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Balloon dilatation of biliary-enteric strictures in children

Jonathan M Lorenz1, Gregory Denison, Brian Funaki

  • 1Department of Radiology, The University of Chicago Hospitals, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 2026, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. jonathanlorenz@hotmail.com

AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|December 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Balloon dilatation effectively treats biliary-enteric strictures after pediatric liver transplants, achieving long-term patency in over half of cases without complications. This minimally invasive approach offers a safe alternative to surgery for these liver transplant recipients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Transplant Surgery
  • Interventional Radiology

Background:

  • Biliary-enteric strictures are a common complication after pediatric liver transplantation.
  • These strictures can lead to graft dysfunction and failure.
  • Current treatment options include surgical revision, which can be invasive.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of balloon dilatation for treating biliary-enteric strictures in pediatric liver transplant recipients.
  • To determine the long-term patency rates after balloon dilatation.
  • To assess the complication rate associated with the procedure.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of 19 children (20 strictures) who underwent balloon dilatation for biliary-enteric strictures.
  • Dilatation was performed at a mean of 2.6 years post-anastomosis.
  • Follow-up ranged from 1.4 to 5.4 years.

Main Results:

  • 100% technical success with no procedure-related complications.
  • 58% of patients achieved biliary-enteric patency at one year post-dilatation.
  • 40% of strictures persisted, requiring further intervention such as surgery or stenting.

Conclusions:

  • Balloon dilatation is a safe and effective treatment for biliary-enteric strictures in pediatric liver transplant patients.
  • It offers a high success rate and avoids complications associated with surgery.
  • This technique provides a valuable minimally invasive option for managing post-transplant biliary complications.
Abstract

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