Radiologic diagnosis and treatment of biliary complications after hepatic transplantation in children

The authors reviewed biliary complications that occurred in 20 of 58 pediatric hepatic transplant recipients, to assess the role of radiologic procedures in their diagnosis and treatment. Twelve transhepatic cholangiograms, 26 transheptic drainages, 11 balloon dilations, and one basketing procedures were done. Biliary obstruction occurred in 16 children and was most common with cholecystojejunostomies and choledochojejunostomies. Biliary leaks were identified in eight patients, four of whom also had obstruction. Three patients with bilomas underwent percutaneous catheter drainage. Biliary complications occur in approximately one-third of pediatric liver transplant recipients; aggressive radiologic techniques can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of these problems