J Korean Soc Transplant.  2006 Dec;20(2):277-281.

T-tube Related Complication in Overseas Liver Transplantation Recipients

• Ju MK
• Choi GH
• Ahn HJ
• Chang HK
• Kim MS
• Choi JS
• Kim SI

Abstract

Biliary decompression by T-tube in liver transplantation can reduce the stenosis of biliary anastomosis site, but increase the biliary leakage. Therefore, policy of T-tube insertion is different in each transplantation center. Recently the overseas liver transplantations, especially from China, are increasing, and most of these recipients are transferred with T-tube insertion status. Due to limited operative information, T-tube related complications are frequently occurred. We report four cases of T-tube related biliary complication according to the diagnosis timing after T-tube removal, who underwent liver transplantation in China. The symptoms and treatment was variable from conservative management to open laparotomy. The 3 of 4 cases was the bile leakage after T-tube removal. In early diagnosed case after T-tube removal, the bile leakage was easily controlled by non invasive procedures. If the diagnosis was delayed, not only invasive procedures but also open laparotomy was required for control of bile leakage.

Keyword

Biliary complication; T-tube; Liver transplantation

MeSH Terms

Bile
China
Constriction, Pathologic
Decompression
Diagnosis
Laparotomy
Liver Transplantation*
Liver*