Predictors of portal and splenic vein thrombosis after laparoscopic splenectomy: a retrospective analysis of a single-center experience

Predictors of portal vein thrombosis after simultaneous hepatectomy and splenectomy: A single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Although postoperative portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a frequent complication of splenectomy, few studies have examined PVT after simultaneous hepatectomy and splenectomy (HS). The aim of this study was to clarify the risk factors for and characteristics of PVT after HS.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included 102 patients, including 76 with liver cirrhosis (LC) and 26 without, who underwent HS between April 2004 and April 2021. The incidence and location of postoperative PVT detected on contrast-enhanced CT 1 week after surgery were analyzed. In addition, pre- and intraoperative parameters were compared between patients with postoperative PVT and those without in order to determine risk factors for PVT after HS.

RESULTS

Among the 102 patients, 29 (28.4 %), including 32.9 % with LC and 15.4 % without LC, developed PVT after surgery. Among the 29 patients with PVT, 21 (72.4 %), 4 (13.8 %), and 4 (13.8 %) developed thrombus in the intrahepatic portal vein only, extrahepatic portal vein only, and both the extra- and intrahepatic portal veins, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that preoperative splenic vein dilatation was an independent risk factor for PVT after HS (odds ratio: 1.53, 95 % confidence interval: 1.156-2.026, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that splenic vein dilatation is an independent risk factor for PVT after simultaneous HS, and that PVT after HS occurs more frequently in the intrahepatic portal vein. After HS for cases with dilated splenic veins, we should pay particular attention to the PVT development in the intrahepatic portal vein regardless of the type of liver resection.

Predictors of portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy in patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a commonthsn complication after splenectomy in patients with cirrhosis. However, the predictors of postoperative PVT are not known.

AIM

To investigate the predictors of PVT after splenectomy in patient with cirrhosis.

METHODS

A total of 45 patients with cirrhosis who underwent splenectomy were consecutively enrolled from January 2017 to December 2018. The incidence of PVT at 1 months, 3 months, and 12 months after splenectomy in patients with cirrhosis was observed. The hematological indicators, biochemical and coagulation parameters, and imaging features were recorded at baseline and at each observation point. The univariable, multivariable, receiver operating characteristic curve and time-dependent curve analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of PVT was 40.0%, 46.6%, and 48.9% at 1 months, 3 months, and 12 months after splenectomy. Multivariable analysis showed that portal vein diameter (PVD) ≥ 14.5 mm and monthsdel‎ end-stage liver disease (MELD) score > 10 were independent predictors of PVT at 1 months, 3 months, and 12 months after splenectomy (P < 0.05). Time-dependent curve showed that the cumulative incidence of PVT was significantly different between patients with MELD score ≤ 10 and > 10 (P < 0.05). In addition, the cumulative incidence of PVT in the PVD ≥ 14.5 mm group was significantly higher than that in the PVD < 14.5 mm group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Wider PVD and MELD score > 10 were independent predictors of PVT at 1 months, 3 months, and 12 months after splenectomy in patient with cirrhosis.

Portal venous blood flow velocity is a factor associated with portal venous thrombosis after partial splenic artery embolization in hepatic cirrhosis patients

Objective

To investigate risk factors for portal venous thrombosis (PVT) after partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) in hepatic cirrhosis patients.

Methods

The authors retrospectively analyzed 151 hepatic cirrhosis patients with hypersplenism who underwent partial splenic artery embolization between January 2020 and December 2021. The patients were divided into a PVT group and a non-PVT group according to whether they had PVT after PSE. Univariate analyses were performed to select risk factors for PVT after PSE, and multivariate analysis was used to analyze variates with a value of P less than 0.1 in univariate analysis.

Results

There were 151 patients enroled in the study, with 22 patients in the PVT group and 129 patients in the non-PVT group. There was no significant difference in terms of age, sex, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, Child-Pugh between two groups. White blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts after PSE were significantly higher than those before PSE in both the PVT group and non-PVT group. Univariate analysis showed that portal venous blood flow velocity, ligation of oesophageal varices and WBC after PSE were found to have a P value less than 0.1. Multivariate analysis showed that portal venous blood flow velocity was a factor associated with PVT after PSE.

Conclusion

Portal venous blood flow velocity was a factor associated with PVT after PSE. Portal venous blood flow velocity should be considered before patients undergo PSE.

Intra-abdominal Venous Thromboses and Their Management

While a plethora of articles discuss management of deep venous thromboses in extremities, there is a relative scarcity of literature comprehensively describing intra-abdominal venous thromboses, and their management. Intra-abdominal venous thromboses include iliocaval venous obstruction (ICVO), hepatic venous thrombosis (HVT), portal venous thrombosis (PVT), renal vein thrombosis (RVT), splenic vein thrombosis (SVT), and gonadal vein thrombosis (GVT); each of which provides unique microenvironmental challenges to management. Doppler ultrasound is the first line imaging modality for diagnosis, and computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can help define the extent of thrombus burden and aid with interventional planning. Systemic anticoagulation remains the common medical treatment for intra-abdominal venous thrombosis, however, catheter directed thrombolysis and thrombectomy show positive outcomes in ICVO, HVT, PVT, and RVT, with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation especially beneficial in HVT and PVT. In this review article, we describe pathophysiology, clinical features, imaging findings, and current management options for intra-abdominal venous thromboses.

Risk factors for portal vein system thrombosis after partial splenic embolisation in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism

AIM

To determine risk factors for portal venous system thrombosis (PVST) after partial splenic artery embolisation (PSAE) in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between March 2014 and February 2022, 428 cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism underwent partial splenic artery embolisation and from these patients 208 were enrolled and 220 were excluded. Medical records of enrolled patients were collected. Computed tomography (CT) images were reviewed by two blinded, independent radiologists. Statistical analyses were performed by using SPSS.

RESULTS

Progressive PVST was observed in 18.75% (39/208) of cirrhotic patients after PSAE. No significant differences in peripheral blood counts, liver function biomarkers, and renal function were observed between the patients with progressive PVST and the patients without progressive PVST. The imaging data showed significant differences in PVST, the diameters of the portal, splenic, and superior mesenteric veins between the progressive PVST group and non-progressive PVST group. Univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated portal vein thrombosis, spleen infarction percentage, and the diameter of the splenic vein were independent risk factors for progressive PVST. Seventeen of 173 (9.83%) patients showed new PVST; the growth of PVST was observed in 62.86% (22/35) of the patients with pre-existing PVST. Spleen infarction percentage and the diameter of the splenic vein were independent risk factors for new PVST after PSAE.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated portal vein thrombosis, spleen infarction percentage, and the diameter of the splenic vein were independent risk factors for PVST after PSAE in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism.

Early prevention and risk factors analysis of portal vein system thrombosis after laparoscopic splenectomy and pericardial devascularization

BACKGROUND

Portal vein system thrombosis (PVST) is a common postoperative complication brought by laparoscopic splenectomy and pericardial disconnection (LSD) among patients who suffered from portal hypertension and hypersplenism. This research lies mainly in probing into the risk factors of PVST and evaluating the effects of warfarin on PVST prevention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We took 131 individuals who have carried out LSD from January 2015 to January 2021. Patients were divided into warfarin group (n = 68) and aspirin group (n = 63). Meanwhile, thrombosis factors were analyzed in PVST arm (n = 48) and non-PVST arm (n = 83).

RESULTS

We analyzed the early postoperative anticoagulation effect, 20 patients (29.4%) in the warfarin group developed PVST, and 28 patients (44.4%) in the aspirin group. The chance to PVST during the first year after operation was lower in the warfarin group than in the aspirin group (F = 13.43, P = 0.006). Risk factors for PVST were analyzed, and diabetes, the diameter of the portal vein and splenic vein, and the velocity of portal blood flow were statistically significant between the PVST arm and non-PVST arm (P <  < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analyses have shown that diabetes, portal vein diameter, splenic vein diameter, and the velocity of portal blood flow were the risk factors of PVST.

CONCLUSIONS

The portal vein diameter, splenic vein diameter, portal vein flow velocity, and diabetes are risk factors for the PVST after LSD. The prophylactic use of warfarin anticoagulation markedly decreases the probability of occurrence of the PVST in patients with portal hypertension after LSD compared to aspirin.

A practical nomogram based on systemic inflammatory markers for predicting portal vein thrombosis in patients with liver cirrhosis

INTRODUCTION

Immunothrombosis has recently been used to describe the responses/mechanisms in thrombosis. Systemic inflammatory markers are prognostic markers for a variety of thrombotic conditions; however, their potential value in predicting portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is unknown. This study aimed to establish an easy-to-use nomogram based on systemic inflammatory markers to predict portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with liver cirrhosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 478 patients with cirrhosis between January 2013 and January 2021. Reputed systemic inflammatory markers (systemic immune-inflammation index [SII], neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio [MLR], and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR)) were measured, and the clinical data were recorded. The independent risk factors for PVT were determined using univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses, and a nomogram to predict the occurrence of PVT was established. The concordance index, receiver operating characteristic curves, and calibration plots were used to evaluate the performance of the model.

RESULTS

A total of 239 patients with PVT and 239 patients without PVT were selected. In the univariate analysis, high SII, NLR, PLR, and MLR were significantly associated with PVT. NLR and PLR were independent risk factors for PVT (P < 0.05) by multivariate analysis. The nomogram had good predictive efficiency for PVT in patients with cirrhosis, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves of 0.891 (95% CI 0.862-0.919) and the calibration curves fit as well, indicating that the nomogram had good clinical application value.

CONCLUSIONS

PVT in patients with cirrhosis is associated with increased levels of systemic inflammatory markers. We successfully developed a practical nomogram based on NLR and PLR to accurately predict PVT, which is a practical method helping clinicians rapidly and conveniently diagnose and guide the treatment of PVT in patients with cirrhosis.Key MessagesThe present study is the first report on a nomogram based on systemic inflammatory markers in patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT).The nomogram had good predictive efficiency and a good clinical application value for predicting PVT in patients with cirrhosis.

Portal vein thrombosis after right hepatectomy: impact of portal vein resection and morphological changes of the portal vein

BACKGROUND

Right hepatectomy occasionally requires portal vein resection (PVR) and causes postoperative portal vein thrombosis (PVT).

METHODS

A total of 247 patients who underwent right hepatectomy were evaluated using a three-dimensional analyzer to identify the morphologic changes in the portal vein (PV). The patients' characteristics were compared between the PVR group (n = 73) and non-PVR group (n = 174), and risk factors for PVT were investigated. The PVR group were subdivided into the wedge resection (WR) group (n = 38) and segmental resection (SR) group (n= 35).

RESULTS

Postoperative PVT occurred in 20 patients (8.1%). Multivariate analyses in all patients revealed that postoperative left PV diameter/main PV diameter (L/M ratio) <0.56 (odds ratio [OR] 4.00, p = 0.009) and PVR (OR 3.31, p = 0.031) were significant risk factors for PVT. In 73 patients who underwent PVR, PVT occurred in 14 (19%) and WR (OR 11.5, p = 0.005) and L/M ratio <0.56 (OR 5.51, p = 0.016) were significant risk factors for PVT.

CONCLUSION

PVR was one of the significant risk factors for PVT after right hepatectomy. SR rather than WR may be recommended for preventing PVT.

Research on Portal Venous Hemodynamics and Influencing Factors of Portal Vein System Thrombosis for Wilson’s Disease after Splenectomy

Objective

Splenectomy is one crucial solution for hypersplenism with portal hypertension. However, portal vein system thrombosis (PVST) caused by hemodynamic changes affects the prognosis of patients. We analyze the changes in portal vein hemodynamics following splenectomy for Wilson’s disease combined with portal hypertension and the influencing factors that lead to PVST.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, in which 237 Wilson’s disease patients with hypersplenism underwent splenectomy. The hemodynamic indices of the portal vein were monitored before surgery and on the 1st, 7th, and 14th days around surgery. The patients were divided into PVST and non-PVST groups. The clinical factors were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The Logit P was calculated according to the logistic regression prediction model, and the ROC curve for each independent factor was plotted.

Results

The portal vein velocity, flow, and inner diameter showed a downward trend around surgery, with statistically significant differences between each time point (P < 0.01). The PVST incidence rate was 55.7%. Univariate analysis revealed that the platelet (PLT) levels on the postoperative 3rd and 7th days (P = 0.001; P < 0.001), D-dimer (D-D) on the postoperative 7th and 14th days (P = 0.002; P < 0.001), preoperative portal vein velocity, flow, diameter (P < 0.001), and splenic vein diameter (P < 0.001) were all statistically and significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression revealed a significant increase in PLT on the postoperative 7th day (OR = 1.043, 95% CI, 1.027–1.060, P < 0.001) and D-D on the postoperative 14th day (OR = 1.846, 95% CI, 1.400–2.435, P < 0.001). Preoperative portal and splenic vein diameters (OR = 1.565, 95% CI, 1.213–2.019, P = 0.001; OR = 1.671, 95% CI, 1.305–2.140, P < 0.001) were the risk factors for PVST. However, preoperative portal vein velocity and flow (OR = 0.578, 95% CI, 0.409–0.818, P = 0.002; OR = 0.987, 95% CI, 0.975–0.990, P = 0.046) were protective factors for PVST. Logit P was calculated using a logistic regression prediction model with a cut-off value of −0.32 and an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.952 with 88.61% accuracy.

Conclusions

Splenectomy relieves portal hypertension by reducing the hemodynamics index. PVST is linked to multiple factors, including preoperative portal vein diameter, velocity, flow, and splenic vein diameter, especially PLT on the postoperative 7th day and D-D on the postoperative 14th day. The predictive model is accurate in predicting PVST.

Splenic volume and splenic vein diameter are independent pre-operative risk factors of portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication following splenectomy. It affects between 5 and 55% of patients undergoing surgery with no clearly defined pre-operative risk factors. The aim of this study was to determine the pre-operative risk factors of PVT.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Single centre, retrospective study of data compiled for every consecutive patient who underwent splenectomy at Toulouse University Hospital between January 2009 and January 2019. Patients with pre- and post-surgical CT scans have been included.

RESULTS

149 out of 261 patients were enrolled in the study (59% were males, mean age 52 years). The indications for splenectomy were splenic trauma (30.9%), malignant haemopathy (26.8%) and immune thrombocytopenia (8.0%). Twenty-nine cases of PVT (19.5%) were diagnosed based on a post-operative CT scan performed on post-operative day (POD) 5. Univariate analysis identifies three main risk factors associated with post-operative PVT: estimated splenic weight exceeding 500 g with an OR of 8.72 95% CI (3.3-22.9), splenic vein diameter over 10 mm with an OR of 4.92 95% CI (2.1-11.8) and lymphoma with an OR of 7.39 (2.7-20.1). The role of splenic vein diameter with an OR of 3.03 95% CI (1.1-8.6), and splenic weight with an OR of 5.22 (1.8-15.2), as independent risk factors is confirmed by multivariate analysis. A screening test based on a POD 5 CT scan with one or two of these items present could indicate sensitivity of 86.2% and specificity of 86.7%.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that pre-operative CT scan findings could predict post-operative PVT. A CT scan should be performed on POD 5 if a risk factor has been identified prior to surgery.

Hemorheological Alteration in Patients with Cirrhosis Clinically Diagnosed with Portal Vein System Thrombosis After Splenectomy

Background

Portal vein system thrombosis (PVST) is a common and serious complication after splenectomy. Key factors, including wider diameters of the portal vein, decreased liver function, and high flow volume of portosystemic collateral vessel, are recognized PVST risks. Relationships between PVST and altered hemorheology, including increased plasma viscosity, remain unclear. We investigated hemorheological alterations and explored risk factors of PVST in patients with cirrhosis after splenectomy.

Material/Methods

Data on patients with cirrhosis who underwent splenectomy were collected retrospectively from January 2018 to June 2020. Color Doppler ultrasonography was performed after splenectomy. Hemorheological indexes were compared between groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to analyze risk factor cutoff values. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore risk factors of PVST.

Results

A total of 50 patients were divided into a PVST group (n=30) and control group (n=20). Hemorheological indexes of activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), D-dimer, middle shear rates 50 and 30, low shear rates 5 and 1, and hematocrit in the PVST group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). FDP and low shear rate 1 were found to be risk factors of PVST after splenectomy by multivariate analysis. ROC analysis showed that the cutoff points for FDP and low shear rate 1 were ≥38.6 ug/mL and ≥16.855 mPa.s, respectively.

Conclusions

PVST after splenectomy is closely related to hemorheological alteration. FDP and low shear rate 1 may be valuable markers of PVST.

Nomogram Model for Prediction of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis After Splenectomy: A Retrospective Analysis of 2 Independent Cohorts

Background

The aim of this study was to establish and validate an easy-to-use nomogram to predict portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with cirrhosis after splenectomy and to test its predictive ability.

Material/Methods

This retrospective study included 315 patients with cirrhosis who underwent splenectomy at 2 high-volume medical centers. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression method was used to select the predictors in the training cohort, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the predictive nomogram model. We determined the prediction value of the nomogram by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), the calibration curve, and decision curve analysis. Finally, the applicability of the nomogram was internally and independently validated.

Results

The predictors of PVT included portal vein diameter, splenic vein diameter, body mass index, and platelet count. Based on the clinical and radiomic models, the nomogram had good predictive efficiency for predicting PVT in patients with cirrhosis after splenectomy, with an AUROC of 0.887 (0.856 in internal validation and 0.796 in independent validation). The decision curve analysis revealed that the nomogram had good clinical application value.

Conclusions

We successfully developed an easy-to-use nomogram to predict the probability of PVT in patients with cirrhosis after splenectomy. The nomogram can help clinicians make timely, individualized clinical decisions for PVT in patients with cirrhosis after splenectomy.

Behcet’s disease manifesting as esophageal variceal bleeding: A case report

BACKGROUND

Behcet’s disease (BD) is a chronic disease characterized by oral and vulvar ulcers as well as eye and skin damage and involves multiple systems. It presents as an alternating process of repeated attacks and remissions. Esophageal venous rupture and bleeding caused by BD is rarely reported at home and abroad. This paper reports a case of bleeding from oesophageal varices caused by BD, aiming to provide an additional dimension for considering the cause of bleeding from esophageal varices in the future.

CASE SUMMARY

A 38-year-old female patient was admitted due to a gradual increase in shortness of breath and chest tightness after the activity, and was admitted to our hospital for treatment. After admission, relevant examinations showed that the patient had multiple blood clots. Four days after admission, she suddenly experienced massive hematemesis. Emergency esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed bleeding from esophageal and gastric varices. The patient had no history of viral hepatitis or drinking habits, and no history of special genetic diseases or congenital vascular diseases. There is no obvious abnormality in liver function. After reviewing the medical history, it was found that the patient had recurred oral ulcers since childhood, ulcers were visible in the perineum during menstruation, and there was an intermittent red nodular rash and uveitis. The current skin acupuncture reaction is positive, combined with the evaluation of the external hospital and our hospital, the main diagnosis is BD. She received methylprednisolone, cyclophosphamide, immunomodulation, acid suppression, gastric protection, and anticoagulation and anti-infection treatments, and was discharged from the hospital. During the 1-year follow-up period, the patient did not vomit blood again.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights bleeding from esophageal varices caused by BD, aiming to provide an additional dimension concerning the cause of bleeding from esophageal varices in the future.

Short- and long-term outcomes of 486 consecutive laparoscopic splenectomy in a single institution

Since its introduction in 1991, laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become the gold standard in elective spleen surgery in many centres. However, there still lack the report of long-term outcomes of LS with the large-scale cases. The aim of the present study was to analyze the short- and long-term outcomes of LS in a single institution over 16 years, and to compare the perioperative outcomes of totally laparoscopic splenectomy (TLS) and hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy (HALS) for splenomegaly.Between November 2002 and December 2018, 486 consecutive patients undergoing elective LS were enrolled in this study, including 222 TLS and 264 HALS. The intraoperative, postoperative, and follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed.The 5 most common indications were hypersplenism (71.0%), immune thrombocytopenia (14.8%), splenic benign tumor (4.5%), splenic cyst (2.9%), and splenic malignant tumor (2.9%). The mean operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and length of stay were 149.4 ± 63.3 minutes, 230.1 ± 225.1 mL, and 6.7 ± 3.2 days, respectively. The morbidity, mortality, reoperation, and conversion rate were 23.0%, 0, 0.4%, and 1.9%, respectively. Portal vein system thrombosis (PVST) was the most frequent complication with an incidence of 19.8%. The incidence of PVST in HALS was higher than that in TLS (23.9% vs 14.9%, P = .013). Compared with TLS, HALS had a shorter operative time (P = .000), lower intraoperative blood loss (P = .000), comparable conversion rate (P = .271), and morbidity (P = .922) for splenomegaly > 17.0 cm. During the follow-up period, the overall respond rate for immune thrombocytopenia was 77.8%, and the esophagogastric variceal bleeding rate was 6.9% in 320 patients with hypersplenism secondary to hepatic cirrhosis.LS is a safe, feasible, and effective procedure with satisfactory short- and long-term outcomes. HALS is a reasonable technique in patients with massive spleens.

Splenic Vein Diameter is a Risk Factor for the Portal Venous System Thrombosis After Partial Splenic Artery Embolization

Purpose

Portal venous system thrombosis is a complication of partial splenic artery embolization, and pre-treatment risk assessment is thus important. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for portal venous system thrombosis after partial splenic artery embolization.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 67 consecutive patients who underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography before and after first partial splenic artery embolization between July 2007 and October 2018. As risk factors, we investigated age, sex, hematological data, liver function, steroid use, heparin use, and findings from pre- and post-treatment computed tomography. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between thrombus appearance or growth and these factors. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

Partial splenic artery embolization was technically successful in all 67 patients. Nine patients showed appearance or growth of thrombus. Univariate analysis showed maximum diameter of the splenic vein before treatment (p = 0.0076), percentage of infarcted spleen (p = 0.017), and volume of infarcted spleen (p = 0.022) as significant risk factors. Multivariate analysis showed significant differences in maximum diameter of the splenic vein before treatment (p = 0.041) and percentage of infarcted spleen (p = 0.023). According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, cutoffs for maximum diameter of the splenic vein and percentage of infarcted spleen for distinguishing the appearance or growth of thrombus were 17 mm and 58.2%.

Conclusion

Large maximum diameter of the splenic vein before partial splenic artery embolization and high percentage of infarcted spleen after partial splenic artery embolization were identified as risk factors for portal venous system thrombosis.

Level of Evidence

Level 4, Case Series

Dynamic hematological changes in patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy: a population-based cohort study

Background

The clinical outcomes of patients who received distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (DPS) and spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) have been generally investigated. However, postoperative hematological changes after distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy are poorly understood.

Methods

Information from patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy (DP) between January 2014 and June 2019 at a single institution was reviewed. A linear mixed-effects model was used to compare dynamic hematological changes between different groups.

Results

A total of 302 patients who underwent DP were enrolled. In the long term, most postoperative hematological parameters remained significantly higher than preoperative levels in the DPS group, while postoperative lymphocyte, monocyte, basophil, and platelet levels returned to preoperative levels in the SPDP group. All postoperative hematological parameters except for red blood cell count and serum hemoglobulin level were significantly higher in the DPS group than in the SPDP group. There were no significant differences in hematological changes between the splenic vessel preservation (SVP) and Warshaw technique (WT) groups.

Conclusions

Postoperative hematological changes were significantly different between the DPS and SPDP groups. Compared to DPS, SPDP reduced abnormal hematological changes caused by splenectomy. SVP and WT were comparable in terms of postoperative hematological changes.

[Construction and validation of a nomogram for predicting the risk of portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis]

OBJECTIVE

To construct and validate an individualized nomogram to predict the probability of occurrence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after splenectomy in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected the clinical data from 180 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis undergoing splenectomy with postoperative anticoagulation therapy during the period from January, 2014 to January, 2020 in our hospital. The patients were randomized into modeling group (n= 120) and validation group (n=60), and the former group was further divided into PVT group (n=49) and non-PVT group (n=71) according to the occurrence of PVT occurred within 1 month after splenectomy. The independent risk factors of PVT after splenectomy were screened in the modeling group using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses and were used for construction of the nomogram prediction model. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve (C-index), GiViTI calibration belt and Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and the DCA curve were used to estimate the discrimination power, calibration and clinical efficiency of the prediction model in both the model construction group and validation group.

RESULTS

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that a history of hemorrhage, portal vein diameter, spleen vein diameter, spleen volume, varicose, postoperative platelet change, and postoperative D-dimer differed significantly between PVT group and non-PVT group (P < 0.05), and portal vein diameter, spleen vein diameter, and postoperative platelet change were independent risk factors of PVT after splenectomy (P < 0.05). The prediction model had a good discrimination power with AUROC (C-index) of 0.880 (95% CI: 0.818-0.942) in the modeling group and 0.873 (95% CI: 0.785-0.960) in the validation group. The 80% and 95%CI region of GiViTI calibration belt did not cover the 45-degree diagonal bisector line (P=0.965 and 0.632, respectively), and the P-values of the Hosmer-Lemeshow test were 0.624 and 0.911, respectively, suggesting a high reliability of the predicted probability by the model. DCA curve analysis showed a threshold probability of 30.5%, with a net benefit of 30% in the modeling group and 34% in the validation group, indicating a good clinical efficiency of the model.

CONCLUSIONS

The model for predicting the risk of PVT after splenectomy in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis can help in early identification of patients having high risks of PVT.

Clinical Significance of Splenic Vessels and Anatomical Features in Laparoscopic Splenectomy

Introduction: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become the standard treatment for benign hematological disorders and hypersplenism. However, serious complications such as pancreatic fistula and portal venous thrombosis (PVT) sometimes occur. We investigated the clinical significance of splenic vessels and anatomical features in LS. Methods: Patient data were collected from 32 patients who underwent LS. The indications for LS were hypersplenism due to liver cirrhosis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, hereditary spherocytosis, and others. Close contact of pancreatic tail with splenic hilum, spleen volume, and diameters of splenic vessels were evaluated on computed tomography images. Results: Close contact of pancreatic tail with splenic hilum was recognized in 15 of the patients. The close contact was significantly associated with operation time (P = .038), spleen volume (P = .021), and spleen volume/body surface area (BSA) ratio (P = .001). In multivariate analysis, spleen volume/BSA ratio was an independent factor for close contact (P = .022). PVT occurred in 3 cirrhosis patients, and the diameter of the splenic vein (SV) was significantly associated with PVT as a result of multivariate analysis (P = .027). Conclusion: Close contact of the pancreatic tail with the splenic hilum may cause a longer operation time at LS and be associated with spleen volume/BSA ratio. A larger SV diameter in cirrhosis patients may be related to PVT after LS.

An outcome analysis of predictive factors for portal or splenic vein thrombosis after distal pancreatectomy

PURPOSES

The aim of this study was to explore predictive factors for portal or splenic vein thrombosis (VT) that might cause serious problems after distal pancreatectomy (DP).

METHODS

A total of 230 patients who underwent DP between 2008 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed to identify predictive factors for portal or splenic VT.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 164 patients were analyzed. Portal or splenic VT was significantly correlated with age < 65 years old, benign tumor, laparoscopic surgery, preservation of the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) and left gastric vein (LGV), preservation of the IMV only, no drainage vein, length of the residual splenic vein (RSV) ≥ 26 mm, vessel dissection with a linear stapler, and intra-abdominal abscess (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, a multivariate analysis indicated that the length of the RSV (odds ratio [OR]: 9.15, P = 0.03) was an independent predictive factor for portal VT and that the length of the RSV (OR: 37.9, P < 0.01), vessel dissection with a linear stapler (OR: 6.49, P = 0.03), and intra-abdominal abscess (OR: 23.0, P = 0.02) were independent predictive factors for splenic VT.

CONCLUSION

As the length of the RSV was significantly associated with portal or splenic VT, a follow-up imaging diagnosis might be recommended for such cases.

Portopulmonary venous anastomosis as a rare cause of embolic stroke following endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection for gastric variceal hemorrhage: A case report and review of the literature

We report the case of a non‐cirrhotic 25‐year‐old female patient with cryptogenic portal hypertension who underwent cyanoacrylate injection for acute gastroesophageal variceal bleeding with a subsequent embolic stroke via a previously unrecognised portopulmonary venous anastomosis.