Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Surgery or Transplant?
Author Information
Author(s): Ismail, T., Angrisani, L., Powell, J.E., Hubscher, S., Buckels, J., Neuberger, J., Elias, E., McMaster, P.
Primary Institution: Department of Surgery, Medical School Observatory
Hypothesis
What are the surgical options and outcomes for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis?
Conclusion
Liver transplantation is the preferred treatment for progressive liver disease in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Supporting Evidence
- Twenty-one patients (44 percent) died; overall 5 year actuarial survival was 30 percent.
- Previous biliary surgery correlated with a poor outcome after liver transplantation.
- Seventeen patients underwent orthotopic liver transplantation of whom nine are currently alive.
Takeaway
This study looked at patients with a liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis and found that surgery doesn't help much, so getting a liver transplant is usually the best choice.
Methodology
Retrospective review of 48 symptomatic patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may affect the outcomes due to the nature of the patient selection.
Limitations
The study is limited by its retrospective nature and the small sample size.
Participant Demographics
Median age 39 years, range 8-67 years; 30 male; 30 patients had inflammatory bowel disease.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
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