Diagnosis and interventional radiological treatment of vascular and biliary complications after liver transplantation in children with biliary atresia

Objective

Early diagnosis and appropriate management of vascular and biliary complications after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) result in longer survival. We report our institutional experience regarding radiological management of these complications among patients with biliary atresia (BA) who underwent LDLT.

Methods

We analyzed the records of 116 children. All patients underwent Doppler ultrasound (US) at operation, daily for the first 2 postoperative weeks, and when necessary thereafter. After primary evaluation using US, the definite diagnosis of postoperative complication was confirmed using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and/or operation.

Results

There were 61 boys and 55 girls. The overall mean age was 2.69 years. The overall mean preoperative weight and height were 13.06 kg and 83.79 cm, respectively. There were 28 (24.13%) biliary and vascular complications. These were cases of biliary stricture (n = 5), bile leakage (n = 3), hepatic artery stenosis (n = 6), hepatic vein stenosis (n = 4), and portal vein thrombosis (n = 17). The diagnostic accuracy of US in detecting biliary complication, hepatic artery stenosis, hepatic venous stenosis, and portal vein thrombosis was 95.69%, 97.41%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. US in combination with multiple imaging modalities and clinical suspicion resulted in 100% diagnostic accuracy. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, thrombolysis, balloon angioplasty, and stent placement were performed for the complications noted. There was an early mortality due to multiple-organ failure after failed radiological invention and subsequent surgical management.

Conclusions

Doppler US is accurate in detecting postoperative complications after pediatric LDLT for BA. Radiological interventions for vascular and biliary complications are effective and safe alternatives to reconstructive surgery.     

成人间右半肝活体肝移植的肝动脉重建

目的 探讨成人间右半肝活体肝移植的肝动脉重建的相关问题.方法 我院移植中心2007年5月至2008年10月,共完成17例成人活体右半肝肝移植,结合此组病例的临床资料,就肝动脉重建的术前评估、手术技巧和并发症防治进行回顾性分析.结果 17例右半肝供体均为单一肝右动脉供血,动脉平均直径3.1 mm,S4段主要由左肝动脉供血有12例(12/17,70.1%),由肝右动脉供血4例(4/17,23.5%),肝右和肝左动脉均发出动脉分支供血的1例.利用胆囊动脉扩大供肝肝右动脉吻合口径2例.供肝肝右动脉与受体肝右动脉吻合10例(10/17,60%),与受体肝左动脉吻合4例,与受体肝固有动脉吻合2例.吻合方式均为间断吻合,先吻合动脉后壁再吻合前壁,缝合针数12～16针.均为一次吻合成功,平均吻合时间(51±26)min,术后未出现肝动脉相关并发症.结论 对供肝S4段肝动脉的详细评估和保护是活体肝移植肝动脉重建的重点,不翻转供受体动脉的吻合方法可以有效降低手术难度,减少动脉并发症的发生.     

Hepatic arterial buffer response after pediatric living donor liver transplantation: report of a case

Background

Excessive portal pressure at an early stage after living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) can damage sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes through shear stress leading to graft failure, or hepatic arterial complications due to low hepatic artery flow from a hepatic arterial buffer response. We encountered a case in which excessive portal vein flow was observed from an early stage after pediatric LDLT. The hepatic artery flow decreased due to a hepatic arterial buffer response.

Case report

A 6-month-old boy with biliary atresia showed excessive portal vein flow early after LDLT with a decreasing hepatic artery flow without anastomotic stenosis from postoperative day 3. The PV flow gradually exhibited a decrease at approximately postoperative day 8 and, similtaneously, hepatic artery flow exhibited improvement.

Conclusion

Because excessive portal pressure after LDLT is reversible, it has been suggested that it may be possible to prevent the progress of hepatic arterial complications if temporary portal pressure modulation can be performed for cases among the high-risk group for hepatic arterial complications.     

活体肝移植术后早期肝动脉血栓形成的诊断与治疗

目的探讨活体肝移植术后早期肝动脉血栓形成的诊断与治疗。方法2006年9月至2009年8月天津市第一中心医院单一外科组共实施110例活体肝移植,移植术后7d内每日用彩色多普勒超声(彩超)监测肝动脉血流,怀疑肝动脉血栓形成行肝动脉造影或腹部CT检查,确诊者予介入治疗或手术治疗。结果该组3例术后5～6d发生肝动脉血栓,肝动脉血栓发生率2.7%(3/110)。其中1例再次手术行肝动脉取栓,术后血流正常;2例行介入治疗,放置支架,术后1例再次血栓形成,1例血流流速偏低,2例均发生胆道并发症,但肝功能正常。3例均存活。结论术后早期用彩超监测对肝动脉血栓的诊断至关重要,及时手术取栓或介入放置支架效果良好。     

Biliary complications and management in pediatric living donor liver transplantation for underlying biliary atresia

Background

Biliary complications are a major problem in pediatric liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management and outcomes of biliary complication after pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

Methods

From 1994 to 2010, 157 pediatric LDLT due to biliary atresia were performed in our center. Doppler ultrasound was initially performed daily for 2 weeks postoperatively to evaluate biliary and vascular complications. Computed tomography and or magnetic resonance cholangiography were performed when complications were suspected. They were treated using radiological or surgical interventions.

Results

Among the 157 cases, we observed 10 (6.3%) biliary complications, which were divided into three groups: bile leakage (n = 3); biliary stricture without vascular complication (n = 4); and biliary stricture with vascular complication (n = 3). The three cases bile leakages recovered after interventional procedures. The seven biliary strictures underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD). All cases without vascular complications were completely cured after PTCD or a subsequent surgical re-anastomosis. In the vascular complication group, early recorrection of the HA occlusion with successful PTCD treatment were performed in two cases, but one other case with diffuse ischemic biliary destruction had a poor result.

Conclusion

Successful interventional radiographic approaches are effective for anastomotic biliary complications but with poor results in diffuse ischemic biliary destruction.     

Repeat endovascular treatment of recurring hepatic artery stenoses in orthotopic liver transplantation

Hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) is a complication that impacts the results of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Interventional radiological techniques are important therapeutic options for HAS. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of repeated radiological treatments in recurring HAS after OLT. Of the 941 patients who underwent OLT at our center from January 1998 to September 2010, 48 (5%) were diagnosed with HAS, 37 (77%) of whom underwent transluminal interventional therapy with the placement of an endovascular stent. Success rate, complications, hepatic artery patency and follow‐up were reviewed. After stent placement, artery patency was achieved in all patients. Three patients developed complications, including arterial dissection and hematoma. HAS recurrence was observed in 9 patients (24%), and hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) occurred in 4 (11%). Radiological interventions were repeated 10 times in 8 patients without complications. At a median follow‐up of 66 months (range 10–158), hepatic artery patency was observed in 35 cases (94.6%). The 5‐year rates for graft and patient survival were 82.3% and 87.7%, respectively. Restenosis may occur in one‐third of patients after endovascular treatment for thrombosis and HAS, but the long‐term outcomes of iterative radiological treatment for HAS indicate a high rate of success.     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for hepatic artery stenosis after living donor liver transplantation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for treatment of hepatic artery stenosis after living donor liver transplantation. Eighteen patients with hepatic artery stenosis after living donor liver transplantation were included in this study. The success rate and complications of PTA and recurrent stenosis of the hepatic artery were evaluated. Seventeen of 18 patients (94.4%) were successfully treated without complication by a first PTA procedure. Recurrence of hepatic artery stenosis occurred in 6 patients (33.3%). Repeated PTA was performed 12 times for the 6 patients. Two complications occurred as arterial dissection and perforation. As a consequence, the complication rate was 6.7%, involving 2 of 30 procedures in total. In conclusion, PTA is effective for treatment of hepatic artery stenosis after living donor liver transplantation without an increase in the complication rate.     

婴幼儿活体肝移植后的血流动力学变化及血管并发症

目的 探讨婴幼儿活体肝移植术后的血流动力学变化及血管并发症的发生情况.方法 应用彩色多普勒超声观测34例婴幼儿活体肝移植术后2个月内门静脉、肝动脉、肝左静脉最大流速及肝动脉阻力指数变化情况,并观察术后血管并发症的发生情况及其预后.结果 34例受者中,术后超声显示血管通畅者29例(85.3%,29/34),发生血管并发症5例(14.7%,5/34).29例血管通畅的患儿,术后第1天时门静脉最大流速(vmax)为(53.97±21.44)cm/s,肝动脉收缩期最大流速(PSV)为(52.88±17.87)cm/s,阻力指数(RI)为0.73±0.09,肝左静脉最大流速为(40.53±25.07)cm/s.与术后第1天比较,术后1周时门静脉vmax、肝动脉PSV、肝左静脉vmax及肝动脉RI的差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05);术后2周时门静脉vmax为(44.26±17.43)cm/s,明显低于术后第1天(P＜0.05);术后2个月时门静脉vmax为(40.31±26.29)cm/s,肝动脉PSV为(41.50±8.67)cm/s,均明显低于术后第1天(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).5例血管并发症均发生在术后7 d内,其中肝动脉血栓形成3例(2例行取栓术,1例行溶栓治疗),门静脉血栓形成2例(1例行取栓术,1例行溶栓治疗),5例中3例死亡.结论 婴幼儿活体肝移植术后门静脉vmax和肝动脉PSV呈下降趋势;血管并发症发生时间早,发生率较高,活体肝移植术后7 d内至少应每天进行1次超声检查.     

Analysis of Hepatic Arterial Reconstruction Technique Using Surgical Loupes for Living-Donor Liver Transplantation: Results From a Single Center

BackgroundThe reconstruction of the hepatic artery (HA) is the most complex step in living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) owing to the artery's smaller diameter and the increased risk for HA-related complications. In this study, we presented our HA anastomosis technique for LDLT, which employed interrupted sutures using magnifying loupes.Materials and MethodsSince January 2019, we retrospectively analyzed 179 LDLTs that were performed at our center. HA anastomosis was performed under a loupes magnifier (2.5 or 4.5 × ) by the same surgeon.ResultsThere were 65 female and 114 male recipients with a mean age of 41.6 ± 21.6 years. Of the recipients, 34 were children. HA thrombosis (HAT) was seen in 3 recipients (1.67%; 1 child and 2 adults) in this series. HAT occurred on the third, sixth, and seventh days after LDLT. HAT was successfully treated with interventional radiologic technique. All recipients are still alive with a patent HA.ConclusionThe use of magnifying surgical loupes and interrupted sutures to perform HA reconstruction is safe, feasible, and yields a low rate of HAT. Also, endovascular treatment can be used safely for treatment of HAT within the first week after LDLT with a high success rate and is not associated with major complications.     

Recipient Morbidity After Living and Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation: Findings from the A2ALL Retrospective Cohort Study†

Patients considering living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) need to know the risk and severity of complications compared to deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). One aim of the Adult‐to‐Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort Study (A2ALL) was to examine recipient complications following these procedures. Medical records of DDLT or LDLT recipients who had a living donor evaluated at the nine A2ALL centers between 1998 and 2003 were reviewed. Among 384 LDLT and 216 DDLT, at least one complication occurred after 82.8% of LDLT and 78.2% of DDLT (p = 0.17). There was a median of two complications after DDLT and three after LDLT. Complications that occurred at a higher rate (p < 0.05) after LDLT included biliary leak (31.8% vs. 10.2%), unplanned reexploration (26.2% vs. 17.1%), hepatic artery thrombosis (6.5% vs. 2.3%) and portal vein thrombosis (2.9% vs. 0.0%). There were more complications leading to retransplantation or death (Clavien grade 4) after LDLT versus DDLT (15.9% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.023). Many complications occurred more commonly during early center experience; the odds of grade 4 complications were more than two‐fold higher when centers had performed ≤20 LDLT (vs. >40). In summary, complication rates were higher after LDLT versus DDLT, but declined with center experience to levels comparable to DDLT.     

Endovascular management of early hepatic artery thrombosis after living donor liver transplantation

To study the feasibility of endovascular management of early hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) after living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and to clarify its role as a less invasive alternative to open surgery. A retrospective review of 360 recipients who underwent LDLT. Early HAT developed in 13 cases (3.6%). Diagnosis was performed using Doppler, CT angiography, and digital subtraction angiography. Intra‐arterial thrombolysis (IAT) was performed using streptokinase or tPA. In case of underlying stricture, PTA was attempted. If the artery did not recanalize, continuous infusion was performed and monitored using Doppler US. Initial surgical revascularization was successful in 2/13 cases. IAT was performed in 11/13 cases. The initial success rate was 81.8% (9/11), the failure rate was 18.2% (2/11). Rebound thrombosis developed in 33.3% (3/9). Hemorrhage developed after IAT in 2/11 cases (18.2%). Definite endovascular treatment of HAT was achieved in 6/11 cases (54.5%) and definite treatment (surgical, endovascular or combined) in 9/13 cases (69%). (Follow‐up 4 months–4 years). Endovascular management of early HAT after LDLT is a feasible and reliable alternative to open surgery. It plays a role as a less invasive approach with definite endovascular treatment rate of 54.5%.     

肝移植术后肝动脉狭窄的介入治疗七例

目的评价介入技术治疗原位肝移植后肝动脉狭窄(HAS)的效果。方法对原位肝移植术后发生HAS的7例患者进行介入治疗,4例于移植术后7~20d发生肝脏缺血并发症,3例于移植术后3~6d发生HAS。介入治疗方法有肝动脉内留置导管持续给予低剂量尿激酶进行溶栓和肝动脉内支架置入术。结果3例为肝动脉吻合口狭窄,狭窄程度>70%;4例为肝固有动脉完全阻塞,经肝动脉内留置导管溶栓3~7d后开通,但均存在肝动脉吻合口狭窄,狭窄程度>90%。7例肝动脉内置入支架均成功,术后2周肝功能明显改善,未发生与介入治疗相关的并发症。术后随访4~18个月,一般情况良好,超声波复查,显示肝动脉血流通畅。结论血管内支架置入术是治疗原位肝移植后HAS的一种安全、有效的方法。     

Risk factors for portal vein complications in pediatric living donor liver transplantation

Shibasaki S, Taniguchi M, Shimamura T, Suzuki T, Yamashita K, Wakayama K, Hirokata G, Ohta M, Kamiyama T, Matsushita M, Furukawa H, Todo S. Risk factors for portal vein complications in pediatric living donor liver transplantation.
Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 550–556.
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: Portal vein (PV) complications in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) are often asymptomatic in the early stages after transplantation and can be serious enough to lead to graft failure. There have been few reports on risk factors for PV complications in LDLT. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of hepatic inflow upon PV complications and to predict patients at risk for these complications. Material/method: From 1997 to 2008, 46 pediatric patients underwent LDLT at our center. Portal venous and hepatic arterial flows and PV diameter were analyzed. Results: PV complications were identified in seven patients (15.2%) and occurred at a younger age and lower weight. As a result of appropriate treatment, none of the patients suffered graft failure. Analysis of the 46 patients and 27 patients under two yr of age indentified smaller PV diameter in recipient and larger discrepancy of PV diameter as risk factors. Portal venous flow tended to be low, in contrast to hepatic arterial flow, which tended to be high. Conclusion: PV size strongly influences PV complications. Other factors such as younger age, low portal venous flow, and high hepatic arterial flow may be risk factors for PV complications.     

Biliary reconstruction and complications of right lobe live donor liver transplantation

OBJECTIVE: To identify the possible reasons of failure of biliary reconstruction in right lobe live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and to devise the best method of reconstruction and treatment strategy for the complications. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Right lobe LDLT was associated with a high biliary complication rate (15-64%) in the reported series. The causes of failure were not completely understood and the best treatment strategy has not been defined. METHODS: From 1996 to 2001, 74 patients received right lobe LDLT. The operative procedures of the first 37 patients were critically reviewed to identify the possible reasons of leakage or stenosis from the anastomosis. The causes included right hepatic duct ischemia, double or triple hepaticojejunostomies, unrecognized branch of right hepatic duct, jejunal opening smaller than the size of right hepatic duct, and ductal plasty without division of newly created septum. The second 37 patients had biliary reconstruction by a modified technique that preserved blood supply to the right hepatic duct and aimed at avoidance of risk factors. RESULTS: The overall complication rate decreased from 43% in the first 37 patients to 8% in the second 37 patients. There was no leakage from the anastomosis in the second group of patients. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) for the biliary complications resulted in right portal vein and hepatic artery injury in four patients and accounted for mortality in three of them. To avoid complications from PTBD, three patients in the second group developing stenosis of hepaticojejunostomy had repeated hepaticojejunostomy without preoperative PTBD and recovered. CONCLUSIONS: With identification of risk factors and modification of the surgical technique, the complication rate of biliary reconstruction of right lobe LDLT could be reduced. Repeated hepaticojejunostomy without preoperative PTBD is the preferred approach once a complication develops.     

Wilson Disease With Giant Splenic Artery Aneurysms Caused by Fibromuscular Dysplasia During Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Case Report

Liver cirrhosis can cause splenic artery aneurysms (SAA) that pose a threat to patients undergoing liver transplantation. However, liver transplantation with multiple visceral artery aneurysms including giant SAA caused by arterial fragility has never been reported. We describe a 36-year-old man with decompensated liver cirrhosis due to Wilson disease that was complicated by giant SAA and multiple aneurysms in the bilateral renal arteries caused by fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). The maximal diameter of the triple snowball-shaped SAA was 11 cm. We planned a 2-stage strategy consisting of a splenectomy with distal pancreatectomy to treat the SAA and subsequent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) to address the liver cirrhosis. This strategy was selected to prevent fatal postoperative infectious complications caused by the potential development of pancreatic fistula during simultaneous procedures and to histopathologically diagnose the arterial lesion before LDLT to promote safe hepatic artery reconstruction. However, a postoperative pancreatic fistula did not develop after a splenectomy with distal pancreatectomy, and the pathologic findings of the artery indicated FMD. The patient underwent ABO-identical LDLT with a right lobe graft donated by his brother. Other than postoperative rupture of the aneurysm in the left renal artery requiring emergency interventional radiology, the patient has remained free of any other arterial complications and continues to do well at 2 years after LDLT.     

Intraarterial thrombolytic treatment for hepatic artery thrombosis immediately after living donor liver transplantation

Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) remains one of the major causes of graft failure and mortality in liver transplant recipients. This complication requires early diagnosis and revascularization to avoid graft loss. We have reported herein two cases of successful urokinase intraarterial thrombolytic treatment for HAT in the immediate postoperative period after LDLT. Significant elevation of liver transaminases was noted 6 and 4 hours after LDLT and HAT confirmed by three-dimensional computed tomogram and angiogram. Both patients were treated successfully with intraarterial thrombolysis using an urokinase infusion (a total dose of 200,000 to 250,000 IU over 20 to 25 minutes) immediately after HAT was confirmed. One patient underwent laparotomy and bleeder ligation owing to hepatic arterial anastomotic site bleeding after thrombolysis. These two patients remain in good condition without any ischemic graft sequelae at 7 and 8 months follow-up. In conclusion, intraarterial thrombolysis using an urokinase infusion could be considered as one of the treatment modalities of acute HAT following LDLT even in the immediate postoperative period.     

Hepatic artery reconstruction and successful management of its complications in living donor liver transplantation using a right lobe

Kim S‐J, Yoon Y‐C, Park J‐H, Oh D‐Y, Yoo Y‐K, Kim D‐G. Hepatic artery reconstruction and successful management of its complications in living donor liver transplantation using a right lobe.
Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 929–938. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: The aim of the present study was to improve the techniques of hepatic artery (HA) reconstruction and to properly manage arterial complications after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Methods: Prospectively collected data collected from 371 patients who underwent adult LDLT using a right lobe from January 2000 to August 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Of 17 patients (4.6%, 17/371) with double HA stumps in the graft, 12 patients (70.6%) received dual HA reconstruction. HA complications were composed of thrombosis (n = 6), pseudoaneurysm (n = 2), and stenosis (n = 4), showing 3.2% (12/371) of incidence. In patients with HA thrombosis, whereas operative thrombectomies with re‐anastomosis rescued all the grafts in early attack (n = 3, ≤1 wk), angiographic thrombolysis successfully reestablished the flow in patients with late attack (n = 3, >1 wk). In all patients with HA complications, except for one, all of our treatment modalities – operation and angiographic intervention – resulted in successful rescue of grafts and no patient received re‐transplantation because of HA complications. Conclusion: Prompt diagnosis of HA complications by serial post‐operative Doppler ultrasound and corresponding treatment strategies, including operative and radiological intervention, can rescue both grafts and patients without necessitating re‐transplantation.     

儿童肝移植术后肝静脉流出道梗阻的血管腔内治疗进展

流出道梗阻是儿童肝移植术后的血管并发症。血管腔内介入治疗已成为治疗术后流出道梗阻的首选治疗方法。本文对近年来儿童肝移植术后流出道梗阻血管腔内治疗进展进行综述。     

421例同种原位肝移植肝动脉重建体会

目的探讨肝移植手术过程中肝动脉重建的技术要点,分析肝移植术后肝动脉合并症发生的原因。方法回顾性总结2000年5月至2006年5月,6年间我院连续实施的同种原位肝移植421例患者的临床资料,分析肝移植手术过程中可能影响肝动脉重建的因素,以及术后肝动脉合并症发生的可能原因,总结术中肝动脉重建的技术要点。结果421例肝移植患者中共发生肝动脉相关合并症者14例,发生率为3.3%,肝移植术后血管合并症主要是动脉血栓形成及肝动脉狭窄。14例合并症患者中死亡9例,死亡率为64.3%。按合并症出现时间分类,早期动脉合并症8例,死亡6例,晚期动脉合并症6例,死亡3例。结论供肝动脉的完整性、供受体动脉的重建方法以及显微外科技术的应用是影响肝动脉重建结果的重要因素。     

Living-donor liver transplantation: results of a single center

In the absence of cadaveric donor liver transplantation, living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an alternative option for patients with end-stage liver disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of LDLT at a single medical center in Turkey. We retrospectively analyzed the results of 101 LDLTs in 99 recipients with end-stage liver disease. We transplanted 49 right liver lobes, 16 left lobes, and 36 hepatic segments II and III. Most donors (46%) were parents of the recipients. Seventeen recipients had concomitant hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Retransplantation was performed in two recipients. Ten hepatic arterial thromboses, 1 hepatic arterial bleeding, and 12 biliary leaks occurred in the early postoperative period. Most complications were treated with interventional techniques. Three hepatic vein stenoses, three portal vein stenoses, one hepatic arterial stenosis, and six biliary stenoses developed during the late postoperative period. Recipients with those complications were treated with interventional techniques. Mean follow-up was 14.2 +/- 10.9 months. During that time, no tumor recurrence was detected in any recipient with hepatocellular carcinoma. Twenty-two recipients died during the follow-up. At this time, the remaining 77 recipients (77%) are alive, exhibiting good graft function. In general, complication rates are slightly higher after LDLT than after cadaveric liver transplantation. However, most complications can be treated with interventional techniques. LDLT continues to be a life-saving option in countries without satisfactory cadaveric donation rates.