Percutaneous Cholangioplasty for Benign Biliary Strictures: Long-Term Follow-Up With Review of Technical Factors Predicting Success

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of percutaneous cholangioplasty for benign biliary strictures and characterize the technical factors associated with sustained patency. Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective single-center analysis of 48 patients (50 strictures) treated with percutaneous cholangioplasty between 2009 and 2024.Patients underwent 1-4 dilation sessions with balloon diameters of 8-12 mm and drainage catheter maintenance (median 6.8 months).Long-term patency and associations with recurrence were explored. ResultsClinical success (drain-free status) was achieved in 96% (n=47/49, one patient currently undergoing treatment).Estimated median primary patency was 72 months, with patency rates of 84% at one year, 73% at three years, 58% at five years, and 39% at 10 years.Among 37 liver transplant recipients (74% of the cohort), outcomes were similar to non-transplant patients.Recurrence occurred in 31.9%(n= 15) and was managed percutaneously in 73% (n=11/15) of cases, with 71% (n=5/7) achieving secondary drain-free status. ConclusionPercutaneous cholangioplasty achieves durable long-term patency for benign biliary strictures.The high success rate in liver transplant recipients, including a predominance of living donors, provides outcomes similar to deceased-donor cohorts and supports percutaneous management as a feasible intervention.