Liver Transplantation as Definitive Treatment of Post-cholecystectomy Bile Duct Injury: Experience in a High-volume Repair Center.

Objective: To analyze the perioperative and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing LT due to BDI in a tertiary care center.

Background: BDI is associated with significant morbidity and long-term impact on quality of life. LT represents the only possibility of a cure in patients with BDI who develop SBC.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study from a prospective LT database. Between 2008 and 2019, patients with SBC due to BDI after cholecystectomy and requiring LT were identified. Perioperative and long-term outcomes were analyzed.

Results: Among 354 LT, 12 patients underwent LT to treat post-cholecystectomy BDI and accounted for 3.4% of all LT. The median time from BDI to SBC diagnosis was 9.3 years (2.4-14). The mean time from SBC to inclusion on the waitlist was 2.4years (± 2.2). Postoperative complications occurred in 11 patients (91.6%); mainly infectious (9/12 patients, 75%), followed by renal complications (4/12 patients, 33.3%). Only 2 patients developed major complications, which were the patients who died, resulting in a 90-day mortality of 16.7%. After a mean follow-up of 40.3 months (± 42.2) survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 83%.

Conclusions: Although BDI is an unusual indication for LT worldwide, it accounted for 3.4% of all LT in our center. Although postoperative mortality remains high, LT is the only possibility of a cure, with acceptable long-term outcomes. Early referral to a tertiary care center is essential to avoid long-term complications of BDI, such as SBC.