LDLT Portal Vein Thrombosis: Technical Advances

Abstract

Background portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of end-stage liver disease with an incidence of 0.6–16% in patients with well-compensated disease (1–3), increasing up to 35% in cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Aim of the Work the aim of the study is to compare between thrombectomy of PVT using vascular clamps “eversion” & manual technique “modified eversion” during liver transplantation regarding operative time, degree of blood loss, portal vein rethrombosis, and post-operative complications. Patients and Methods This is a retrospective cohort study to compare between thrombectomy of PVT using vascular clamps “eversion” & manual technique “modified eversion” during liver transplantation regarding operative time, degree of blood loss, portal vein rethrombosis & post-operative complications. The study was conducted as retrospective study of 33 adult patients who underwent LDLT at Ain Shams Specialized Hospital, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, between January 2016 and July 2018. Results the mean child score was 9.55 and the median hospital stay was 12 days. Based on review manager statics program, the PVT recurrence was non-significant (P = 0.295, Test value: 1.096). However, the blood loss was significant (p < 0.029, test value: -2.186) and the surgical time was significant (p = 0.013, test value: 2.633). Conclusion portal vein thrombosis (PVT) represents a significant technical challenge in liver transplantation and for many years was considered a relative contraindication. While advances in surgical techniques, axial imaging, and alternative inflow reconstruction options have made liver transplantation possible in transplant candidates with PVT.