Objective  To evaluate the application efficacy of SpyGlass endoscopic direct visualization system in management of complex biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation.

  Methods  Clinical data of 369 adult patients with biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation who received endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the first time were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative conditions, intraoperative manifestations, treatment outcomes and complications of patients treated with SpyGlass system were analyzed.

  Results  Fifty-six patients were treated with SpyGlass system. The main preoperative symptoms included abdominal discomfort in 38 cases, fever in 8 cases, jaundice in 6 cases and skin itching in 4 cases. Ultrasound examination in 18 patients indicated common bile duct stenosis and significant intrahepatic bile duct dilatation. Preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) of 56 patients revealed that 36 cases were diagnosed with common bile duct stenosis complicated with stones, 16 cases of common bile duct stenosis alone and 4 cases of suspected tumors. All patients had definite indications for SpyGlass system treatment. Among 56 patients treated with SpyGlass system, 34 cases were diagnosed with anastomotic stricture complicated with stones, 12 cases of anastomotic stricture alone, 1 case of biliary stone and 4 cases of tumors. Among 48 cases who were successfully treated, the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin at postoperative 48 h were all significantly lower than preoperative levels (all P<0.05). No severe complications occurred in 56 patients treated with SpyGlass system.

  Conclusions  Use of SpyGlass system may significantly increase success rate and guarantee surgical safety in the treatment of complex biliary complications after liver transplantation, which is worthy of promotion and application.