Gastric sleeve as an extra-anatomical roux for biliary reconstruction in a pediatric third liver transplant.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Sir Roy Calne in 1976 described "Biliary reconstruction is the Achilles heel of liver transplantation," and it remains true. In some patients, such as those with short-gut syndrome and concomitant biliary atresia, neither duct to duct nor Roux biliary reconstruction is feasible. METHODS We present a case of child's third liver transplant (LT), where an innovative extra-anatomical biliary bypass was created using a sleeve from greater curvature of the stomach. RESULTS The patient is well nearly 10 years following the LT. CONCLUSIONS This technique could prove to be an important addition to the armamentarium of a surgeon in difficult retransplants and in patients with short-gut syndrome as it provides a viable option with good long-term outcome.