Self-expandable Metallic Stent Versus Multiple Plastic Stents in Post Orthotopic Liver Transplantation Biliary Stenosis
Self-expandable Metallic Stent Versus Multiple Plastic Stents in Post Orthotopic Liver Transplantation Biliary Stenosis
Biliary complications are one of the most common problems after orthotopic liver
 transplantation (OLT),occurring in up to 24% of patients.

 Anastomotic strictures have been endoscopically managed with plastic stents placement.
 Recently, partially and fully covered metal stents have been alternatively used to treat
 refractory benign biliary stenosis. The investigators purpose is to compare efficacy and
 safety of metallic stents versus multiple plastic stents in the endoscopic management of post
 transplant biliary complications.
Patients with biliary stricture after OLT will be randomly assigned following simple
 randomization to temporary placement of fully covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) or
 multiple plastic stents placement were randomized according to a computer generated
 randomization sequence and allocated in a 1:1 ratio to one of two treatment groups.

 Final success will be defined as clinical resolution of the stricture without the need to
 repeat endoscopic, percutaneous or surgical treatment.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  post-OLT biliary anastomotic stenosis (at least 1 month post-operative)

 -  jaundice, cholestasis and/or biliary tree dilation on US

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  biliary fistulae

 -  non-anastomotic stricture

 -  combine anastomotic and non-anastomotic stricture