Despite the noteworthy migration rate, FCSEMSs should be considered effective for refractory benign biliary strictures. Further studies are needed to assess their role as a first approach in the management of BBS.

For endotherapy of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation, metallic stents should not be used as the primary modality. In patients in whom the standard approach fails, treatment with temporary SEMS placement can solve biliary complications in almost three-quarters of cases; however stent migration(33 %) remains a problem.

No abstract

We report two cases of severe postsphincterotomy bleeding in an adult and a pediatric patient treated, as first options, with available techniques to induce hemostasis without success. Because of persisting bleeding, an expandable, partially covered, metallic stent was placed into the choledocho to mechanically compress the bleeding site. The bleeding was stopped. In the following days, both patients remained hemodynamically stable with no further episodes of bleeding. We believe that the application of a covered metallic stent in a severe postendoscopic-sphincterotomy bleeding, refractory to injection therapy, should be considered to avoid additional interventions, which carry a higher risk of complications, even in pediatric patients.

In the largest cohort on this argument reported to date, the addition of an IM was an effective and safe optimization strategy after loss of response to anti-TNFα monotherapy. Low doses of IM were sufficient to achieve a clinical response.

No abstract

This is a report on two cases of large bile leak following right hepatectomy performed for living related liver transplantation, originating from the stump of the ligated right bile duct, and treated with the placement of large percutaneous biliary catheters through a combined percutaneous transhepatic and endoscopic approach (rendezvous technique).

Portal hypertension, which is a common finding in children awaiting liver transplantation, is also found after transplantation. It's reported the case of a 6-year-old girl, transplanted for biliary atresia, who had a severe obscure-overt bleeding presenting with melena. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed several duodenal small, bulging lesions, with some red signs. Near the lesions, a depressed area of 2 cm, covered with mixed hyperemic and white mucosa, was observed. To better evaluate these lesions, we performed an endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) that showed multiple, round hypoechoic areas 0.5-5 mm in diameter, compatible with duodenal varices, and several periduodenal anechoic lesions compatible with collaterals. A consecutive computed tomography scan showed a stenosis of the portal vein anastomosis confirmed with a transhepatic portography, which was successfully treated with balloon angioplasty. No further episodes of bleeding were observed during the follow-up. This case report suggests that EUS is safe and feasible in young children when using echoendoscopes designed for use in adults. However further studies are needed to validate the employment of this technique in the management and follow-up of pediatric portal hypertension.