Endovascular treatment of splenomesenteric-portal vein thromboses during orthotopic liver transplantation

Extensive splanchnic venous thrombosis in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) continues to have a substantial impact on surgical complexity and perioperative morbidity and mortality rates. This report presents an experience in eight patients with splanchnic venous thrombosis treated by means of splanchnic vessel recanalization, primary stent placement, and closure of spontaneous competitive shunts during OLT. In all cases, portal perfusion in the allograft was adequate, portal hypertension was solved, and no complications were observed. None of the patients died during surgery or follow-up. The results reported here need to be confirmed in future studies.