Rescue of Acute Portal Vein Thrombosis After Liver Transplantation Using a Cavoportal Shunt at Re-transplantation |
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Authors: | Ramasamy Bakthavatsalam Christopher L Marsh James D Perkins Adam E Levy Patrick J Healey Christian S Kuhr |
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Institution: | Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA. |
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Abstract: | BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis is a rare but devastating complication following orthotopic liver transplantation. Fulminant liver failure ensues with acute portal vein thrombosis after transplantation limiting the treatment options. METHODS: We successfully re-transplanted a 46-year-old female patient who developed acute portal vein thrombosis 19 d after orthotopic liver transplantation. Vascular reconstruction included a cavoportal shunt to augment portal blood flow. RESULTS: Twelve months after re-transplantation this patient lives independently and enjoys excellent liver allograft function. CONCLUSIONS: Cavoportal shunt can augment portal blood flow in adult recipients of orthotopic liver transplants. This technique can be successfully employed during re-transplantation when portal blood flow is inadequate to maintain patency. |
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Keywords: | ABO incompatible fulminant liver failure hemitransposition |
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