Endoscopic management of surgical biliary complications

Endoscopic-retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) is the method of choice for the treatment of surgical complications of the biliary system. Biliary leaks most frequently occur after cholecystectomy and partial liver resection. The most frequent complications after liver transplantation include biliary leaks, strictures and obstructive cholestasis. They are associated with significant morbidity and mortality as well as the risk of failure of the transplanted organ. The chance for a long-term successful therapy via ERCP is dependent on three main factors: (i) type, localisation and extent of the biliary damage, (ii) the time-point of appearance after surgery and (iii) the consequent accomplishment of the endoscopic therapy. In case of altered anatomy, e.g., hepatico-or choledocho-jejunostomy, endoscopic therapy can often be accomplished via an enteroscopic approach.