Use of stepwise versus straightforward clamping of biliary drainage tubes after living-donor liver transplantation: a prospective, randomized trial.
Eguchi S. Takatsuki M et al.Journal of Hepato-biliary-pancreatic Sciences. 19(4) 379-381, 2011
Aims
To compare the outcomes of the use of stepwise clamping against straightforward clamping of biliary drainage tubes in living-donor liver transplant patients.
Interventions
Stepwise clamping of biliary drainage tubes for 3, 6, 12, and 24 h per day versus straightforward clamping drainage tubes (drainage tube clamped and then removed).
Participants
40 living-donor liver transplant patients.
Outcomes
Serum levels of total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and incidence of clamping failure
Follow-up
5 days posttransplant.
CET Conclusions
There appeared to be no difference in outcomes between patients with a liver who were randomised to have their biliary drainage tube clamped and then removed compared to those who had stepwise clamping of the tube on 4 occasions over 24 hours. The trial is not sufficiently powered to draw any definite conclusions but it does suggest that a simple clamping to close the biliary drainage tube after liver transplantation is acceptable.
Data analysis
Per protocol analysis
Trial registration
Not reported