Management of biliary anastomotic strictures after liver transplantation (BASALT study): A nationwide Italian survey

Anastomotic stricture (AS) can occur in 10%-30% ofliver transplantation (LT) patients leading to liver dysfunction. Its diagnostic workup does not rely on a standard protocol or any international consensus of experts, thus AS management can considerably differ among centers. This affects the selection of patients after LT for endotherapy and, ultimately, results. Endotherapy is considered the reference standard treatment for AS,(2,3) but approach differs among centers depending on local expertise. The aim of the present retrospective survey was to report both the volume of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) dedicated to duct-to-duct AS treatment and the extent of variability in the management of AS at the Italian units involved in endotherapy of LT patients.