Vascular complications after living donor liver transplantation: a Brazilian, single-center experience

Background

In living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), vascular complications are more frequently seen than in deceased donor transplantation. Early arterial, portal vein, or hepatic vein thromboses are complications that can lead to graft loss and patient death. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, treatment, and outcome of vascular complications after LDLT in a single Brazilian center.

Methods

Between December 2001 and December 2010, we performed 130 LDLT. Sixty-four recipients were children (27 weighing <10 kg).

Results

Nine recipients had vascular complications. Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) occurred in 4 (3.1%), portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in 3 (2.3%), and hepatic vein thrombosis (HVT) and hepatic arterial stenosis (HAS) in 1 (0.8%) patient each. Complications were identified by Doppler and confirmed by angiography or angiotomography. Patients with HAT were listed for retransplantation. One died before retransplant. Two children were submitted to retransplantation; one is still alive, with neurologic sequelae. One adult with HAT was retransplanted with a deceased donor graft and is doing well 58 months after surgery. Two patients with PVT died as a consequence of graft malfunction. In the other case, portal vein arterialization was performed, but patient died 11 months posttransplant. HVT was detected after cardiac reanimation and was treated with an endovascular stent. This patient died 3 months after LDLT. HAS was diagnosed after liver abscess development and was successfully treated by endovascular angioplasty. No recurrence was observed after 22 months. Follow-up ranged from 9 to 117 months.

Conclusion

Pediatric patients are more prone to develop vascular complications after LDLT. Long-term survival was statistically lower for recipients with vascular complications (33.3% vs 77.7%; P = .008).     

Hepatic Hemodynamic Changes Following Stepwise Liver Resection

Aim

Extended liver resection has increased during the last decades. However, hepatic hemodynamic changes after resection and the consequent complications like post hepatectomy liver failure are still a challenging issue. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the role of stepwise liver resection on hepatic hemodynamic changes.

Methods

To evaluate this effect we performed 25, 50, and 75 % sequential liver resections in 10 pigs. Before and after each resection, the hepatic artery flow and portal vein flow in relation to the remnant liver volume (RLV) as well as hepatic vascular pressures were measured and compared between the groups.

Results

Following sequential liver resection, the hepatic artery flow /100 g decreases and the portal vein flow increases up to 17 and 167 % following extended liver resection (75 %), respectively. Also, during stepwise liver resection, the portal vein pressure increases gradually up to 33 % following extended hepatectomy (75 %).

Conclusion

Sequential decrease in the RLV decreases the hepatic artery flow /100 g and increases the portal vein flow /100 g and portal vein pressure. As the consequence, the liver goes under more poor-oxygenated blood supply and higher pressure. This may be one of the most important mechanisms of the post hepatectomy liver failure in case of extended liver resection.

     

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.     

Vascular Complications After Deceased and Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience

Introduction

Vascular complications (VC) after liver transplantation (OLT) are one of the most feared problems that frequently result in graft and patient loss. Herein we have reported our experience with VC after either deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) or living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

Patients and Methods

Between April 2001 and September 2009, we performed 224 OLT: 155 DDLT and 69 LDLT. The overall male/female ratio was 136/88 and the adult/pediatric ratio was 208/16. We retrospectively identified and analyzed vascular complications in both groups.

Results

In the DDLT group, 11/155 recipients (7%) suffered vascular complications; hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT; n = 5; 3.2%), portal vein thrombosis occurred (n = 4; 2.6%); hepatic vein stenosis (n = 1; 0.6%), and severe postoperative bleeding due to a slipped splenic artery ligature (n = 1, 0.6%). In the DDLT group, 4/11 (36.4%) patients died as a direct result of the vascular complications. In the LDLT group, 9/69 recipients (13%) suffered vascular complications: HAT (n = 3; 4.3%), portal vein problems (n = 5; 7.2%), and hepatic vein stenosis (n = 1; 1.5%). Among LDLT, 3/9 (33.3%) patients died as a direct result of the vascular complications. In both groups vascular complications were associated with poorer patient and graft survival.

Conclusions

In our experience, the incidence of vascular complications was significantly higher among the LDLT group compared with the DDLT group. Vascular complications were associated with poorer graft and patient survival rates in both groups.     

Hepatic Artery Reconstruction With Autologous Inferior Mesenteric Artery Graft in Living Donor Liver Transplant Recipients

Introduction

In living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), hepatic arterial continuity is crucial to avoid biliary leakage, biliary stricture, cholangitis, and graft and patient loss. Sometimes there exist factors making anastomosis difficult or even impossible. In these cases, a vascular graft may be needed to bridge the two arteries for revascularization.

Postoperative Doppler Ultrasonography in Liver Transplantation

Background

Doppler ultrasonography plays an important role in the postoperative management of liver transplantation. We present our initial experiences evaluating liver transplants with the use of postoperative Doppler sonography.

Splenectomy for Severe Intestinal Bleeding Caused by Portal Hypertensive Enteropathy After Pediatric Living-Donor Liver Transplantation: A Report of Three Cases

Background

The incidence of portal vein thrombosis after pediatric living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is reported to be higher than that after deceased-donor or adult liver transplantation. Portal vein thrombosis can cause portal hypertension and related complications, including portal hypertensive gastropathy or portal hypertensive enteropathy (PHE). PHE, in particular, can lead to severe intestinal bleeding, which is extremely difficult to treat. However, the pathogenesis of and appropriate treatment for PHE are not clearly defined, especially after pediatric LDLT.

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.     

Right gastroepiploic artery is the first alternative inflow source for hepatic arterial reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation

Background

Sufficient arterial flow after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is closely related to graft survival and prevention of postoperative complications. However, some unfavorable hepatic arterial conditions in recipients preclude reconstruction, requiring alternative stumps. We have used the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) as a first alternative for hepatic inflow.

Methods

From January 2006 to December 2008, we performed 754 LDLTs including 28 cases of RGEA among hepatic arterial anastomoses. The arterial anastomosis was performed by an single surgeon under 859 a microscope using an end-to-end interrupted suture technique. RGEA was mobilized over 15 cm from the greater curvature of stomach and greater omentum.

Results

The indications for RGEA use included severe hepatic arterial injury from previous transarterial chemoembolization (n = 14), need for additional arterial flow in dual-grafts LDLT (n = 13), poor blood flow from the recipient hepatic artery (n = 3), and arterial injury during hilar dissection (n = 3). The mean diameter of the isolated RGEA was 2.0 ± 0.2 mm (range: 1.0-2.5). Most hepatic arterial anastomoses were performed with a significant size discrepancy of more than twofold. All reconstructed hepatic arterial flowes showed good; no complication was identified during the mean follow-up period of 56 months to date.

Conclusions

Using RGEA as an alternative arterial inflow is a simple, reliable procedure for situations of inadequate recipient hepatic or multiple graft arteries.     

Correlation Between Splenectomy and Portal Vein Complications in Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Objectives

In adults undergoing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), the transplanted livers are partial grafts, and the portal venous pressure is higher than that observed with whole liver grafts. In patients undergoing LDLT concomitant with splenomegaly, portal venous flow is often diverted to collateral vessels, leading to a high risk of portal vein thrombosis. In such cases, occlusion of the collateral veins is important; however, complete occlusion of all collaterals without blocking the blood flow through the splenic artery causes portal hypertension and liver failure. We aimed to examine the effect of performing a splenectomy concomitant with LDLT to reduce portal vein complications.

Hepatic Artery Reconstruction in Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Risk Factor Analysis of Complication and a Role of MDCT Scan for Detecting Anastomotic Stricture

Background

In partial liver transplantation, reconstruction of the hepatic artery is technically highly demanding and the incidence of arterial complications is high. We attempted to identify the risk factors for anastomotic complications after hepatic artery reconstruction and examined the role of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in the evaluation of the reconstructed hepatic artery in liver transplant recipients.

Methods

A total of 109 adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantations (LDLT) were performed at our institute between 1999 and July 2011. Hepatic artery reconstruction was performed under a surgical microscope (MS group, n = 84), until we began to adopt surgical loupes (4.5×) for arterial reconstructions in all cases after January 2009 (SL group, n = 25). A dynamic MDCT study was prospectively carried out on postoperative days 7, 14, and 28, and at postoperative month 3, 6, and 12 after April 2005 (n = 60).

Results

There were no cases of hepatic artery thrombosis and six cases (5.5 %) of interventional radiology-confirmed hepatic artery stenosis (HAS). Risk factor analysis for HAS showed that ABO-incompatible LDLT was associated with HAS. Use of surgical loupes provided superior results as compared to anastomosis under a surgical microscope, and it also provided the advantage of reduced operative time. The MDCT procedure was useful for detecting HAS; however, the false positive rate was relatively high until 3 months after the LDLT (100 % sensitivity and 72.8 % specificity at 3 months).

Conclusions

Hepatic arterial anastomosis using surgical loupes tended to be time-saving and to yield similar or better results than traditional microscope-anastomosis. The use of MDCT aided the diagnosis of HAS, although the substantial false positive rate should be borne in mind in clinical practice.     

The Effect of Doppler Ultrasound on Early Vascular Interventions and Clinical Outcomes After Liver Transplantation

Background

During the immediate postoperative period after liver transplantation (LT), postoperative bleeding and vascular complications (stenosis, thrombosis) are the two most common complications that require therapeutic decisions. Doppler ultrasound (DUS) is the established method for screening vascular patency after LT during the immediate postoperative period. The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of DUS performed on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 2 on early vascular interventions.

Methods

We studied 200 patients who had undergone living donor or deceased donor liver transplantation between January 2011 and March 2012. Postoperative liver DUS findings of up to POD 14, including patency of hepatic artery, portal vein, and hepatic vein, were retrieved. Patients with normal DUS findings on POD 1 and POD 2 were classified as the normal early DUS group. Patients with abnormal DUS findings at POD1 or POD2 were classified as the abnormal early DUS group. Frequency of vascular interventions was compared between the two groups. Risk factors that predict vascular interventions also were assessed.

Results

On POD 1 and 2, 81.5 % (163/200) had normal DUS findings and management was not altered by subsequent DUS findings. Two patients in the normal group were found to have hepatic artery dissection and hepatic vein thrombosis on routine CT on POD 7 and received vascular intervention. DUS results in the two patients were normal until POD 6, but DUS performed after the CT on POD 7 were consistent with the CT findings. Of the 37 recipients who showed abnormal DUS findings on POD 1 or 2, the DUS findings were normalized or unchanged thereafter in 33 patients and no vascular interventions were performed. Two patients underwent hepatic artery thrombectomy on POD 2, one patient required a portal vein thrombectomy on POD 1, and one patient died on POD 3 due to bleeding. The overall incidence of vascular complication requiring vascular interventions was 2.5 %. Logistic regression identified abnormal DUS findings on POD 1 or 2 as an independent risk factor of vascular complications requiring intervention.

Conclusions

In LT recipients who demonstrate normal DUS findings in the first 2 postoperative days, additional DUS screening may have value only when clinically indicated.     

Portal hypertension due to hepatic artery-portal vein arteriovenous fistula—A case report

A case of portal hypertension secondary to traumatic hepatoportal arteriovenous fistula with portal fibrosis was successfully treated by ligation of the afferent hepatic arteries which decreased significantly portal pressure and corrected the abnormal blood inflow to the portal vein via A-V fistula resulting in a recovery of the disturbed liver function. Collateral blood supply from the left hepatic artery into the right hepatic lobe was found to be quite satisfactory after the ligation of the hepatic artery. Hemodynamic data and clinical findings of the present case suggest that the mechanism responsible for the portal hypertension is the inflow block resulting from the interruption of portal venous flow by the inflow of arterial blood via A-V fistula and the subsequent increased blood pressure in portal vein radicals.     

Direct measurement of hepatic blood flow during living donor liver transplantation in children

Background

The changes in liver blood flow associated with living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in children have not yet been studied. The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in hepatic hemodynamics before and after pediatric partial liver transplantation.

Methods

In 7 pediatric recipients with congenital cholestasis and native liver Child-Pugh classes B and C, portal vein flow (PVF) and hepatic arterial flow (HAF) were measured using an ultrasonic transit time flow meter before removal of the native liver and after transplantation and compared with donor left PVF and donor left HAF.

Results

The mean portal contribution to total hepatic blood flow was markedly decreased in the recipient native liver compared with that in the donor (69% ± 15% vs 32% ± 15%; P = .0003) and after reperfusion changed to almost the same ratio as that in the donor liver (73% ± 18%; P < .0001).

Conclusion

The extreme imbalance between PVF and HAF that is common in implanted partial liver in adult LDLT recipients was not observed in pediatric LDLT. After transplantation of an appropriately sized liver graft, the portal contribution to total liver blood flow normalized to the value for normal liver.     

Independent Risk Factors for Massive Ascites After Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Adults

Objectives

This study sought to define the perioperative recipient and donor factors that contribute to the occurrence of massive ascites after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in adults.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records and computerized databases was performed, and 105 adult patients who underwent LDLT from 2005 to 2011 in the West China Hospital, Sichuan University, were included. Patients were divided into group 1 (n = 27, massive ascites defined as >7000 mL of ascitic fluid produced during the first 7 days after LDLT) or group 2 (n = 78, no massive ascites). Perioperative recipient and donor factors were assessed using a univariate analysis followed by 2 logistic regression analyses.

Results

The recipients' median age was 44 years (range, 27 to 69 years), and the male-to-female ratio was 92:13. Massive ascites developed in 27 patients (25.7%). The average amount of ascites in group 1 and group 2 patients within the first 7 postoperative days was 11,285 mL and 3311 mL, respectively. The univariate analysis showed that recipient's age, primary liver disease, preoperative MELD score, Child-Pugh score, operating time, postoperative sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, postoperative total bilirubin, right hepatic vein graft diameter, and hepatic portal vein graft diameter were significantly different between the 2 groups (P < .05). The 2 logistic regressions showed that the Child-Pugh score, operating time, and right hepatic vein graft diameter were independent risk factors for massive ascites after LDLT.

Conclusion

It is important to improve the perioperative liver function and portal hypertension and to shorten operating time to reduce massive ascites after LDLT.     

Positive end-expiratory pressure induces liver congestion in living donor liver transplant patients: myth or fact

Living-donated liver transplant (LDLT) patients may develop lung edema during reperfusion, requiring higher positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels, which may impair liver outflow. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of increased PEEP levels on venous liver outflow and systemic hemodynamics in patients after LDLT. Thirty-nine LDLT recipients were enrolled in this study. All patients were postoperatively pressure-controlled ventilated and three different PEEP levels (0, 5 and 10 mbar) were randomly set. Systemic hemodynamic parameters and flow velocities of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and right hepatic vein were recorded at each PEEP level. PEEP of 10 mbar increased significantly central venous and pulmonary capillary pressure. Flow velocities in the right hepatic vein, the portal vein, the hepatic artery, mean arterial pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, and cardiac index were not influenced by PEEP. Our study demonstrated that PEEP up to 10 mbar did not impair liver outflow in LDLT recipients.     

Vascular Complications Following Adult Piggyback Liver Transplantation With End-to-Side Cavo-Cavostomy: A Single-Center Experience

Background

Vascular complications remain a significant cause of morbidity, graft loss, and mortality following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). These problems predominantly include hepatic artery and portal vein thrombosis or stenosis. Venous outflow obstruction may be specifically related to the technique of piggyback OLT.

Materials and Methods

Between February 2002 and February 2009, we performed 200 piggyback OLT in 190 recipients. A temporary portacaval shunt was created in 44 (22%) cases, whereas end-to-side cavo-cavostomy was routinely performed for graft implantation. Pre-existent partial portal or superior mesenteric vein thrombosis was present in 17 (12%) cirrhotics in whom we successfully performed eversion thrombectomy, which was followed by a typical end-to-end portal anastomosis. The donor hepatic artery was anastomosed to the recipient aorta via an iliac interposition graft in 31 (16%) patients.

Results

The 14 (7%) vascular complications included hepatic artery thrombosis (n = 5), hepatic artery stenosis (n = 3), aortic/celiac trunk rupture (n = 2), portal vein stenosis (n = 2), and isolated left and middle hepatic venous outflow obstruction (n = 1). There was also 1 case of arterial steal syndrome via the splenic artery. No patient experienced portal or mesenteric vein thrombosis. Therapeutic modalities included re-OLT, arterial/aortic reconstruction and splenic artery ligation. Vascular complications resulted in death of 5 (36%) patients.

Conclusion

Our experience indicated that piggyback OLT with an end-to-side cavo-cavostomy showed a low risk of venous outflow obstruction. Partial portal or mesenteric vein thrombosis is no longer an obstacle to OLT; it can be successfully managed with the eversion thrombectomy technique.     

Early Enteral Feeding of Daikenchuto Stimulates Early Bowel Movement With Increased Portal Venous Blood Flow After Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Daikenchuto (DKT), a Japanese Kampo medicine, had been reported to increase small intestinal blood flow after liver resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of early enteral feeding of DKT on portal venous flow and early bowel movement after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in an attempt to clarify whether these effects on bowel motility can prevent bacterial and/or fungal translocation.

Laparoscopic left hepatectomy with tumor thrombectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma concomitant with advanced portal vein tumor thrombus

Background

Although laparoscopic hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery has been widely adopted, use of laparoscopic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with advanced portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is uncommon because of the complications involved.

Methods

From June 2010 through November 2013, 200 laparoscopic hepatectomies were performed. We report the short-term outcome of laparoscopic hepatectomy for HCC with advanced PVTT in 3 patients. Video presentation is a demonstration of the operative procedures employed in Case 3. In this case, the left hepatic artery and left hepatic duct were divided before tumor thrombectomy, and the bifurcation of the portal vein was clearly visible.

Results

Three female patients with HCC concomitant with PVTT in the portal trunk or the opposite branch underwent laparoscopic left hepatectomy with tumor thrombectomy using a laparoscopy-assisted technique (1 patient) or pure laparoscopic technique (2 patients). The median operative time was 592 min (range, 555–891 min), and median estimated blood loss was 1182 ml (range, minimal amount–4800 ml). The median length of hospital stay was 19 days (range, 9–22 days), and there was no postoperative mortality. In Case 1, recurrent tumors developed in the residual lobe after curative resection, and the patient died 10 months after the surgery despite treatment with sorafenib and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. In Case 2, the patient survived for 10 months after curative resection without tumor recurrence. In Case 3, the patient was treated with sorafenib 1 month after palliative resection; she survived for 4 postoperative months, during which decreased tumor marker levels were observed.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic hepatectomy for HCC with advanced PVTT is a safe and feasible procedure in selected patients, when performed by surgeons with expertise in hepatic surgery and minimally invasive techniques. Although these patients cannot be cured by surgery alone, early adjuvant therapy followed by laparoscopic surgery might contribute to a good outcome.     

Vascular complications in hepatic transplantation: single-center experience in 14 years

Purpose

To evaluate the spectrum of liver transplantation-related vascular complications that occurred in a single center over the past 14 years.

Materials and methods

Vascular complications and their clinical outcomes were reviewed among 744 liver transplant recipients. All patients underwent Doppler ultrasound with findings correlated with conventional or computed tomography angiography (CTA) in 111 patients.

Results

Among 70 recipients with vascular complications (%0.9), 14/26 patients with hepatic artery thrombosis underwent thrombectomy and arterial reanastomosis; six were retransplanted and six died. Among hepatic artery stenoses, three of nine were treated with balloon angioplasty and six underwent reanastomosis. Among 20 portal vein thromboses, 16 underwent thrombectomy, two patients retransplantation and two died. Seven patients with portal vein stenosis were followed. Two of six hepatic vein stenosis were restored with balloon angioplasty and three patients with metallic stent placement; the one other died. One patient with hepatic vein thrombosis died while the other patient was retransplanted.

Conclusion

Transplantation related hepatic vascular complications diagnosed and managed in timely fashion showed a low mortality rate in our series.