Biliary anastomosis after liver transplantation does not benefit from T tube splintage

Transplantation. 1994 Feb;57(3):402-4. doi: 10.1097/00007890-199402150-00015.

Abstract

T tubes are commonly used to splint biliary anastomoses after liver transplantation. Although several advantages are claimed for this approach, there is undoubtedly some iatrogenic morbidity associated with the use of T tubes in this situation. We have evaluated 120 consecutive biliary reconstructions after liver transplant, the majority of which were unsplinted end to end bile duct anastomoses. We have shown that biliary leakage and stricture rates are not significantly affected by T tubes. We have also shown that endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and percutaneous cholangiography are reliable posttransplant methods for cholangiography and stricture dilatation. Routine T tube splintage of post-liver transplant biliary anastomoses is unjustified.

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Surgical / methods*
  • Biliary Tract Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Biliary Tract Surgical Procedures / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors