[Problems posed by the inferior vena cava in liver transplantation]

J Chir (Paris). 1992 Mar;129(3):148-54.
[Article in French]

Abstract

On the basis of a 200-case series, we report about the problems posed by the inferior vena cava for liver transplantation, and about the means implemented to solve these problems. Before hepatic transplantation, agenesia of the vena cava, which was encountered once, did not prevent grafting. During transplantation, the inferior vena cava posed problems due to its size or to the approach. These were solved using an extracorporeal venovenous shunt, which we advocate to systematically use for liver transplantation. Following transplantation, in addition to hemorrhages, the problems posed by the IVC included supra- or infrahepatic anastomotic stenoses (2 cases) and infrarenal, retrohepatic or suprahepatic thromboses (2 cases). Their repair again resorted to a venovenous shunt, for which we specify the strategy of use.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anastomosis, Surgical
  • Child
  • Female
  • Hematoma / etiology
  • Hematoma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases / etiology
  • Liver Diseases / surgery
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Organ Preservation / methods
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Radiography
  • Reoperation
  • Thrombosis / etiology
  • Thrombosis / surgery
  • Vascular Diseases / etiology
  • Vascular Diseases / surgery
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / diagnostic imaging
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / physiopathology
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / surgery*