Endoscopic stenting of gallbladder for symptomatic cholelithiasis in patients with end-stage liver disease awaiting orthotopic liver transplantation

Am J Gastroenterol. 1996 Mar;91(3):595-8.

Abstract

Cholecystectomy in patients with advanced cirrhosis is associated with excessive morbidity and mortality. Symptomatic cholelithiasis in patients awaiting orthotopic liver transplantation poses unique management issues. Three patients with end-stage liver disease, severe enough to warrant hepatic transplantation, developed symptoms and complications of cholelithiasis requiring intervention. Each underwent placement of a biliary stent from gallbladder to duodenum at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram. In each case, biliary symptoms and complications ceased after stent placement. Two patients remained symptom-free until they underwent successful liver transplantation, and the third awaits transplant and is currently free of symptoms of cholelithiasis. Endoscopic placement of gallbladder stents represents a temporizing alternative for the management of patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis awaiting hepatic transplantation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
  • Cholecystography
  • Cholelithiasis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cholelithiasis / surgery
  • Chronic Disease
  • Endoscopy, Digestive System*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Failure / etiology*
  • Liver Failure / therapy
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Stents*