Shunt insufficiency after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt: the whens, whys, hows and what should we do about it?
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Clinical Protocols↗
Biomedical subjects
D N Redhead
Publications and source records attributed to D N Redhead.
A comparison between gastric and oesophageal variceal haemorrhage treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPSS).
BACKGROUND: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunts (TIPSS) are becoming widely used in the management of oesophageal variceal haemorrhage (OVH). Their place in the treatment of gastric variceal haemorrhage (GVH), a condition with a traditionally poor prognosis, remains unclear. The aims of our study were to compare portal haemodynamics and patient outcome in patients undergoing TIPSS for either GVH or OVH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 106 consecutive patients undergoing TIPSS at our institution for either GVH (32 patients) or OVH (74 patients) were studied. The groups were similar with regard to patient age, aetiology and severity of liver disease and number of procedures carried out as an emergency (34.4% vs. 36.5%). Episodes of shunt insufficiency, rebleeding, encephalopathy and other clinical sequela were recorded. Mean follow-up was similar in both patient groups (14.2 vs. 12.1 months). RESULTS: Baseline portocaval pressure gradient was lower in patients with GVH compared with those with OVH (13.0+/-0.9 mmHg vs. 19.0+/-0.6 mmHg) (P < 0.001). Rates of variceal rebleeding, encephalopathy and shunt insufficiency during follow-up were similar in both groups and there was no difference in survival. CONCLUSION: Patients with GVH had markedly lower portocaval pressure gradients than those with OVH, but shunt and clinical complications and survival were similar during follow-up. TIPSS appears to be an effective treatment for GVH and should be compared with endoscopic or surgical techniques in controlled trials.
Esophageal and Gastric Varices↗
Review article: update on the role of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPSS) in the management of complications of portal hypertension.
In the 8 years since its introduction into clinical practice, initial enthusiasm for the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPSS) has been tempered by a more critical appraisal of its role in the management of portal hypertension. TIPSS has established its role as a rescue procedure for variceal haemorrhage uncontrolled by endoscopic means and as a treatment for ectopic or recurrent variceal bleeding. Randomized trials comparing TIPSS with endoscopic methods in the secondary prophylaxis of oesophageal variceal haemorrhage have shown reduced rebleeding after TIPSS but no effect on survival. Its exact role in this situation awaits further assessment, including quality of life and cost analyses, and consideration of the current limited availability of the technique. Experience of TIPSS in patients with refractory ascites or hepatorenal syndrome has been disappointing. Little data currently exist, but results of further randomized studies comparing TIPSS with paracentesis for refractory ascites are awaited. Ideally these should be multicentre studies, and should include quality of life data for this poor prognostic group. Development of shunt insufficiency remains a major problem and occurs in approximately 50% patients at 1 year. The need for continued shunt surveillance by Doppler sonography and direct portography is the major limitation of TIPSS, but hopefully the development of covered stents will address this problem.
Ascites↗
Reduction in renal blood flow following acute increase in the portal pressure: evidence for the existence of a hepatorenal reflex in man?
BACKGROUND: To investigate the relation between changes in portal haemodynamics and renal blood flow (RBF) in patients with cirrhosis. PATIENTS/METHODS: Twenty patients with cirrhosis and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunts were divided into two groups which were well matched. At routine portography, either changes in unilateral RBF (group I) or changes in cardiac output (group II) before and after shunt occlusion were studied. Blood was obtained from the renal and systemic circulations for the measurement of neurohumoral factors before and after shunt occlusion in group I patients. RESULTS: After shunt occlusion, there was a progressive reduction in unilateral RBF from a mean (SD) of 289 (32) to 155 (25) (-43.5%) (p < 0.001). These changes correlated significantly with the changes in the portal atrial gradient (p < 0.001). There was no significant change in heart rate, mean arterial pressure and right atrial pressure. No significant changes were found in the concentrations of the various neurohumoral factors measured. There was a less notable but significant reduction in the cardiac output (-10.9%) (p = 0.02) unaccompanied by significant reduction in the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure or mean arterial pressure. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the existence of hepatorenal reflex in man which is important in the regulation of RBF, although other mechanisms may also be contributory.
Female↗
Transhepatic venous angioplasty and stenting: a treatment option in bleeding from gastric varices secondary to pancreatic carcinoma.
We present a case of recurrent variceal bleeding due to subtotal occlusion of the splenoportal junction by a pancreatic carcinoma. This was effectively treated by transhepatic venous angioplasty and stenting.
Adenocarcinoma↗
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPSS) occlusion and the role of biliary venous fistulae.
BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the pathology and pathogenic mechanisms involved in the occlusion of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunts. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt who had at least two portographic assessments of shunt function were the subjects of this study. The contents of any shunt demonstrating > 70% stenosis were biopsied before balloon dilatation. Further assessment was made of 10 livers obtained at either post mortem (8) or at liver transplantation (2). Cholangiography was performed in these explanted livers, which were then perfused and fixed with formaldehyde. The shunts were dissected out, sectioned, opened and the contents and the surrounding liver examined macroscopically, histopathologically and immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Fourteen patients with TIPSS developed shunt stenosis. In eight patients the stenosis was greater than 70% and significant re-stenosis occurred in all at repeat portography. Three of these patients who were managed by insertion of new shunts showed no further shunt-related problems, whereas the five who were treated solely by dilatation developed further re-stenosis. Organising thrombus was found in all eight patients and bile was incorporated in the thrombus in four. Biliary epithelium was found in two. Four of the ten explanted livers showed evidence of shunt stenosis, of which three were severe and one was mild (< 70%). The occluding material in patients with severe stenosis was composed of organising thrombus containing bile and a granulomatous inflammatory response. This was associated with a transected bile duct, and the degree of stenosis was related closely to the size of the bile duct transected. The shunts free of bile showed no stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that transection of a major bile duct and bile leak play an important role in the stenosis and occlusion of the intraparenchymal portion of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt. This has important implications for patient management and stent design.
Biliary Fistula↗
Clinical response after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt insertion for refractory ascites in cirrhosis.
BACKGROUND: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunts (TIPSS) have been used successfully to reduce portal pressure in the context of variceal haemorrhage. Recent interest has focused on the possible use of TIPSS to manage refractory ascites. AIM: To study the effect of TIPSS insertion in 18 patients with refractory ascites. RESULTS: Response rates were 33.3%, 50%, 33.3% and 26.7% at 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months, respectively. Overall mortality was 50% with a new or worsening encephalopathy rate also of 50%. Patients with lower serum bilirubin and serum creatinine prior to TIPSS insertion had greater response at 1 and 4 weeks, respectively. There was no improvement in either liver or renal function after TIPSS insertion by standard laboratory tests, although serum sodium increased in the responders after 1 month. CONCLUSION: TIPSS improves refractory ascites in only a minority of patients, and is associated with high encephalopathy and mortality rates.
Ascites↗
Differing actions of the acute administration of propranolol and isosorbide-5-mononitrate on the portal circulation.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to clarify the actions of propranolol and isosorbide-5-mononitrate upon the portal circulation. METHODS: Portal haemodynamics were assessed in 16 patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunts. A reverse thermodilution catheter was positioned in the portal vein, and portal vein pressure and portal vein flow were measured directly. The effects of propranolol 80 mg and isosorbide-5-mononitrate 20 mg over 1 h were determined independently. RESULTS: This demonstrated that propranolol reduced both portal pressure gradient (7.7 +/- 2.3 to 5.5 +/- 2.1 mmHg, P < 0.01) and portal vein flow (925 +/- 123 to 597 +/- 99 mL/min, P = 0.01) significantly, implying a reduction in splanchnic inflow as its main effect. In contrast, isosorbide-5-mononitrate tended to increase portal vein flow (814 +/- 186 to 911 +/- 211 mL/min; P = 0.06) whilst reducing portal pressure significantly (108 +/- 12 to 92 +/- 10 mmHg P = 0.014). This suggests a fall in intrahepatic resistance and provides no evidence for baroreceptor-mediated reflex splanchnic vasoconstriction. CONCLUSIONS: These drugs act upon different variables contributing to portal hypertension and so they may have a powerful synergistic effect in combination. Direct measurement of portal vein flow is a valuable method for assessing the pharmacological modulation of portal venous inflow.
Blood Pressure↗
Massive ascitic fluid loss after liver transplantation.
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Ascitic Fluid↗
Prospective evaluation of haematological alterations following the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPSS).
BACKGROUND: TIPSS is effective in reducing portal hypertension and provides access to the portal system for direct pressure measurements. OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence and severity of haemolysis and its course following TIPSS, and also to assess changes in spleen size and any relationship to changes in the platelet and white cell count and haemoglobin concentration. DESIGN: A prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients undergoing TIPSS with a mean follow-up of 8 months (SE 1.2) were studied. Male-female ratio was 13:10 and the mean age was 53.6 years (SE 1.7). Full blood count, reticulocyte count, serum haptoglobin, urinary haemosiderin, examination of the peripheral blood smear and spleen size (ultrasonography) were measured prior to and 3, 7 and 30 days after TIPSS and 6-monthly thereafter. RESULTS: Seven patients (30.4%) developed haemolysis, which was clinically significant in three (13%). This settled spontaneously within 2 weeks of TIPSS. Portal pressure gradient was reduced from a mean of 21.9 (SE 1.6) to 9.5 (SE 1) mmHg (P < 0.001) and did not change significantly thereafter. Haemoglobin concentration improved significantly from a mean of 89 (SE 16) to 113 (SE 19) g/l (P < 0.05) after TIPSS. Significant changes in spleen size and platelet count occurred, with a reduction in the former from 16.9 (SE 1.1) to 13.7 cm (SE 2.4) (P < 0.01) and an increase in the latter from 85.9 (SE 8.4) to 135.3 x 10(9)/l (SE 16.8) (P < 0.01). No significant correlations were found between the changes in the portal pressure gradient, spleen size and platelet count. There was no significant change in the white cell count. CONCLUSION: Transient significant haemolysis occurs in about 13% of patients following TIPSS. TIPSS is useful for reducing splenomegaly and improving thrombocytopenia and haemoglobin. There is no correlation between the changes in portal pressure gradient, spleen size and platelet count.
Anemia, Hemolytic↗
Mechanisms of changes in renal handling of sodium following transjugular intrahepatic portal systemic stent-shunt (TIPSS).
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPSS) reduces the portal pressure gradient and leads to better control of ascites. The aim of this study was to evaluate (1) changes in renal handling of sodium following TIPSS and (2) the mechanism of these changes. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Tertiary referral centre for liver diseases. METHODS: Eighteen patients with ascites undergoing TIPSS for recurrent variceal haemorrhage (16) (3 or more hospital admissions because of variceal haemorrhage whilst being treated endoscopically) or refractory ascites (2) were studied. Urinary sodium (UNa), creatinine clearance (CrCl), plasma renin activity (PRA), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), Angiotensin II (AII) and lithium clearance (LiCl) were measured before and 3 months after TIPSS when portography was performed and the portal pressure gradient (PPG) also measured. All patients were haemodynamically stable and had received no diuretics for at least 1 week before blood sampling. RESULTS: Improvement in ascites was achieved in all patients in whom TIPSS was inserted successfully (reduction in PPG to < 12 mmHg). PPG was reduced from a mean of 19 (+/-6) to 8.8 (+/-3.4) mmHg (P < 0.001). Urinary sodium and creatinine clearance improved significantly following TIPSS (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). PRA, All, cGMP and LiCl were abnormal before TIPSS and improved significantly following TIPSS (P < 0.007, P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). ANP was not significantly different from normal controls and did not change significantly following TIPSS. Changes in UNa did not correlate with the Pugh score or the change in PPG. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that TIPSS is associated with significant improvement in UNa, CrCl, PRA, AII, cGMP and LiCl. The change in UNa following TIPSS was independent of the severity of underlying liver disease or the change in PPG.
Adult↗
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPSS) insertion as a prelude to orthotopic liver transplantation in patients with severe portal hypertension.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of preoperative transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPSS) on patients undergoing liver transplantation. DESIGN: A retrospective non-randomized comparative clinical study. SETTING: Tertiary referral institution. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four patients with liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension and gastro-oesophageal varices who underwent liver transplantation. INTERVENTIONS: TIPSS insertion had been performed preoperatively in 12 patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Operative dissection times and blood transfusion requirements during liver transplantation. Postoperative complication rate. Cumulative patient and graft survival. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in outcome measures between patients with and without previous TIPSS insertion with respect to recipient hepatectomy times (mean 192 min (126-280) versus 196 min (145-254)), total operating time (mean 484 min (330-690) versus 486 min (370-580)), intraoperative blood transfusion (mean 11 units (2-29) versus 12 units (2-30)), intraoperative fresh frozen plasma transfusion (mean 9 units (1-16) versus 11 (2-23) units), patient survival (83% versus 92% cumulative 1-year survival), graft survival (80% versus 83% cumulative 1-year survival), or postoperative complication rates. CONCLUSION: TIPSS insertion is feasible and relatively safe as a 'bridge to transplantation' in patients who have had a variceal haemorrhage. There is little evidence that preoperative TIPSS insertion directly affects the performance of liver transplantation as TIPSS neither, hinders nor facilitates surgery or post operative survival. Although it is important that the potential hazards of TIPSS extension into the inferior vena cava or superior mesenteric vein be recognized, liver transplant surgeons need not be unduly concerned about the overall impact of TIPSS as it becomes more universally available in the management of variceal haemorrhage.
Blood Loss, Surgical↗
Longterm follow up of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPSS) for the treatment of portal hypertension: results in 130 patients.
BACKGROUND: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunts (TIPSS) are increasingly being used to manage the complications of portal hypertension. This study reports on the follow up on 130 patients who have undergone TIPSS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty patients (81 male), mean (SD) age 54.7 (12.5) years underwent TIPSS. The majority (64.6%) had alcoholic cirrhosis and 53.2% had Childs C disease. Indications were: variceal haemorrhage (76.2%), refractory ascites (13.1%), portal hypertensive gastropathy (4.6%), others (6.1%). Shunt function was assessed by Doppler ultrasonography and two then six monthly portography and mean follow up for survivors was 18.0 months (range 2-43.5). RESULTS: The procedure was successful in 119 (91.5%). Sixty three episodes of shunt dysfunction were observed in 45 (37.8%) patients. Variceal rebleeding occurred in 16 (13.4%) patients and was always associated with shunt dysfunction. Twenty (16.8%) patients had new or worse spontaneous encephalopathy after TIPSS and 11 (64.7%) patients had an improvement in resistant ascites. Thirty day mortality was 21.8% and one year survival 62.5%. CONCLUSION: TIPSS is an effective treatment for variceal bleeding, resistant ascites, and portal hypertensive gastropathy. Rebleeding is invariably associated with shunt dysfunction, the frequency of which increases with time, therefore regular and longterm shunt surveillance is required.
Acute Disease↗
Colonic stricture in cystic fibrosis unmasked by successful transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPSS).
TIPSS was successfully performed in a 10-year-old female cystic fibrosis (CF) patient with bleeding gastric varices due to portal hypertension; precipitation of portosystemic encephalopathy later unveiled the presence of a latent colonic stricture associated with high potency pancreatic enzymes. The unusual sequence of events resulting from the co-existence of two CF pathologies are described, and the implications of treatment discussed.
Child↗
Transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic stent-shunt in the treatment of variceal haemorrhage.
The transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic stent-shunt (TIPSS) is a side-to-side portocaval shunt, performed by interventional radiological methods, linking the hepatic and portal veins through the liver parenchyma with an expandable metal stent. The technique can be performed successfully in over 90 per cent of patients. The procedure-related mortality rate is about 1 per cent, mainly from intraperitoneal bleeding. The main indications for TIPSS insertion are control of acute variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis that is refractory to sclerotherapy and recurrent variceal haemorrhage despite sclerotherapy or band ligation. TIPSS insertion is followed by variceal rebleeding in about 10-20 per cent of cases, encephalopathy in 10-20 per cent, transient deterioration of liver function in 25-35 per cent and subsequent shunt dysfunction over a 6-12-month period in 15-60 per cent. The final place of TIPSS insertion in the management of portal hypertension is being evaluated in controlled studies, but its use in the treatment of uncontrolled variceal haemorrhage seems assured.
Esophageal and Gastric Varices↗
A prospective evaluation of changes in neuropsychological and liver function tests following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was designed to assess changes in: (a) neuropsychological tests, measures of memory, quality of life and scores for anxiety and depression; (b) liver function tests; and (c) the relationship between these following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt for recurrent variceal haemorrhage, 12 matched patients with cirrhosis and variceal haemorrhage managed with variceal band ligation and 16 normal controls were studied. Patients in any of the groups who were clinically encephalopathic were excluded from the study. Serial changes in the conventional liver function tests and Indocyanine green clearance, and psychometric function (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test, Quality of Life and the memory and reaction sub-tests of the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Assessment Battery) were measured prior to and 1, 3, 9 and 15 months following transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic stent-shunt. RESULTS: Over a mean follow up of 9.1 months in the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt group (range 3-28), one patient (3%) developed clinically detectable encephalopathy. Sixty-seven percent of patients with cirrhosis showed evidence of subclinical encephalopathy as compared with the control population. Significant deterioration occurred in the reaction sub-tests of the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Assessment Battery in patients, both in the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt group and the controls with cirrhosis, during follow up. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt was followed by significant deterioration in levels of anxiety and psychological component of the quality of life. The Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test and the memory sub-test of the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Assessment Battery did, however, improve significantly at 1 and 15 months after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt, respectively. Serum alanine aminotransferase, bilirubin and indocyanine green clearance deteriorated significantly following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (p <0.001, p <0.001 and p <0.0001, respectively). Significant correlation was observed between changes in the indocyanine green clearance and changes in the complex and simple reaction time subtests of the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Assessment Battery (r = 0.6 and r = 0.66, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that about 67% of patients with cirrhosis were subclinically encephalopathic and that temporary deterioration occurred in the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Assessment Battery during follow up, both in patients having transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt and in the controls with cirrhosis. These parallel the changes in the liver function tests and indocyanine green clearance. Temporary deterioration was also observed in the Quality of Life and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale in the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt group, although the measures of memory improved. Further studies should address the biochemical mechanisms of these changes and the role of prophylactic measures.
Adult↗
Analysis of prognostic variables in the prediction of mortality, shunt failure, variceal rebleeding and encephalopathy following the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt for variceal haemorrhage.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to analyse prognostic variables predicting mortality, shunt insufficiency, variceal rebleeding and encephalopathy following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt for variceal haemorrhage. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with cirrhosis who successfully underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt for variceal haemorrhage were studied. Mean age was 54.8 years (s.e. 1.5); 41 were males and 27 were females. Mean Child score was 8.3 (s.e. 0.3). Cirrhosis was alcohol related in 47. The patients have been followed up for a mean of 10.8 (s.e. 1.1) months. The univariate association between 30 prognostic variables and post-treatment encephalopathy was tested by the Chi-squared or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and multiple logistic regression was used to test the significance of factors adjusted for one another. Cox's proportional hazard regression was used to test the univariate and multivariate significance of the other three outcomes. RESULTS: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt was performed successfully in 89.5% of patients. Twenty-two patients have died and eight have been transplanted. Fourteen patients died within 30 days of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt and death was predicted independently by hyponatraemia (p < 0.001) and by severe liver disease (Child C, p < 0.001). Eight patients died during follow up and survival in the long term was predicted independently by the presence of encephalopathy (p < 0.001) prior to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (p < 0.001). Shunt insufficiency was predicted by an initial portal pressure gradient of greater than 18 mmHg (p < 0.01). None of the variables analysed predicted variceal rebleeding. Encephalopathy following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt was only predicted indepedently by its presence prior to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that patients with severe liver disease and hyponatraemia are liable to die early, and the presence of encephalopathy prior to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt independently determines long-term survival. Patients in these groups should be considered high risk and worked up for orthotopic liver transplantation early. Shunt function in patients with an initial portal pressure gradient of > 18 mmHg requires close supervision. Encephalopathic patients should have smaller shunts and prophylactic measures to prevent worsening encephalopathy.
Esophageal and Gastric Varices↗
Imaging: focus on hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation.
The choice of management for the patient with HCC hinges on precise localization and staging of the disease process. All the major imaging modalities are employed to achieve this end. US is frequently the initial means of detection of the lesion. Since percutaneous needling may lead to tumour dissemination, the temptation to proceed to imaging-guided biopsy should be resisted until a full evaluation has been completed and it is clear that neither curative surgery nor transplantation is a therapeutic option. CT scanning is considered to be superior to ultrasound both in detection and staging of the disease. A variety of modifications to the technique, including CT arterio-portography and lipiodol-CT, is used to obtain optimum results. The role of MRI has not yet been established but initial results suggest that this may be the optimum means of scanning the patient following percutaneous or intra-arterial therapy. Angiography is generally performed prior to resection and may be combined with the delivery of chemotherapeutic and embolic agents pre-operatively or as a definitive palliative procedure. Imaging-guided percutaneous alcohol is also a useful palliative measure where the lesion is small. In the majority of cases, resection is not feasible. In a selected few liver transplantation is an option. Imaging requirements of the potential liver transplant candidate depend on the nature of the underlying liver problem. A general assessment including a chest X-ray and US with Doppler imaging of the hepatic vascular structures is sufficient in the majority. In children with complex structural anomalies and in patients with bile duct disease or tumours, the full range of investigations is required. US, cholangiography CT and angiography may all be required in the diagnosis and management of post-transplant complications.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗