Thrombosis of the splenoportal axis after splenectomy

Background and aims Thrombosis of the portal system is a potentially life-threatening complication after splenectomy. The reported incidence is low (≅1%), however may be underestimated due to difficult in making the diagnosis. The factors associated with its development and the clinical outcome are poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, risk factors, treatment, and outcome in series of consecutive cases.Materials and methods All patients who had undergone a splenectomy (both open and laparoscopic) between January 1997 and December 2004 at the Department of Surgery of University of Milan Bicocca were retrospectively reviewed. Twelve cases of thrombosis (7.6%) among 158 splenectomies were identified. No significant differences were noted in age, gender, and surgical approach between patients who developed thrombosis and those who did not. Indication for splenectomy in patients with thrombosis were myeloproliferative disorders (n=5), hemolytic disease (n=4), and lymphoproliferative disorder (n=3). All patients had splenomegaly (mean 1.380 kg, range 0.400–3.120 kg).Results Among patients with myeloproliferative disorders, five (33%) developed the complication, compared with 4 of 35 (11.5%) with hemolytic disease. Patients with both splenic weight >2.500 kg and myeloproliferative disorders had 80% incidence of portal thrombosis. Preoperative prophylactic anticoagulant therapy with low molecular weight heparin was administered in each case. All these patients had fever, abdominal pain, or leukocytosis. All diagnoses were made by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan and ecocolordoppler ultrasonography, and anticoagulation therapy was initiated immediately. Treatment within 15 days after splenectomy was successful in all patients, while delayed treatment was ineffective.Conclusions Portal thrombosis should be suspected in patients with fever or abdominal pain after splenectomy. Patients with myeloproliferative disorders and hemolitic diseases are at higher risk, as well as patients with marked splenomegaly. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis, and prompt anticoagulation therapy are the keys to a successful outcome.     

Subtotal laparoscopic splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization for the thrombocytopenia because of portal cavernoma--case report

An 8-year-old girl presented with a history of pain in the right hypocondrium, multiple petechiae in the skin, and ecchimoses at sites of minor trauma. Laboratory investigations showed severe thrombocytopenia. Doppler ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed portal and splenic vein cavernomatous transformation and splenomegaly. The patient underwent laparoscopic subtotal splenectomy with lower pole preservation and esophagogastric devascularization. The postoperative course was uneventful. No gastrointestinal bleeding occurred within the first 34 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Thrombocytopenia associated with splenomegaly is a rare form of presentation in portal cavernoma. Preserving the spleen immune function must be a goal in surgical management, especially in children. Laparoscopic subtotal splenectomy combined with esophagogastric devascularization is a difficult procedure, but it can be useful in patients with portal cavernoma and severe thrombocytopenia without gastrointestinal bleeding.     

门静脉高压症行腹腔镜脾切除术后门静脉系统血栓形成预测因子的研究进展

腹腔镜脾切术后门静脉系统血栓(PVST)形成具有高发生率、隐匿性与危害性。然而,腹腔镜脾切术后PVST的最佳的诊断方式、治疗方案以及预测因子在国内外尚未形成统一意见。目前认为脾切除术后PVST发生的机制可能与血液高凝状态及血流动力学改变有关,其形成的原因大致为全身系统疾病和引起血流动力学变化的因素。全身性疾病包括恶性肿瘤、血液性疾病、自身免疫性疾病等,引起血流动力学变化的因素包括手术方式及时长、血浆D-二聚体、血小板计数、脾脏体积、脾脏最长直径、术前脾静脉直径及门静脉直径等。笔者对门静脉高压症行腹腔镜脾切除术后PVST形成预测因子的相关研究结果做一综述,旨在方便广大临床工作者对腔镜脾切后PVST形成进行风险评估,从而更加精准地把握抗凝时机,减少此并发症引起的严重后果,同时加快患者术后康复。     

腹腔镜脾切除术在门静脉高压症脾功能亢进中的临床应用体会

目的 探讨腹腔镜脾切除术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症脾功能亢进的适应证、手术技巧及临床应用价值.方法 对比分析吉林大学第一医院32例门静脉高压症脾功能亢进病人行腹腔镜脾切除术及开腹脾切除术的方法体会及治疗效果.结果 腹腔镜脾切除组16例手术14例获得成功,2例中转开腹;开腹脾切除组16例手术均获成功,两组病人在手术时间、术中出血量、医疗费用上差别无显著意义;腹腔镜组平均住院日5.50 d,进食时间为术后20.50 h,拔出引流管时间为1.65 d,与开腹组的8.50 d、68.00 h、5.26 d相比,具有明显优势(P＜0.01).结论 与传统的开腹脾切除手术相比,腹腔镜脾切除术具有微创外科创伤小、恢复快的优点,掌握好手术适应证,选择轻中度静脉曲张的肝硬化门静脉高压症脾功能亢进者行LS是安全可行的,但必须有充分的术前准备、良好的腹腔镜手术训练、细致的手术操作.     

Thrombosis of portal venous system after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with prothrombin gene mutation

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now the gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis. Portal venous thrombosis after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is rare. We report a case of thrombosis of the portal venous system after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with a latent prothrombin gene mutation. An abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiogram of the abdomen revealed portal, superior mesenteric, and splenic vein thrombosis. Testing for coagulation disorders showed a heterozygous form of factor II (prothrombin) G20210A mutation. Because of its rarity, information regarding this complication is limited.     

Portal vein thrombosis after laparoscopic splenectomy: an ongoing clinical challenge.

OBJECTIVES: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) following open splenectomy is a potentially lethal complication with an incidence of up to 6%. The objective of this report is to describe our management of a recent laparoscopic case, discuss current therapies, and consider antiplatelet therapy for prophylaxis. METHODS: Medical records, laboratory studies, and imaging studies pertaining to a recent case of a laparoscopic splenectomy were examined. Current literature related to this topic was reviewed. RESULTS: A 16-year-old girl underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Her preoperative platelet count was 96K. She was discharged on postoperative day 1 after an uneventful operation including division of the splenic hilum with an endoscopic linear stapler. On postoperative day 20, she presented with a 5-day history of epigastric pain, nausea, and low-grade fevers without peritoneal signs. Her white blood cell count was 17.3; her platelets were 476K. Computed tomography demonstrated thrombosis of the splenic, superior mesenteric, and portal veins propagating into the liver. Heparinization was begun followed by an unsuccessful attempt at pharmacologic and mechanical thrombolysis by interventional radiology. Over the next 5 days, her pain resolved, she tolerated a full diet, was converted to oral anticoagulation and sent home. Follow-up radiographic studies demonstrated the development of venous collaterals and cavernous transformation of the portal vein. DISCUSSION: No standard therapy for PVT exists; several approaches have been described. These include systemic anticoagulation, systemic or regional medical thrombolysis, mechanical thrombolysis, and surgical thrombectomy. Unanswered questions exist about the most effective acute therapy, duration of anticoagulation, and the potential efficacy of routine prophylaxis with perioperative antiplatelet agents. PVT following splenectomy occurs with both the open and laparoscopic approach.     

A case of portal vein thrombosis after laparoscopy-assisted splenectomy and cholecystectomy in a child

We report the case of an 8-year-old boy with a red cell membrane disorder who developed, soon after undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and splenectomy, complete thrombosis of the right branch and a partial occlusion of the left branch of the portal vein. The child was affected by a right hemiparesis because of a hypoxic-ischemic disorder that occurred in the first hours of life and was heterozygous for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation 677C-T.Intravenous heparin and aspirin were initiated on postoperative day 7. Heparin treatment was switched to the subcutaneous route after the first 24 hours. The symptoms subsided 3 days after the beginning of treatment, whereas complete resolution of portal vein thrombosis was observed 2 months later. A review of the literature is reported, and the possible pathogenetic mechanisms underlying portal vein thrombosis are discussed.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy is a safe and effective procedure for patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This study was conducted retrospectively to examine whether laparoscopic splenectomy is an effective procedure for patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension in comparison to patients with a normal-sized spleen. METHODS: From September 1994 to May 2005, we performed laparoscopic splenectomy in 50 patients at Wakayama Medical University Hospital, Japan. Of these, 17 patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension and 17 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with normal-size spleen were enrolled in this study, in which we compared the surgical outcome between patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension and those without splenomegaly (ITP group). RESULTS: The mean operative time (splenomegaly due to portal hypertension vs ITP; 171 vs 165 min; P = 0.7433) and estimated blood loss (248 vs 258 ml; P = 0.5396) were similar in the two groups. There were two patients with complications (11.8%) in the patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension and five patients with complications (29.4%) in those with ITP. All patients with splenomegaly due to portal hypertension showed appropriate increases in the platelet count following surgery. No perioperative mortality occurred. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that laparoscopic splenectomy was an effective procedure for splenomegaly due to portal hypertension, with findings being similar to those observed in patients with a normal-sized spleen (such as patients with ITP).     

Predictive factors for successful laparoscopic splenectomy in immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Background Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) offers better short-term results than open surgery for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), but long-term follow-up is required to ensure its efficacy. The remission rate after splenectomy ranges from 49 to 86% and the factors that predict a successful response to surgical management have not been clearly defined. The goal of this study was to determine the preoperative factors that predict a successful outcome following LS. Methods From February 1993 to December 2003, LS was consecutively performed in a series of 119 nonselected patients diagnosed with ITP (34 men and 85 women; mean age, 41 years), and clinical results were prospectively recorded. Postoperative follow-up was based on clinical records, follow-up data provided by the referring hematologist, and a phone interview with the patient and/or relative. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for clinical preoperative variables to identify predictive factors of success following LS. Results Over a mean period of 33 months, 103 patients (84%) were available for follow-up with a remission rate of 89% (92 patients, 77 with complete remission with platelet count >150,000). Eleven patients did not respond to surgery (platelet count <50,000). Mortality during follow-up was 2.5% (two cases not related to hematological pathology and one case without response to splenectomy). Preoperative clinical variables evaluated to identify predictive factors of response to surgery were sex, age, treatment (corticoids alone or associated with Ig or chemotherapy), other immune pathology, duration of disease, and preoperative platelet count. In a subgroup of 52 patients, we also evaluated the type of autoantibodies and corticoid doses required to maintain a platelet count >50,000. Multivariate analysis showed that none of the variables evaluated could be considered as predictive factors of response to LS due to the high standard error. Conclusion Long-term clinical results show that LS is a safe and effective therapy for ITP. However, a higher number of nonresponders is needed to determine which variables predict response to LS for ITP.     

肝硬化门静脉高压脾切断流术后影响门静脉系统血栓形成的因素

目的：探讨脾切断流术后门静脉血栓形成（PVT）的危险因素及防治方法。方法：回顾性分析12年间1 300例行脾切除+贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压患者的临床资料,观察其术后PVT形成情况,并对术后PVT形成的因素进行分析。结果：全组术后PVT发生率为30.15%（392/1 300）;PVT形成与患者年龄、合并糖尿病、食管胃底静脉曲张程度、肝功能分级、D-二聚体、脾脏大小、是否抗凝治疗等因素有关（均P<0.05）,而与患者性别、手术时间和术中出血量无关（均P>0.05）。结论：年龄、肝脏功能、门静脉压力、食管胃底静脉曲张、合并糖尿病、巨脾等是脾切断流术后PVT形成的影响因素;应用抗凝治疗可降低术后PVT的发生率。     

Left-sided portal hypertension: Successful management by laparoscopic splenectomy following splenic artery embolization

INTRODUCTION

Left-sided portal hypertension is a rare clinical condition most often associated with a pancreatic disease. In case of hemorrhage from gastric fundus varices, splenectomy is indicated. Commonly, the operation is carried out by laparotomy, as portal hypertension is considered a relative contraindication to laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). Although some studies have reported the feasibility of the laparoscopic approach in the setting of cirrhosis-related portal hypertension, experience concerning LS in left-sided portal hypertension is lacking.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 39-year-old man was admitted to the Emergency Department for haemorrhagic shock due to acute hemorrhage from gastric fundus varices. Diagnostic work up revealed a chronic pancreatitis-related splenic vein thrombosis causing left-sided portal hypertension with gastric fundus varices and splenic cavernoma. Following splenic artery embolization (SAE), the case was successfully managed by LS.

DISCUSSION

The advantages of laparoscopic over open splenectomy include lower complication rate, quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay. Splenic artery embolization prior to LS has been used to reduce intraoperative blood losses and conversion rate, especially in complex cases of splenomegaly or cirrhosis-related portal hypertension. We report a case of complicated left-sided portal hypertension managed by LS following SAE. In spite of the presence of large varices at the splenic hilum, the operation was performed by laparoscopy without any major intraoperative complication, thanks to the reduced venous pressure achieved by SAE.

CONCLUSION

Splenic artery embolization may be a valuable adjunct in case of left-sided portal hypertension requiring splenectomy, allowing a safe dissection of the splenic vessels even by laparoscopy.     

血浆D-二聚体对腹腔镜脾切除门奇静脉断流术后门静脉血栓形成的预测意义

目的：探讨血浆D-二聚体（D-dimer,D-D）水平对肝炎后肝硬化门脉高压症患者行腹腔镜脾切除门奇静脉断流术（LSED）后门静脉系统血栓形成（PVT）的预测意义。 方法：选择47例因肝炎后肝硬化门脉高压症行LSED患者,测定患者术前与术后1、7、14 d的血浆 D-二聚体水平及凝血功能指标;术后7、14 d行彩超检查明确有无PVT;对D-二聚体水平的LSED后PVT诊断效能行接收者工作特征曲线（ROC）分析。 结果：47例患者中有21例于术后发生PVT。PVT组与非PVT组患者LSED后血浆D-二聚体水平均持续升高,但PVT组术后7、14 d的D-二聚体水平均明显高于非PVT组（P<0.05）;两组患者凝血酶原时间（PT）,凝血酶时间（TT）,活化部分凝血活酶时间（APTT）手术前后无明显变化,且两组间差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,两组血小板（PLT）水平均较术前升高（P<0.05）,但两组间差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。术后7 d血浆D-二聚体水平对LSED后PVT诊断准确性的ROC曲线下面积（AUC）为0.7?801（P<0.05）。 结论：肝炎后肝硬化门脉高压症患者行LSED术后血浆D-二聚体水平升高,术后血浆D-二聚体持续较高水平（≥14 mg/L）者,发生PVT的危险性较大,应加强血栓监测及抗凝预防。     

脾切除术后门静脉血栓形成及其机制的研究进展

门静脉血栓形成（PVST）是脾切除术后最常见的并发症之一,其术后血栓形成及机制至今未明确。目前我们已经确定了脾切除术后PVST的几个系统性和局部性危险因素。系统性危险因素包括血液病、恶性肿瘤等。局部危险因素主要与脾脏特征有关,如脾脏重量和脾静脉直径。脾切除术后PVST发生的具体机制仍在研究中,本文旨在通过血流动力学的紊乱、血液的高凝状态、血管内皮的损伤（Virchow三联征）方面来探究脾切除术后PVST发生机制及治疗。     

脾切除术后门静脉系统血栓形成的临床分析

目的探讨脾切除术后门静脉血栓形成（portal vein thrombosis,PvT）和肠系膜静脉血栓形成（mesenteric venous thrombosis,MVT）的成因及诊治策略。方法回顾性分析2000年以来脾切除术后门静脉血栓形成及肠系膜静脉血栓形成12例的临床资料。结果280例脾切除后血栓发生12例（4．3％）,其中发生PVT9例（3．2％）,发生MVT3例（1．1％）。9例经积极的全身抗凝、祛聚、溶栓治疗1～2周后好转出院。血栓形成病人均出现白细胞增多,血小板计数升高,D-二聚体检测和凝血功能异常,与治疗后1周相比,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。2例行小肠切除肠吻合术。1例死于肝功能衰竭。结论脾切除后动态检测血常规、凝血功能等相关指标是预防静脉血栓形成的有效措施,及早诊断和治疗对病人康复起关键作用。     

Accessory spleens: preoperative diagnostics limitations and operational strategy in laparoscopic approach to splenectomy in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients

Aim The preoperative detection of accessory spleen (AS) is still a very important and serious problem. The aim of the study was to assess the reasons for failure and the long-term results of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).Method Fifty-eight ITP patients underwent LS between June 1998 and December 2002. There were 42 women and 16 men. Preoperatively, we performed computed tomography (CT) and sonography to evaluate the size of the spleen and possibly to recognize the presence of the accessory spleens, which were found preoperatively in three cases.Results Intraoperatively, ASs were found in the course of laparoscopy in six cases overall, three preoperatively false negative. During follow-up (median time 31 months), in three patients the low platelet count was recognized, respectively after 5 months and 1.5 and 1.8 years. In all those cases scintigraphy was performed and in one case the residual accessory spleen, missed both in preoperative examination and during laparoscopy, was revealed. In two other patients, in spite of thrombocytopenia, no residual spleens were found.Conclusion We conclude that the problem of accessory spleens can be managed by careful videoscopic examination of the abdominal cavity during splenectomy, while the use of preoperative imaging techniques in detection of accessory spleens is still limited by the insufficient sensitivity of the examination.     

脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术后门静脉系统血栓发生率及其防治

目的 探讨门静脉高压症术后门静脉系统血栓（portal venous system thrombosis,PVST）形成的原因及其防治措施。方法 对132例门静脉高压症患者行脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术,术中均经胃网膜右静脉置入导管测压并留置导管,其中36例患者（设为试验组,其余设为对照组）术中增加脾静脉近端结扎。术后早期经导管滴注肝素盐水预防血栓,或发生血栓后滴注尿激酶溶栓,出院后口服华法林,使预防和治疗血栓的效果分别达到国际标准化比值（INR）维持于1.5~2.0和2.0~3.0,并直至血小板数量恢复正常。结果 术后2周内发生PVST共132例（100%）,血栓分布：残余脾静脉血栓132例（100%）,门静脉血栓（PVT）39例（29.5%）。在39例PVT中,门静脉主干血栓33例,主干血栓均与残余脾静脉血栓相连,其中15例血栓最大横截面积<50%,14例血栓最大横截面积≥50%,4例为完全性血栓;肠系膜上静脉血栓6例,其中4例合并门静脉主干血栓并与肠系膜上静脉血栓相连,2例存在门静脉分支血栓且肠系膜上静脉血栓与脾静脉血栓相连。39例PVT中,门静脉左支血栓21例,门静脉右支血栓18例;PVT 2处及以上者25例。在试验组36例脾静脉近端结扎的患者中,发生门静脉主干血栓1例（2.8%）;在对照组未采用脾静脉近端结扎的96例中发生PVT 38例（39.6%）,两者对比差异有统计学意义（P<0.001）。对39例PVT采用抗凝及溶栓治疗,其中33例在术后6个月获得随访并进行CT检查,发现血栓消失、机化再通和海绵样变各23例、7例和3例。结论 肝硬化门静脉高压症行脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术后早期残余脾静脉内易形成血栓,残余脾静脉血栓向门静脉内蔓延是发生术后PVT的主要原因。脾静脉近端结扎的预防效果显著,经胃网膜右静脉留置导管,术后滴注肝素盐水和溶栓剂兼具预防和治疗双重作用,口服华法林效果确切但需检测凝血功能。     

Analysis of risk factors for massive intraoperative bleeding during laparoscopic splenectomy

Background/Purpose Laparoscopic splenectomy is occasionally converted to open surgery due to massive intraoperative bleeding. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for massive bleeding during laparoscopic splenectomy. Methods Fifty-three patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy. The indications were hematologic disease in 25 patients, liver cirrhosis in 17 patients, and other conditions in 11 patients. Univariate analysis was conducted with Fisher's exact test, and multivariate analysis was conducted with a stepwise logistic regression model. Results None of the patients required open surgery. Blood loss of more than 800 ml was defined as massive intraoperative bleeding. Univariate analysis showed significant risk factors for massive bleeding to be liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, splenomegaly, Child class, and preoperative platelet count. Independent risk factors in the multivariate analysis were portal hypertension and Child class. Conclusions Careful attention to intraoperative bleeding during laparoscopic splenectomy is necessary for patients with portal hypertension and/or deteriorated liver function.     

保脾断流术治疗门静脉高压症

食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血是门静脉高压症患者死亡的主要原因之一,其治疗手段已经从早期外科手术一枝独秀,变成现在内镜治疗、介入治疗和手术治疗百家争鸣。由于肝移植供肝短缺,断流术在今后相当长的一段时间内依然是我国治疗门静脉高压症的主要手段之一。北京大学人民医院肝胆外科结合自身经验对传统断流手术进行改进,提出保脾断流术。该技术具有术中出血量少,手术时间短,术后并发症发生率低等优势,取得了较好的近期和远期止血效果。