The role of interventional radiology in the treatment of biliary strictures after paediatric liver transplantation

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous treatment of biliary strictures after paediatric liver transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the period between October 1999 and October 2010, a total of 92 transplants in 86 children were performed at our Liver Transplant Centre. Eighteen patients had anastomotic biliary strictures (in four cases associated with intrahepatic bile duct stenosis). Percutaneous treatment (transhepatic biliary drainage and conventional/cutting balloon dilatation) was proposed as a first approach in 13/18 patients. Strict radiation protection precautions were taken in accordance with the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle. Mean follow-up time was 2,364 days. RESULTS: Surgical correction was required in 3/13 patients; in 8/13 cases, there was complete disappearance of clinical symptoms without bile duct dilatation; in one case, an asymptomatic persistent bile duct dilatation was detected while in the other case, the liver is currently in cirrhotic degeneration (69 % clinical success including the asymptomatic patient with biliary dilatation). Two of the five patients who were initially treated with surgery required percutaneous revision (clinical success of 100 %). There were two cases of long-term restenosis and two cases of transient haemobilia. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous procedures are safe and effective therapeutic options for the treatment of biliary strictures after paediatric liver transplantation.