Efficacy and safety of transhepatic biliary drainage for treating isolated bilioenteric anastomotic stenosis after liver transplantation in children

Background To observe the efficacy and safety of transhepatic biliary drainage for treating isolated bilioenteric anastomotic stenosis after liver transplantation in children. Methods from January 2014 to December 2022, a total of 31 children underwent PTBD due to isolated bilioenteric anastomotic stenosis after liver transplantation. The effect was evaluated by the changes of bilirubin, secondary liver transplantation and remove the drainage tube. The technical points of interventional treatment of isolated bilioenteric anastomotic stenosis after liver transplantation were summarized. Results the average serum bilirubin of 31 children before PTBD was 64.09±24.40υmol/L, the average serum bilirubin after PTBD was 19.98±3.99υmol/L, the average decrease of serum bilirubin was 44.11±23.63υmol/L。All children did not undergo secondary liver transplantation, and 27 children finally removed the biliary drainage tube during follow-up. 4 children still retained the original drainage tube. Conclusion for children with isolated bilioenteric anastomotic stenosis after liver transplantation, PTBD of segment II and III biliary tract is safe and effective to reduce bilirubin, reduce the rate of secondary liver transplantation and expand the narrow segment. Using micro puncture needle for biliary puncture and micro guide wire for guidance can significantly improve the efficiency of PTBD after liver transplantation in children.