Evaluating external biliary drainage in living donor liver transplantation

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial for Application of External Biliary Drainage in Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Not applicable Interventional Seoul National University Hospital · NCT04622540

This study is testing whether using external biliary drainage during living donor liver transplants can help reduce complications compared to the standard method.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment124 (estimated)
Ages19 Years to 79 Years
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seoul)
Trial IDNCT04622540 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the incidence of biliary complications following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) by comparing two groups: one receiving external biliary drainage (EBD) and the other undergoing conventional duct-to-duct anastomosis without EBD. Patients aged 18 and older who are eligible for LDLT will be randomly assigned to either group in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome will measure the rate of biliary complications one year post-transplant. This prospective approach seeks to determine if EBD can effectively reduce complications associated with LDLT.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing living donor liver transplantation and can commit to a 3-year follow-up.

Not a fit: Patients requiring hepaticojejunostomy, those undergoing re-transplantation, or emergency transplantation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of biliary complications in patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been various approaches to managing biliary complications in liver transplantation, the specific application of external biliary drainage in this context is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Living donor liver transplantation
* Adult patient (\>=18 years old)
* Patients who are available for at least 3 year follow-up after LDLT

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients requring hepaticojejunostomy due to anatomical factor or underlying disease
* Re-transplantation
* Multiorgan transplantation
* Emergency transplantation

Where this trial is running

Seoul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Liver TransplantationLiver TransplantComplicationsBile StrictureBile Leakage From Biliary Anastomosis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.