Short- and Long-Term Outcome of Balloon Dilatation of Benign Biliary Strictures

Background:

The rate of benign biliary strictures has increased in recent years.

Objectives:

We studied the short- and long-term efficacy of biliary balloon dilatation in patients suffering from benign biliary strictures due to prior abdominal surgeries, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy or liver transplantation.

Patients and Methods:

An initial baseline biochemistry profile and ultrasound examination of the biliary system was done before each procedure, and 3 and 6 month follow-up sessions were completed after the completion of the biliary balloon dilatation procedure. Serum bilirubin, liver enzyme levels, and ultrasonography findings were investigated during every session.

Results:

Twenty four patients, 17 females (70.8%) and 7 males (29.2%), were included in this study. In 21 (88%) of the patients, the biliary stricture was developed after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, while in 2 (8%) it was a complication of a liver transplantation. The remaining patients (4%) developed it after autoimmune pancreatitis (Whipple surgery). Among the 24 patients, 2 died within 2 months after the ballooning, mainly due to complications of their previous surgery and secondary liver cirrhosis. We found a significant decrease in serum bilirubin levels after balloon dilatation (P < 0.0001). All the patients showed normal ultrasonography findings after the procedure, and all reported complete relief of symptoms after a 6-month period.