The role of peroral cholangioscopy in liver transplant recipients: A prospective, international series

Abstract

Background Biliary strictures are a common complication of living and deceased donor liver transplantation. Peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) with POCS-guided biliary tract biopsies may improve diagnostic accuracy compared to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with biopsy, but the role and clinical impact of adding POCS to ERCP in management of post-liver-transplantation biliary adverse events remains unknown. Methods In a multicenter prospective study, patients ≥1 month post-liver transplantation with abnormal imaging and/or liver tests, without prior treatment of a biliary stricture, and referred for ERCP evaluation of a suspected biliary stricture underwent POCS immediately following the initial diagnostic portion of the ERCP. Outcomes were POCS visual impression of the stricture, impact on patient management and diagnosis, and related serious adverse events (SAEs). Results Forty-one patients (88 % cadaveric donors, mean 28 ± 44 months since liver transplantation) underwent POCS (mean POCS procedure time 25.7 ± 19.5 min). Stricture was confirmed by POCS in 38 patients (93 %) treated with balloon dilation (2), biliary stent(s) (7) or both (28), or with percutaneous drainage (1). Three patients without POCS-confirmed stricture had an angulated duct (2) or a cast (1). POCS influenced patient management in 26 (63 %), and diagnosis in 19 patients (46 %). POCS-guided selective guidewire placement was achieved in 12 cases (29 %) that failed during ERCP. No POCS-related SAEs were reported. Conclusions When added to standard-of-care ERCP, POCS showed diagnostic value and helped change patient management in over 60 % of patients, with no POCS-related adverse events. The greatest impact was in visual enhancement and facilitating guidewire access to the donor ducts.