Thrombosis Confined to the Portal Vein Is Not a Contraindication for Living Donor Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of agreement regarding preexisting portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We report the results of a single-center study to determine the impact of PVT on outcomes of adult LDLT recipients. METHODS: Of 133 cases of adult LDLT performed between January 2000 and December 2004, a thrombectomy was performed on 22 patients (16.5%) with PVT during the transplant procedure. One hundred eleven patients without PVT (group 1) were compared with those with a thrombosis confined to the portal vein (group 2; n = 15) and patients with the thrombosis beyond the portal vein (group 3; n = 7). RESULTS: The sensitivities of Doppler ultrasound and CT in detecting PVT were 50 and 63.6%. A prior history of variceal bleeding (OR = 10.6, p = 0.002) and surgical shunt surgery (OR = 28.1, p = 0.044) were found to be an independent risk factors for PVT. The rate of postoperative PVT was significantly higher in patients with PVT than in those without (18.2 vs. 2.7%; p = 0.014). In particular, the rethrombosis rate in group 3 was 28.6%. The actuarial 3-year patient survival rate in PVT patients (73.6%) was similar to that of the non-PVT patients (85.3%; p = 0.351). However, the actuarial 3-year patient survival rate in group 3 was 38.1%, which was significantly lower than that in groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: A thrombosis confined to the portal vein per se should not be considered a contraindication for LDLT.     

Single-Center Experience of 253 Portal Vein Thrombosis Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation in China

Objective

We sought to review the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and surgical options for 253 patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) to assess the the impact of PVT on outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data from 2508 adult patients undergoing 2614 OLTs in our center from September 1998 to July 2007. PVT was scorded according to the operative findings and Yerdel grading of PVT. No prisoners were used as donors for this study.

Results

Two hundred fifty-three patients were diagnosed with PVT (10.09%): there were 104 grade I; 114, grade II; 29, grade III; and 6, grade IV PVT. Sex and previous splenectomy increased the risk for PVT. In grade I and II cases, we performed simple thrombectomy, eversion thrombectomy, or improved eversion thrombectomy (IET, innovated by our center), producing smooth postoperative recoveries with a 0% in-hospitality mortality. In grade III cases, 18 underwent successful IET. Of 11 subjects who had eversion thrombectomy, six failed, and the distal superior mesentery vein or dilated splanchnic collateral tributary had to be used as the inflow vessel in four patients, and portal vein arterialization were performed in the other two patients, all of whom experienced a smooth postoperative recovery except one who died of hepatic failure and pulmonary infection 2 weeks after the operation. The in-hospitality mortality was 3.45%. In grade IV cases, three underwent successful IET, but another three cases failed, with two of them requiring a renal vein as the inflow vessel, and other one undergoing portocaval hemitransposition, with one postoperative death due to hepatic failure and another of cancer recurrence, an in-hospitality mortality rate of 33.33%. The transfusion requirement among PVT patients was significantly higher than that in non-PVT patients (9.32 ± 3.12 U vs 6.02 ± 2.40 U; P < .01). Blood loss in PVT patients who underwent the IET technique was significantly lower than that for an eversion thrombectomy (2800.36 ± 930.52 mL vs 5700.21 ± 162.50 mL P < .05). The overall actuarial 1-year survival rate in PVT patients was similar to the controls (86.56% vs 89.40%; P > .05).

Conclusion

OLT was successfully performed for PVT patients. The grade of PVT decided the surgical strategy. Similar 1-year survival rates were attained between PVT patients and controls undergoing OLT.     

Portal vein thrombosis in adults undergoing liver transplantation: risk factors, screening, management, and outcome

BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) has been seen as an obstacle to liver transplantation (LTx). Recent data suggest that favorable results may be achieved in this group of patients but only limited information from small size series is available. The present study was conducted in an effort to review the surgical options in patients with PVT and to assess the impact of PVT on LTx outcome. Risk factors for PVT and the value of screening tools are also analyzed. METHODS: Adult LTx performed from 1987 through 1996 were reviewed. PVT was retrospectively graded according to the operative findings: grade 1: <50% PVT +/- minimal obstruction of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV); grade 2: grade 1 but >50% PVT; grade 3: complete PV and proximal SMV thrombosis; grade 4: complete PV and entire SMV thrombosis. RESULTS: Of 779 LTx, 63 had operatively confirmed PVT (8.1%): 24 had grade 1, 23 grade 2, 6 grade 3, and 10 grade 4 PVT. Being male, treatment for portal hypertension, Child-Pugh class C, and alcoholic liver disease were associated with PVT. Sensitivity of ultrasound (US) in detecting PVT increased with PVT grade and was 100% in grades 3-4. In patients with US-diagnosed PVT, an angiogram was performed and ruled out a false positive US diagnosis in 13%. In contrast with US, angiograms differentiated grade 1 from grade 2, and grade 3 from grade 4 PVT. Grade 1 and 2 PVT were managed by low dissection and/or a thrombectomy; in grade 3 the distal SMV was directly used as an inflow vessel, usually through an interposition donor iliac vein; in grade 4 a splanchnic tributary was used or a thrombectomy was attempted. Transfusion requirements in PVT patients (10 U) were higher than in non-PVT patients (5 U) (P<0.01). In-hospital mortality for PVT patients was 30% versus 12.4% in controls (P<0.01). Patients with PVT had more postoperative complications, renal failure, primary nonfunction, and PV rethrombosis. The overall actuarial 5-year patient survival rate in PVT patients (65.6%) was lower than in controls (76.3%; P=0.04). Patients with grade 1 PVT, however, had a 5-year survival rate (86%) identical to that of controls, whereas patients with grades 2, 3, and 4 PVT had reduced survival rates. The 5-year patient survival rate improved from the 1st to the 2nd era in non-PVT patients (from 72% to 83%; P<0.01), in grade 1 PVT (from 53% to 100%; P<0.01), and in grades 2 to 4 PVT (from 38% to 62%; P=0.11). CONCLUSIONS: The value of US diagnosis in patients with PVT depends on the PVT grade, and false negative diagnoses occur only in incomplete forms of PVT (grades 1-2). The degree of PVT dictates the surgical strategy to be used, thrombectomy/low dissection in grade 1-2, mesoportal jump graft in grade 3, and a splanchnic tributary in grade 4. Taken altogether, PVT patients undergo more difficult surgery, have more postoperative complications, have higher in-hospital mortality rates, and have reduced 5-year survival rates. Analysis by PVT grade, however, reveals that grade 1 PVT patients do as well as controls; only grades 2 to 4 PVT patients have poorer outcomes. With increased experience, results of LTx in PVT patients have improved and, even in severe forms of PVT, a 5-year survival rate >60% can now be achieved.     

Liver transplantation in recipients with portal vein thrombosis: experience of a single transplant center

INTRODUCTION: Although portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is no longer considered a contraindication for liver transplantation (OLT), it is still considered a high risk because of the complexity of the surgical procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of PVT in the recipient during OLT on intra- and perioperative management and outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 1986 and October 2003, 721 primary OLT included 64 patients (8.8%) with PVT. The underlying liver disease was postnecrotic cirrhosis in most cases (n = 37). Intraoperative (length of surgery, packed red blood cells (PRBC) transfusion requirements, ischemia time, complications) and postoperative parameters (ICU stay and hospitalization time, complications, actuarial graft and patient survival at 1 month and 1 and 5 years) were compared with a control group of patients submitted to OLT without PVT (n = 657). RESULTS: Portal flow was reestablished in 56 patients with thromboendovenectomy, in seven patients with a venous graft from the superior mesenteric vein, and with cavoportal hemitransposition in one case. The average ICU and hospital stay as well as the 1-month and 1- and 5-year patient survivals were not significantly different in the PVT versus the control group. We observed slightly more PRBC transfusions and longer surgery procedures in the PVT group. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that thromboendovenectomy is the procedure of choice for PVT. The results are good in terms of survival rates and postoperative complications, although the presence of PVT may lead to more technical problems during surgery.     

Portal Vein Thrombosis and Liver Transplantation: Long Term

Obstruction of the portal vein may be related to constriction by malignant tumors or thrombosis associated with liver disease. We herein have reported our experience with patients undergoing liver transplantation with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) whose diagnosis was made intraoperatively. From September 1991 to May 2009, we studied 27/419 (6.4%) patients with PVT who were evaluated according to the presence of esophagogastric varices, underlying disease, malignancy, and if there was previous surgery, review of medical records on data collected prospectively. We observed 24 (88.9%) patients with PVT grade 1, 2 (7.4%) with grade 2, and 1 (3.7%) with grade 3. The average age of the PVT patients was 47.5 years; the average model for End-Stage Liver Discase score was 18.3, and the predominant diagnosis, hepatitis C cirrhosis. Eighteen underwent a sclerotherapy/ligature. The sensitivity of ultrasound for grade 1 thrombosis was 39.1%; for grade 2, 50%; and for grade 3, 100%. Portal vein thrombectomy was performed in 24 patients. In other patients (grade 2), we performed an anastomosis of the donor portal vein to the recipient gastric vein or to a greater splanchnic collateral vein. In only 1 patient was the graft performed using the donor portal vein-donor iliac vein-recipient superior mesenteric vein. None of the patients displayed PVT in the immediate postoperative period. Actuarial survivals at the years 1, 3, and 5 were 85%, 74%, and 63%, respectively. We concluded that PVT cannot be considered to be a contraindication for liver transplantation.     

Favorable resolution of hepatic infarctions in transplanted liver after portal vein thrombosis treated by surgical thrombectomy: a case report

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a life-threatening complication associated with a high rate of graft loss and patient death, with reported incidence of 1% to 2% in adults. We report a case of an early PVT after OLT complicated by hepatic infarctions in the liver graft. After surgical thrombectomy and restoration of the portal inflow, hepatic infarctions resolved spontaneously within 6 months, which was confirmed by computed tomography.     

A selective approach to preexisting portal vein thrombosis in patients undergoing liver transplantation.

Splanchnic venous inflow is considered mandatory to ensure graft survival after liver transplantation. Over a 68-month period, we performed 570 liver transplants in 495 patients. Portal vein thrombosis was present in 16 patients. At transplant, the extent of the occlusion included portal vein alone (n = 4), portal including confluence of the splenic and superior mesenteric veins (n = 8), portal, splenic, and distal superior mesenteric veins (n = 2), and the entire portal vein, splenic vein, and superior mesenteric vein (n = 2). The operative approach included thrombectomy alone (n = 5), anastomosis at the confluence of the splenic and superior mesenteric splenic veins (n = 8), and extra-anatomic venous reconstruction (n = 3). The mean operative blood loss was 22 +/- 22 units, and the mean operative time was 9.7 +/- 4.8 hours. The 1-year actuarial survival rate was 81%, with a mean follow-up of 12.5 months. In summary, with a selective approach and the use of innovative forms of splanchnic venous inflow, portal vein thrombosis is no longer a contraindication to liver transplantation.     

门静脉血栓形成对肝移植手术相关参数的影响

目的 探讨术前合并门静脉血栓(PVT)对原位肝移植(OLT)受者手术和术后相关参数的影响.方法 回顾性分析2002年2月至2007年2月武警总医院836例成人OLT病人中71例术前合并门静脉血栓(PVT组)和765例无门静脉血栓(对照组)病人的临床资料.比较两组手术时间、无肝期时间、输血量等手术参数以及ICU时间、住院时间、PVT复发、移植物功能、门静脉血流量、围手术期病死率和1、3、5年生存率等术后参数.结果 PVT组手术时间(min)和无肝期时间(min)明显长于对照组(分别为792.47±162.29和516.18±186.30,P<0.01;77.53±24.76和48.55±31.20;P<0.05).两组间术中输血量、平均ICU时间、住院时间没有显著差异(P>0.05).PVT组术后再栓塞率显著高于对照组(分别为9.86%和1.44%,P<0.01).除90 d时PVT组门静脉血流(PVF,cm/s)较高(41.43±17.19和19.85±11.39,P<0.05)外,两组间各随访时段移植物功能和PVF没有显著性差异.PVT组围手术期病死率略高于对照组而1、3、5年生存率稍低于对照组,但是差异均没有显著性.结论 术前PVT可能会增加肝移植手术复杂程度,但并不影响肝移植效果.     

Intraoperative ultrasound guided portal venous thrombectomy in living donor liver transplantation recipient surgery.

Portal vein reconstruction in liver transplantation from live donor grafts has major challenging factors in cases with portal venous thrombosis (PVT). To overcome this critical surgical challenge, we devised a novel technique, intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS)-guided thrombectomy of the portal vein. IOUS-guided thrombectomy was applied to the 10 patients whose PVT extended to the splenomesenteric junction. In these patients, closed thin scissors were inserted from the stump of the recipient portal vein under ultrasound guidance and the thrombus was dissected from the venous wall. The application of IOUS-guided thrombectomy in patients with moderate to severe PVT led to a 3-year patency rate of 83%, comparable to that of simple thrombectomy applied to partial or minimal (grade I-II) PVT (83%). IOUS-guided thrombectomy is helpful to adequately remove severe thrombi from the deep lumen of the portal vein, provided the procedure was carried out by an experienced surgeon with adequate preparation for unexpected venous injuries.     

Salvage procedure for unexpected portal vein thrombosis in living donor liver transplantation

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is considered a relative contraindication to living donor liver transplantation (LDLTx) due to technical difficulty and ethical considerations. So far, there have been a few reported cases of LDLTx with PVT, most of which were treated by thrombectomy with or without a venous conduit. We report a case of LDLTx in an unexpected recipient with grade 4 diffuse PVT, which was successfully managed using a variceal left gastric vein and a deceased donor iliac vein conduit to create a "de novo portal vein" for splanchnic inflow to the right lobe. The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative course with normal blood flow in the de novo portal vein at 1-year follow up. This report demonstrated that a variceal collateral vein can be used as appropriate alternative inflow for the right lobe in LDLTx cases in which an unexpected PVT is encountered.     

Successful minimally invasive management of late portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy due to splenic artery steal syndrome following liver transplantation: a case report

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after liver transplantation (OLT), which occurs in 1% to 2.7% of cases, can compromise patient and graft survival. Percutaneous transhepatic portal vein angioplasty offers an option to treat PVT, diminishing surgically related morbidity and the need for retransplantation. We describe a case of late PVT after OLT, which was successfully treated by a minimally invasive percutaneous transhepatic approach using both mechanical fragmentation and pharmacologic lysis of the thrombus followed by anticoagulation. The patient has had a good clinical course with normal graft function and patent portal blood flow at 6-month follow-up. This case report confirms the possibility of successful recanalization of the portal vein in a patient with late PVT after liver transplantation. Sustained anticoagulation/antiaggregation therapy for at least 6 months after the procedure is advisable.     

Management of portal vein thrombosis in liver transplantation: influence on morbidity and mortality

BACKGROUND: Splanchnic thrombosis is a surgical challenge in liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to analyze our experience in the management of portal vein thrombosis, and its influence on evolution. AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze our experience in the management of portal vein thrombosis, and its influence on evolution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1999 and 2004, 366 liver transplants were performed in 335 patients. Forty-two patients [12.5%: portal vein thrombosis (PVT) group] had portal thrombosis at the time of LT. We analyzed the technical aspects and compared their evolution with a group of patients without portal thrombosis (n = 293; no-PVT group). Retransplantations were excluded. RESULTS: Of the 42 patients with thrombosis, 18 had partial thrombosis and 16 complete thrombosis [six included the proximal superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and in two the whole splanchnic system]. In 12 cases, usual T-T anastomosis was performed and in 16 cases a thrombectomy was carried out; there were five cases of anastomosis at confluence of the SMV, five cases of anastomosis to a collateral vein, three cases of venous graft, and one case of cavoportal hemitransposition. The operative time was higher in PVT group (417 +/- 103 min vs. 363 +/- 83; p = 0.0005), as RBC transfusion (2.4 +/- 3.1 vs. 1.9 +/- 2.3; p = 0.04), and hospital stay (20.9 +/- 14.9 d vs. 15.1 +/- 10.6; p = 0.002). However, there were no differences in hospital mortality (4% vs. 7.8%; p = 0.98), primary dysfunction (4.8% vs. 7.8%; p = 0.44), or three-yr-actuarial survival (75% vs. 77%; p = 0.95). The incidence of post-transplant thrombosis was higher in the PVT group (15% vs. 2.4%; p = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Portal thrombosis is associated with greater operative complexity and rethrombosis, but has no influence on overall morbidity and mortality.     

终末期肝病合并门静脉血栓患者的肝移植术(附四例报告)

目的 探讨终末期肝病合并门静脉血栓(PVT)患者的肝移植术。方法 对准备肝移植的受者常规应用CT和彩色多普勒检查，发现共有4例受者伴有PVT。此4例受者进行了原位肝移植术和门静脉血栓摘除治疗。术中对残留有附壁血栓的1例受者，在肠系膜上静脉分支处插入一带有肝素帽的导管，术后用于注入尿激酶进行溶栓治疗。术后所有受者均应用了低分子肝素、华法令和前列腺素E1等抗凝治疗。结果 术中一次性取尽血栓3例；1例受者PVT延及脾静脉人口和门脉左右支，术后门静脉残留有血栓，经溶栓和抗凝治疗，术后28d血栓消失。有3例受者在术后2个月内痊愈出院，随访至今情况良好；1例受者因胸腔穿刺并发出血，后发生多房性积液和肺部感染，于术后48d死亡。结论(1)PVT不是肝移植的绝对禁忌证；(2)外科摘除血栓、溶栓和抗凝治疗能对PVT进行根治；(3)出血是肝移植门静脉血栓治疗后的主要并发症，要加强预防和治疗。     

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目的　探讨肝移植围手术期门静脉血栓的处理。方法　回顾性分析 2 0 0 3年 10月至 2 0 0 4年 6月 14 0例原位肝移植病人的临床资料。结果　通过彩色多普勒、螺旋CT加三维血管成像和间接门脉造影共确诊肝移植术前门静脉血栓 5例。其中螺旋CT加三维血管成像 (CTA)对门静脉血栓的诊断特异性为 10 0 % ,彩色多普勒的诊断特异性为 80 % ,间接门脉造影的诊断特异性为 2 0 %。肝移植术中采用门静脉血栓切除术治疗成功率为10 0 %。结论　肝移植术中门静脉血栓切除术是治疗门静脉血栓的有效方法。CTA检查能准确判断门静脉血栓的程度。肝移植术后预防性抗凝能有效预防门静脉血栓复发。     

肝移植围手术期门静脉血栓的处理

目的 探讨肝移植围手术期门静脉血栓（PVT）的处理。方法 回顾性分析中国医科大学附属第一医院1995年5月至2008年6月实施的194例肝移植病人临床资料,术前存在PVT 24例,其中Ⅰ级12例,Ⅱ级9例,Ⅲ级2例,Ⅳ级1例。术中采取不同门静脉重建方式,结扎术前存在的门腔分流和粗大的侧支循环。术后根据凝血酶原时间（PT）,应用普通肝素或低分子质量肝素预防性抗凝。术中、术后应用多普勒超声监测门静脉血供。结果 术后PVT发生率2.58%（5/194）。1例PVT经外科门静脉取栓、重新吻合治愈,3例置管溶栓、支架植入治愈,另1例仅表现肝功能轻度异常,未特殊处理。与PVT相关病死率为0。其余病例随访6~ 104个月,未见PVT。结论 理想的门静脉重建方式、结扎门腔存在的分流和术后有效的抗凝可以减少PVT的发生,多普勒超声监测能早期发现PVT,挽救移植物,避免再移植。     

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??Management of portal vein thrombosis during the perioperative period of orthotopic liver transplantation WU Gang, LIU Yong-feng,CHENG Dong-hua??et al. Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital,China Medical University,Shenyang 110001,China Corresponding auther: LIU Yong-feng, E-mial: yfliu@mail.cmu. edu.cn Abstract Objective To analyze the managements of portal vein thrombosis(PVT) during the perioperative period of orthotopic liver transplantation.Methods Between May 1995 to June 2008,194 orthotopic liver transplantation were performed in our institute,of which 24 presented portal vein thrombosis .12 were grade ??,9 grade ??,2 grade ?? and 1 grade ?? . The management of PVT depended mainly on its extent.Ligation of the collateral circulation,especially spontaneous or surgical splenorenal shunt,was made as approaches to improve portal flow. Heparin or low-molecule-weight heparin as a prophylactic anticoagulation therapy was maintained during and after operation if prothrombin time is less than eighteensonds. Follow-up Doppler ultrasonography was used daily in the early postoperative period.Results After a follow-up of 6-104 months, overall incidence of portal vein thrombosis was 2.58%(5/194).Surgical thrombectomy and revascularization was carried out in 1 case. Percutanous thrombolysis ,balloon angioplasty, or stent placement via portal vein were performed in 3 cases.No treatment was given in 1 patient without hepatic dysfunction. Mortality related to portal vein thrombosis was 0.Conclusion PVT might be avoid by performing a ideal technique for managing PVT as often as possible,by ligation of portosystemic shunt during surgery, and by postoperative anticoagulation.Close follow-up by Doppler ultrasonography may make a prompt diagnosis and reduce PVT-derived loss of grafts.     

门静脉血栓的肝移植术中处理

目的 探讨门静脉血栓(PVT)的肝移植术中外科处理方法及其效果.方法 肝移植患者2508例,共行肝移植2614次,其中253例术前并发PVT.并发PVT者的Yerdel分级为,Ⅰ级者104例,Ⅱ级者114例,Ⅲ级者29例,Ⅳ级者6例.根据具体情况对并发Ⅰ、Ⅱ级PVT者施行静脉血栓切除术、外翻血栓切除术或外翻式门静脉内膜剥脱切除术;并发Ⅲ级PVT者,18例行外翻式门静脉内膜剥脱切除术,11例行外翻血栓切除术;并发Ⅳ级PVT者行外翻式门静脉内膜剥脱切除术.结果 218例并发Ⅰ、Ⅱ级PVT者中,32例行静脉血栓切除术,52例行外翻血栓切除术,134例行外翻式门静脉内膜剥脱切除术,均获得成功.29例并发Ⅲ级PVT者中,18例行外翻式门静脉内膜剥脱切除术,均获得成功;11例行外翻血栓切除术,其中5例获得成功,6例失败.6例并发Ⅳ级PVT者中,3例行外翻式门静脉内膜剥脱切除术,获得成功,3例取栓失败.253例并发PVT者肝移植术后6个月的存活率为93.7%,与同期无PVT的肝移植患者相比较(94.4%),差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 并发PVT者可接受肝移植,术中应根据PVT的Yerdel分级情况,采取适合的外科处理方式.     

Liver transplantation in patients with portal vein thrombosis and central portacaval shunts.

The authors have analyzed the impact of pre-existing portal vein pathology on the outcome of orthotopic liver transplantation. The incidence was high in patients suffering from chronic active hepatitis, hypercoagulable states, trauma or previous dissection of the porta hepatis, and splenectomy. The existence of portal vein thrombosis (23 patients) or surgical central portosystemic shunt (10 patients) was documented by preoperative Doppler sonogram or angiography (26/33), or operative findings of occluded vein (7/33). Successful thrombectomy and dismantling of portacaval shunts were achieved in most cases (24/33). Only nine patients required the placement of an interposition vein graft to the superior mesenteric vein. The intraoperative course was characterized by increased blood loss and coagulopathy, significantly higher than in patients with a patent portal vein. When compared with all liver transplants, the immediate postoperative complication rate was higher for primary nonfunction (33% versus 8%), re-exploration for intraperitoneal bleeding and hematomas, and morbid infections. Rethrombosis rate of thrombectomized veins or vein graft was low (2/33). The mortality rate was 35% in the presence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and 30% for portacaval shuct (PCS), both significantly higher than the 12% for other orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) patients. These results are expected to improve with better patient selection, surgical experience, and anticipation of the complex postoperative course. The authors conclude that PVT or the presence of PCS are not contraindications to orthotopic liver transplantation.     

Recurrent Portal Vein Thrombosis In Liver Transplantation With Renoportal Anastomosis Caused by Spontaneous Reno-Caval Shunts: A Case Report

BackgroundOrthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in patients with cirrhosis complicated by portal hypertension, portosystemic shunts, and chronic portal vein thrombosis (PVT) has long been challenging. Spontaneous spleno-renal shunts (SRS) allow new surgical techniques to restore portal vein patency and hepatopetal flow. Renoportal anastomosis (RPA) has emerged as an accepted method for transplanting these patients, with good long-term patient and graft survival. Orthotopic liver transplantation with RPA is known to be complicated by recurrent PVT, with few details discussed in the literature.Case ReportWe present a case of a 56-year-old woman with decompensated cirrhosis who underwent deceased donor whole graft OLT using RPA with iliac vein conduit. The postoperative course was complicated by occlusive thrombosis in the portal vein and iliac vein conduit. Venography revealed enlarged left gonadal and lumbar vein varices acting as reno-caval shunts with hepatofugal flow. Embolization of the varices re-established durable venous patency that was confirmed on post-transplant day 68 with no other hemodynamic complications.DiscussionThis showcases an interesting mechanism by which recurrent PVT may occur in patients undergoing OLT with RPA. Because durable portal vein patency can be achieved with Interventional Radiology embolization of reno-caval varices, assessing these communications is an important preoperative consideration for planned OLT with RPA.     

Adult liver transplantation and abnormalities of splanchnic veins: experience in 53 patients

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of technical problems resulting from splanchnic venous anomalies on the outcome of orthotopic liver transplantation. From February 1984 until December 1995, 53 (16.3 %) of 326 adults underwent consecutive transplantations whilst having acquired anomalies of the splanchnic veins. These consisted of portal vein thrombosis (n = 32, 9.8 %), thrombosis with inflammatory venous changes (phlebitis; n = 6, 1.8 %) and alterations related to portal hypertension surgery (n = 15, 4.6 %). Because of major changes in surgical technique, i. e., eversion instead of blind venous thrombectomy, immediate superior mesenteric vein approach in cases of extended thrombosis, and piggyback implantation with preservation instead of removal of the inferior vena cava, patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent transplantation during the period February 1984 to December 1990 (group 1) and those transplanted between January 1991 and December 1995 (group 2). Surgical procedures to overcome the anomalies consisted of venous thrombectomy (n = 26), implantation of the donor portal vein at the splenomesenteric confluence (n = 5) or onto a splenic (n = 1) or ileal varix (n = 1), interposition of a free iliac venous graft between recipient superior mesenteric vein and donor portal vein (n = 9,) and interruption of surgical portosystemic shunt (n = 13). All patients had a complete follow-up. The 1- and 5-year actuarial patient survival rates were similar in patients with (n = 53) and without (n = 273) splanchnic venous abnormalities (75.5 % vs 78.1 % and 64.3 % vs 66.9 %, respectively). Early ( < 3 months) post-transplant mortality was 24.5 % (13/53 patients). Mortality was highest in the portal vein thrombophlebitis group (5/6, 83.3 %), followed by the portal hypertension surgery group (5/15, 33.3 %) and the portal vein thrombosis group (3/32, 9.4 %). Technical modifications significantly reduced mortality in group 2 (10.3 %, 3/29 vs 41.7 %, 10/24 patients in group 1; P < 0.05) as well as the need for re-exploration for bleeding (13.8 %, 4/29 patients in group 2 vs 15/24, 62.5 % in group 1; P < 0.01). Mortality directly related to bleeding was also significantly lowered (1/29, 3.4 % in group 2 vs 9/24, 37.5 % in group 1; P < 0.01). We conclude that liver transplantation can be safely performed in the presence of splanchnic vein thrombosis and previous portal hypertension surgery. Received: 11 April 1996 Received after revision: 31 July 1996 Accepted: 23 September 1996