value of percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (PTCS) for diagnosis and treatment of biliary cast after liver transplantation. Methods Data of 11 patients with biliary cast after liver transplantation, who underwent PTCS from April 2008 to November 2010, were retrospectively analyzed. Results In 11 patients , one had biliary cast in common bile duct, 3 in right intra-hepatic bile duct, 4 in left intra-hepatic bile duct, and 3 distributed in intra- and extra-hepatic bile ducts. A total of 68 times of PTCS were performed in 11 patients, achieving significant decrease in levels of serum transaminase and bilirubin in 10. Occasional fever occurred in 1 patient after closure of drainage tube,which was managed by replacement with a thinner one. There were no severe complications such as biliary fistula or uncontrollable bleeding. Partial rupture of fistula occurred in 1 case. All patients were followed up for 10-30 months and were all in good condition except one patient died from other disease during the followup. Conclusion PTCS is a safe, effective and applicable method to treat the biliary cast after liver transplantation.