Liver transplantation using cavoportal transposition: an effective treatment in patients with complete splanchnic venous thrombosis

Transplant Proc. 2005 Mar;37(2):1112-4. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2004.12.047.

Abstract

Complete venous thrombosis of the splanchnic system remains a major challenge in liver transplantation surgery. Some of these patients have been treated successfully by multivisceral transplantation. Cavoportal transposition is another alternative to treat these patients. We reviewed our single-center experience with this technique. Five patients with operatively confirmed complete splanchnic thrombosis were transplanted with the cava portal transposition technique. All survived the procedure; 60% survived long term. This technique is a useful salvage procedure in moribund patients with diffuse portal thrombosis who would otherwise rapidly succumb.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anastomosis, Surgical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Portacaval Shunt, Surgical
  • Portal Vein / surgery*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Splanchnic Circulation
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / surgery*