Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Kaffes Stent With Plastic Prosthesis in the Treatment of Anastomotic Biliary Strictures Post Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Kaffes Stent With Plastic Prosthesis in the Treatment of Anastomotic Biliary Strictures Post Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Biliary anastomotic strictures (post liver transplantation) occur in 15-20 % of the cases. Biliary stenting using plastic prosthesis during a period of 1 year is the treatment of choice. Problematic in this approach is the regular change, necessary to overcome occlusion of the stent, resulting in cholestasis and/or infection. This change needs to be performed every 3 months or more frequently in patients with symptoms of stent occlusion.
The Kaffes stent (RMS) is a metallic removable stent, especially constructed for the treatment of biliary anastomotic strictures post liver transplantation. The advantage could be that this stent is less prone to occlusion with a lower change frequency (e.g. every 6 months).
No randomized, controlled trial (RCT) or data exist comparing plastic stenting versus Kaffes stenting.
Inclusion Criteria:
Patients after orthotopic liver transplantation with a choledocho- choledochal anastomosis, presenting with an anastomotic stricture
diagnosis established by :
Exclusion Criteria: