Surgical and Interventional Radiology Management of Vascular and Biliary Complications in Liver Transplantation: Narrative Review

Abstract

Liver transplant patients require a multidisciplinary and personalized approach to optimize outcomes. Posttransplant complications can be devastating for the patient and can jeopardize graft survival. Therefore, a careful evaluation and stepwise decision-making process is necessary to determine the best strategy, whether it is surgical, interventional, or a combination of both. While access to liver transplant interventions in Latin America can be more limited compared with other parts of the world, many countries in the region have made significant progress in developing their liver transplant programs and improving the management of posttransplant complications. For example, in Brazil, specialized transplant centers and multidisciplinary teams have been established to reduce morbidity and improve graft survival rates. The article also explores the latest advancements in interventional radiology techniques, such as angioplasty, stent placement, and embolization, and how they can be used to successfully treat these complications. Overall, this article highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing complications in liver transplant patients and emphasizes how individualized treatment plans can lead to improved outcomes, even in settings with limited resources.

Keywords

orthotopic liver transplant - Doppler ultrasound - computed tomography angiography - hepatic artery thrombosis - living donor liver transplant

Ethical Approval

This study did not require institutional review board approval; the research satisfied all requirements under 45 Code of Federal Regulations 164.512.

Consent for Publication

Not applicable.

Availability of Data and Materials

Does not apply.

Preprint Publication

Not applicable.

Publication History

Received: 24 April 2023

Accepted: 07 August 2023

Article published online:
11 September 2023

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