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

Abstract

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.