Single-center experience of 253 portal vein thrombosis patients undergoing liver transplantation in China

Outcomes of Surgical Strategies for Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Patients With Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Adequate portal flow to the liver graft is the requirement of a successful liver transplant (LT). Historically, portal vein thrombosis (PVT) was a contraindication for LT, especially for living donor LT (LDLT), demanding technically more difficult operations and advanced technique. In this study, the outcomes of patients with and without PVT after LDLT were compared.

METHODS

Adult LDLTs performed by 2 centers (n = 335) between 2013 and 2020 were included into this large cohort study. PVT was classified based on Yerdel classification grade 1 to 4.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients with PVT constituted 19% of the study cohort of 335 recipients. While mean platelet count was found to be lower (P = .011) in the PVT group, patient age (P = .035), operation duration (P = .001), and amount of intraoperative blood transfusion (P = .010) were found to be higher. Incidence of PVT was higher in female patients than males (22.7% vs 16.1%, P = .037). There was no significant difference in survival between patients with and without PVT on 30-day (P = .285), 90-day (P = .565), 1-year (P = .777), and overall survival (P = .917). Early thrombosis did not show a better survival rate than Grades 2, 3, or 4 PVT. Thrombosis limited to portal vein was not found to bring a survival advantage compared with Grade 3 and 4 thromboses. Eversion thrombectomy was the most common procedure (66%) to overcome PVT intraoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Although technically more challenging, PVT is not a contraindication of LDLT. Similar outcomes can be achieved in LDLT in patients with PVT after proper restoration of portal flow, which eliminates the default survival disadvantage of patients with PVT.

Normothermic Machine Perfusion as a Tool for Safe Transplantation of High-Risk Recipients

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) should no longer be considered a novel liver graft preservation strategy, but rather viewed as the standard of care for certain graft–recipient scenarios. The ability of NMP to improve the safe utilisation of liver grafts has been demonstrated in several publications, from numerous centres. This is partly mediated by its ability to limit the cold ischaemic time while also extending the total preservation period, facilitating the difficult logistics of a challenging transplant operation. Viability assessment of both the hepatocytes and cholangiocytes with NMP is much debated, with numerous different parameters and thresholds associated with a reduction in the incidence of primary non-function and biliary strictures. Maximising the utilisation of liver grafts is important as many patients require transplantation on an urgent basis, the waiting list is long, and significant morbidity and mortality is experienced by patients awaiting transplants. If applied in an appropriate manner, NMP has the ability to expand the pool of grafts available for even the sickest and most challenging of recipients. In addition, this is the group of patients that consume significant healthcare resources and, therefore, justify the additional expense of NMP. This review describes, with case examples, how NMP can be utilised to salvage suboptimal grafts, and our approach of transplanting them into high-risk recipients.

Liver transplantation in patients with non-neoplastic portal vein thrombosis: 20 years of experience in a single center

BACKGROUND

The Yerdel classification is widely used for describing the severity of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in liver transplant (LT) candidates, but might not accurately predict transplant outcome.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data regarding 97 adult patients with PVT who underwent LT, investigating whether the complexity of portal reconstruction could better correlate with transplant outcome than the site and extent of the thrombosis.

RESULTS

79/97 (80%) patients underwent thrombectomy and anatomical anastomosis (TAA), 18/97 (20%) patients underwent non-anatomical physiological reconstructions (non-TAA). PVT Yerdel grade was 1-2 in 72/97 (74%) patients, and 3-4 in 25/97 (26%) patients. Univariate analysis revealed higher 30-day mortality, 90-day mortality, 1-year mortality, and a higher rate of severe early complications in the non-TAA group than in the TAA group (p = .018, .001, .014, .009, respectively). In the model adjusted for PVT Yerdel grade, non-TAA remained independently associated with higher 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality (p = .021, .007, and .015, respectively). The portal vein re-thrombosis and overall patient and graft survival rates were similar.

DISCUSSION

In our experience, the complexity of portal reconstruction better correlated with transplant outcome than the Yerdel classification, which did not even appear to be a reliable predictor of the surgical complexity and technique.

Modified Cavoportal Hemitransposition for Severe Portal Vein Thrombosis Contributed to Long-term Survival After Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation-Insight Into Portal Modulation for Improving Survival: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Severe/massive portal vein thrombosis (PVT) deteriorates peri-liver transplantation outcomes. Cavoportal hemitransposition (CPHT) is a rescue procedure for severe PVT, and short-term outcomes have been well studied. However, CPHT is associated with some long-term issues caused by portal flow modulation via extraordinary reconstruction. We describe a patient with Yerdel grade 4 PVT who underwent a liver transplant and achieved long-term survival with CPHT and a portosystemic shunt.

CASE REPORT

A 50-year-old man with liver cirrhosis underwent a deceased donor liver transplant. Preoperative examinations indicated Yerdel grade 4 PVT; thus, we planned a CPHT. In liver transplant surgery, we confirmed diffusely complete PVT and removed them as possible. After placing a liver graft, we performed CPHT and confirmed that the graft received sufficient portal vein flow. However, the gastroepiploic vein pressure increased significantly. Therefore, we added a portosystemic shunt between the splenic vein and the inferior vena cava, and the pressure improved. The patient was discharged after an uneventful hospital stay, and he reported no unfavorable events for over 12 years.

CONCLUSIONS

This case study suggested that a modified CPHT with a portosystemic shunt for Grade 4 PVT was useful in preventing post-liver transplant PVT development and improved the outcome.

Restoration of portal flow with varix in liver transplantation for patients with total portal vein thrombosis: An effective strategy in the largest center experience

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative complications and worse prognosis still burden liver transplantations (LT) with complex portal vein thrombosis (CPVT). When an engorged left gastric vein (LGV) is present, the portal inflow is restorable with an anastomosis between the graft portal vein and the LGV of the recipient. We analyzed short- and long-term results of this procedure in 12 LT with CPVT.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2019, 55 patients with CPVT underwent LT. We applied this technique in 12 patients. In six cases, we placed a vascular graft to obtain a tension-free structure. We evaluated patency, short- and long-term results.

RESULTS

No intraoperative complication was observed. The median duration of LT, blood transfusion, deceased donor age, and MELD score of the recipients were 7 h, 1250 mL, 72 years, and 19. Seven patients were affected by hepatocellular carcinoma. No major complications or PVT recurrence were observed. One patient required a liver re-transplantation for primary non-functioning syndrome. The mean hospital stay was 20 days. The actuarial patient survival was 85% with a mean FU of 4 years. The two late deaths were due to hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence and sepsis for cholangitis.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique in presence of both CPVT and engorged LGV is feasible and safe for patients, with good short- and long-term results.

Outcome of Liver Transplant Patients With Intraoperative-Detected Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Shiraz, Iran

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine outcomes and predictors of intraoperative-detected portal vein thrombosis in liver transplant recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 806 adult liver transplant recipients from Shiraz, Iran, to determine those with intraoperative-detected portal vein thrombosis. Patients with this complication were compared with age- and sex-matched patients without this complication. Background diseases, surgery parameters, hospital admission, reoperation, rethrombosis, acute rejection, and use of antico-agulants were assessed. Cox proportional hazards, logistic regression, and random classification forest and random survival forest plots were used for data analyses.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients was 44.7 ± 13.2 years. Patients with intraoperative-detected portal vein thrombosis (n = 91; 11.3%) had mortality ratio of 2.9 (range, 1.0-8.6) and 2-year survival of 78% versus 2-year survival rate of 92% in patients without this disease. Median time of survival in patients with this complication who died was 2 weeks versus 10 months in patients who died and did not have this complication. Random classification forest plots showed that high fasting blood sugar, autoimmune hepatitis, low prothrombin time, and cryptogenic cirrhosis were (in order) the main predictors of this complication. Random survival forest plots revealed that low prothrombin time, having intraoperative-detected portal vein thrombosis, Model for End Stage Liver Disease score, primary sclerosing cholangitis, diabetes mellitus, and hepatocellular carcinoma were (in order) the main predictors of death in liver transplant recipients. Low body mass index was associated with mortality in patients with intraoperative-detected portal vein thrombosis (by Cox proportional hazards).

CONCLUSIONS

One of every 9 liver transplant patients had intraoperative-detected portal vein thrombosis. Hazard of death was 2.9, and death occurred far earlier in patients with this complication. Improvements in diabetes mellitus care, prothrombin time, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, and body mass index may improve outcomes of these patients.

Portal vein surgical treatment on non-tumoral portal vein thrombosis in liver transplantation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Non-tumoral portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is associated with higher morbidity and mortality in liver transplantation (LT). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of PVT in LT outcomes and analyze the types of surgical techniques used for dealing with PVT during LT. A systematic review was conducted in Cochrane, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases, selecting articles from January 1990 to December 2019. The MESH-terms used were ("Portal Vein"[Mesh] AND "Thrombosis"[Mesh] NOT "Neoplasms"[Mesh]) AND ("Liver Transplantation"[Mesh]). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) recommendation was used, and meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager Version 5.3 software. A total of 1,638 articles were initially found: 488 in PubMed, 289 in Cochrane Library, and 861 in EMBASE, from which 27 were eventually selected for the meta-analysis. Surgery time of LT in patients with PVT was longer than in patients without LT (p<0.0001). Intraoperative red blood cell (p<0.00001), fresh frozen plasma (p=0.01), and platelets (p=0.03) transfusions during LT were higher in patients with PVT. One-year (odds ratio [OR] 1.17; p=0.002) and 5-year (OR 1.12; p=0.01) patient survival after LT was worse in the PVT group. Total occlusive PVT presented higher mortality (OR 3.70; p=0.00009) and rethrombosis rates (OR 3.47 [1.18-10.21]; p=0.02). PVT Yerdel III/IV classification exhibited worse 1-year [2.04 (1.21-3.42); p=0.007] and 5-year [0.98 (0.59-1.62); p=0.93] patient survival. Thrombectomy with primary anastomosis was associated with better outcomes. LT in patients with non-tumoral PVT demands more surgical time, needs more intraoperative transfusion, and presents worse 1- and 5-year patient survival. Total occlusive PVT and Yerdel III/IV PVT classification were associated with higher mortality. (PROSPERO, registration number: CRD42020132915).

Up to 50% of portal vein thrombosis remains undiagnosed until liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Impact of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) on the clinical course in liver transplant candidates remains unclear. This study aims to identify prevalence and risk factors for PVT, assess outcome after liver transplantation (LT) in patients with PVT and study the effect of anticoagulation.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study was performed from January 2006 until June 2016. Patients were stratified according to presence of PVT. Risk factors and outcome were assessed using logistic regression and survival analysis.

RESULTS

Among 390 adults who underwent orthotopic LT, PVT occurred in 40 (10.3%). In, respectively, 10 (25%), 7 (17.5%), and 23 (57.5%) patients, PVT was identified at time of evaluation for transplantation, on the waiting list and during transplantation. A beneficial trend was present favoring the use of anticoagulation for PVT resolution (n = 3/7 vs 0/9; p = .062). Patient and graft survival were similar between the groups after a median follow-up of 5 years. However, 1-year patient survival was significantly lower (p = .031) in patients with PVT.

CONCLUSION

Portal vein thrombosis occurred in 10% of patients awaiting LT was undiagnosed in 50% until moment of LT and had a deleterious effect on 1-year survival. Anticoagulation showed a beneficial trend on recanalization of PVT and survival rate.

Risk factors and impact of portal vein thrombosis in liver transplantation

INTRODUCTION

portal vein thrombosis is a relatively common complication of advanced cirrhosis that increases perioperative risk in liver transplant recipients. This condition was characterized in a cohort of patients, including risk factors and their influence on survival.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

a retrospective study of liver transplant recipients at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra was performed between 2000 and 2015. Differences in clinical and biological characteristics and survival were analyzed in subjects with and without portal vein thrombosis. A predictive index was also developed.

RESULTS

a total of 288 patients were included in the study, portal vein thrombosis was recorded in 46 (16%) cases and seven (15.2%) had stage 3/4 disease according to Yerdel's classification. Factors associated with the presence of esophageal/gastric varices (OR = 3.7; p = 0.03) included variceal ligation or sclerotherapy (OR = 2.3; p = 0.01), being overweight/obesity (OR = 2.1; p = 0.04) and thrombocytopenia (OR = 3.6; p = 0.04). There were no significant differences between the groups with and without portal vein thrombosis in terms of survival according to Kaplan-Meier curve analysis (p = 0.7). However, the mortality rate was higher for Yerdel stages 3-4 (p < 0.01). A predictive index was developed that included varices, body mass index (BMI), thrombocytopenia and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). This index had a sensitivity of 76.1% and a specificity of 53.7% for the development of portal thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

the presence of esophageal/gastric varices, variceal ligation/sclerotherapy, thrombocytopenia and being overweight/obesity was associated with a higher rate of portal vein thrombosis. Advanced stages had an impact on survival.

Endothelial Damage of the Portal Vein is Associated with Heparin-Like Effect in Advanced Stages of Cirrhosis

Background Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is the most common thrombotic complication in cirrhosis; however, local risk factors involved in its pathogenesis are still not fully investigated. The aim of the study was to evaluate hemostasis and endothelial damage in the portal vein in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Methods Adult cirrhotics undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt were consecutively enrolled. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), dosage of total circulating glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and endotoxemia levels (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), along with evaluation of endothelial dysfunction by quantification of circulating endothelial microparticles (MPs), were performed on citrated peripheric and portal venous blood samples from each enrolled patient.

Results Forty-five cirrhotics were enrolled. ROTEM analysis revealed the presence of a significant heparin-like effect in portal blood (median ɑ angle NATEM 50° vs. HEPTEM 55°, p = 0.027; median coagulation time NATEM 665 s vs. HEPTEM 585 s, p = 0.006), which was not detected in peripheral blood, and was associated with a higher concentration of circulating GAGs. Even though total annexin V-MP circulating MPs were less concentrated in the splanchnic district, the proportion of MPs of endothelial origin, with respect to annexin V-MP, was significantly increased in the portal district (p = 0.036). LPS concentration was higher in portal (197 pg/mL) compared with peripheral blood (165 pg/mL) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Evidences of a damage of glycocalyx along with increased concentration of endothelial MPs suggest the presence of a significant endothelial alteration in the portal vein with respect to peripheral veins. Portal site-specific endothelial damage could hamper its antithrombotic properties and may represent an important local risk factor in the pathogenesis of PVT.

Tailored classification of portal vein thrombosis for liver transplantation: Focus on strategies for portal vein inflow reconstruction

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is currently not considered a contraindication for liver transplantation (LT), but diffuse or complicated PVT remains a major surgical challenge. Here, we review the prevalence, natural course and current grading systems of PVT and propose a tailored classification of PVT in the setting of LT. PVT in liver transplant recipients is classified into three types, corresponding to three portal reconstruction strategies: Anatomical, physiological and non-physiological. Type I PVT can be removed via low dissection of the portal vein (PV) or thrombectomy; porto-portal anastomosis is then performed with or without an interposed vascular graft. Physiological reconstruction used for type II PVT includes vascular interposition between mesenteric veins and PV, collateral-PV and splenic vein-PV anastomosis. Non-physiological reconstruction used for type III PVT includes cavoportal hemitransposition, renoportal anastomosis, portal vein arterialization and multivisceral transplantation. All portal reconstruction techniques were reviewed. This tailored classification system stratifies PVT patients by surgical complexity, risk of postoperative complications and long-term survival. We advocate using the tailored classification for PVT grading before LT, which will urge transplant surgeons to make a better preoperative planning and pay more attention to all potential strategies for portal reconstruction. Further verification in a large-sample cohort study is needed.

Endovascular transsplenic recanalization with angioplasty and stenting of an occluded main portal vein in an adult liver transplant recipient

Endovascular transshepatic access has limitations that can be exacerbated in the posttransplantation setting. Although several techniques are available for portal venous system catheterization, the transsplenic approach offers a direct pathway for accessing the portal venous system, as well as associated varices or shunts, while avoiding potential injury to the liver transplant. The purpose of this report is to present the diagnostic and interventional management of main portal vein occlusion in a 56-year-old female after liver transplantation. Endovascular transsplenic recanalization with stenting and shunt embolization is a viable method for treatment of main portal vein thrombosis in an adult liver transplant recipient.

Cavoportal Hemitransposition in Liver Transplantation: Toward a More Safe and Efficient Technique

Extended splanchnic venous thrombosis represents a challenge for the liver transplantation (LT) surgeon. In the absence of large venous tributaries, the cavoportal hemitransposition (CPHTr) and the combined liver-intestinal or multivisceral transplantation are the only technical solutions. Because of the reported high morbidity and mortality rates due to infrequent use and a lack of standardization, the former technique has been almost abandoned by the transplant community. A newly designed technique of CPHTr is presented that is based on the combination of an inferior vena cava (IVC)-sparing hepatectomy and large laterolateral cavocaval and end-to-side cavoportal anastomoses separated only by a double vascular stapler line. This technique allows the splanchnic blood to be completely diverted toward the allograft and to eliminate low-flow IVC areas, which possibly lead to complications. The modified CPHTr technique proposed here offers a valuable alternative to much more complex and invasive intestinal transplantation procedures.

Liver Transplantation

The field of liver transplantation has changed since the MELD scoring system became the most widely used donor allocation tool. Due to the MELD-based allocation system, sicker patients with higher MELD scores are being transplanted. Persistent organ donor shortages remain a challenging issue, and as a result, the wait-list mortality is a persistent problem for most of the regions. This chapter focuses on deceased donor and live donor liver transplantation in patients with complications of portal hypertension. Special attention will also be placed on donor-recipient matching, perioperative management of transplant patients, and the impact of hepatic hemodynamics on transplantation.

Novel classification of non-malignant portal vein thrombosis: A guide to surgical decision-making during liver transplantation

Non-tumoral portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is present at liver transplantation in 5% to 26% of cirrhotic patients, and the prevalence of complex PVT as defined here (grade 4 Yerdel, and grade 3,4 Jamieson and Charco) has been reported in 0% to 2.2%. Adequate portal inflow is mandatory to ensure graft and patient survival after liver transplantation. With time, the proposed classifications of non-tumoral chronic PVT have evolved from being anatomy-based, to also incorporating functional parameters. However, none of the currently proposed classifications are directed towards decision-making, regarding the choice of inflow to the graft during transplantation and the outcomes thereof. The present scoping review i) addresses the limits of the currently available classifications in terms of surgical decisiveness, ii) clarifies the concept of physiological or non-physiological portal inflow reconstruction, and subsequently, iii) proposes a new classification of non-tumoral PVT in candidates for liver transplantation; to help tailor the surgical strategy to an individual patient, in order to provide portal inflow to the graft together with control of prehepatic portal hypertension whenever feasible.

Compliance with ethical standards in the reporting of donor sources and ethics review in peer-reviewed publications involving organ transplantation in China: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to investigate whether papers reporting research on Chinese transplant recipients comply with international professional standards aimed at excluding publication of research that: (1) involves any biological material from executed prisoners; (2) lacks Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and (3) lacks consent of donors.

DESIGN

Scoping review based on Arksey and O'Mallee's methodological framework.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Scopus and Embase were searched from January 2000 to April 2017.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included research papers published in peer-reviewed English-language journals reporting on outcomes of research involving recipients of transplanted hearts, livers or lungs in mainland China.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data were extracted by individual authors working independently following training and benchmarking. Descriptive statistics were compiled using Excel.

RESULTS

445 included studies reported on outcomes of 85 477 transplants. 412 (92.5%) failed to report whether or not organs were sourced from executed prisoners; and 439 (99%) failed to report that organ sources gave consent for transplantation. In contrast, 324 (73%) reported approval from an IRB. Of the papers claiming that no prisoners' organs were involved in the transplants, 19 of them involved 2688 transplants that took place prior to 2010, when there was no volunteer donor programme in China.

DISCUSSION

The transplant research community has failed to implement ethical standards banning publication of research using material from executed prisoners. As a result, a large body of unethical research now exists, raising issues of complicity and moral hazard to the extent that the transplant community uses and benefits from the results of this research. We call for retraction of this literature pending investigation of individual papers.

Impact of Nonmalignant Portal Vein Thrombosis in Transplant Recipients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an increasingly prevalent condition, and its more severe progressive state, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is currently the second most common indication for wait-listed adults in the United States. The association of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) prior to or at transplant and poor graft and patient outcomes is not well established, particularly among NASH patients who inherently have an increased hypercoagulable profile. Using the United Network for Organ Sharing data set, we analyzed graft and patient outcomes of patients transplanted for the indication of NASH with and without PVT. Of 3689 NASH transplant recipients, the prevalence of PVT was 12% (450 with PVT and 3239 without PVT). NASH transplant recipients with PVT had inferior graft and patient survival compared with NASH transplant recipients without PVT, even after adjusting for recipient and donor demographic characteristics, body mass index, synthetic dysfunction, and presence of diabetes. In a multivariate Cox regression model, NASH transplant recipients with PVT had a 37% increased risk of graft failure (hazard ratio [HR], 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-1.63; P < 0.001) and 31% increased risk of overall death (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.09-1.58; P < 0.001) compared with NASH transplant recipients without PVT at transplant. This difference in graft and patient survival was most pronounced in the early posttransplant period. These results demonstrate that NASH patients with PVT have decreased graft and patient survival independent of recipient and donor factors.

Outcomes of Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Patients with Preoperative Portal Vein Problems

BACKGROUND

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication for patients with end-stage liver disease. The presence of PVT used to be a contraindication to living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of preoperative PVT on perioperative and long-term outcomes of the recipients after LDLT.

METHODS

We reviewed the data of patients who underwent LDLT during the period between 2004 till 2017.

RESULTS

During the study period, 500 cases underwent LDLT. Patients were divided into three groups. Group I included non-PVT, 446 patients (89.2%); group II included attenuated PV, 26 patients (5.2%); and group III included PVT, 28 patients (5.6%). Higher incidence of hematemesis and encephalopathy was detected in PVT (p = 0.001). Longer anhepatic phase was found in PVT (p = 0.013). There were no significant differences between regarding operation time, blood loss, transfusion requirements, ICU, and hospital stay. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of non-PVT were 80.5%, 77.7%, and 75%, and for attenuated PV were 84.6%, 79.6%, and 73.5%, and for PVT were 88.3%, 64.4%, and 64.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding OS rates (logrank 0.793).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative PVT increases the complexity of LDLT operation, but it does not reduce the OS rates of such patients.

Mortality in liver transplant recipients with portal vein thrombosis - an updated meta-analysis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is the most common thrombotic event in liver transplant (LT) recipients, but its impact on mortality after LT has been analyzed in heterogeneous cohorts with mixed results. To conduct a meta-analysis on the impact of PVT on post-LT survival. A systematic search was conducted on studies (published from January 1986 to January 2018) that reported 30-day and 1-year mortality after LT of PVT patients. Four hundred twenty-seven articles were reviewed and 44 were included. Among 98 558 LT, 7257 (7.3%) involved patients with PVT. The mean quality was high (7.1 on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale). The 30-day pooled mortality rate was higher for patients with PVT (64/490; 13%) than for others (259/3357; 7%) (OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.43-3.68; P < 0.0001). One-year mortality was likewise higher in recipients with (853/6302; 13.5%) than in those without PVT (7476/75 355; 9.9%) (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.14-1.66; P < 0.0001). Heterogeneity wasn't significant (I2 46% and 65%). Patients whose PVT was complete had a higher 30-day pooled mortality rate (OR 5.65; 95% CI 2-15.96; P < 0.0001), and a 1-year mortality rate (OR 2.48; 95% CI 0.99-6.17; P = 0.38) than patients with partial PVT. PVT is common in LT candidates and it is associated with higher short- and medium-term mortality after LT.

Splenectomy as Flow Modulation Strategy and Risk Factors of De Novo Portal Vein Thrombosis in Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a severe complication after liver transplantation that can result in increased morbidity and mortality. Few data are available regarding risk factors, classification, and treatment of PVT after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Between January 2004 and November 2014, 421 adult-to-adult LDLTs were performed at our institution, and they were included in the analysis. Perioperative characteristics and outcomes from patients with no-PVT (n = 393) were compared with those with de novo PVT (total portal vein thrombosis [t-PVT]; n = 28). Ten patients had early portal vein thrombosis (e-PVT) occurring within 1 month, and 18 patients had late portal vein thrombosis (l-PVT) appearing later than 1 month after LDLT. Analysis of perioperative variables determined that splenectomy was associated with t-PVT (hazard ratio [HR], 3.55; P = 0.01), e-PVT (HR, 4.96; P = 0.04), and l-PVT (HR, 3.84; P = 0.03). In contrast, donor age was only found as a risk factor for l-PVT (HR, 1.05; P = 0.01). Salvage rate for treatment in e-PVT and l-PVT was 100% and 50%, respectively, without having an early event of rethrombosis. Mortality within 30 days did not show a significant difference between groups (no-PVT, 2% versus e-PVT, 10%; P = 0.15). No significant differences were found regarding 1-year (89% versus 92%), 5-year (79% versus 82%), and 10-year (69% versus 79%) graft survival between the t-PVT and no-PVT groups, respectively (P = 0.24). The 1-year (89% versus 96%), 5-year (82% versus 86%), and 10-year (79% versus 83%) patient survival was similar for the patients in the no-PVT and t-PVT groups, respectively (P = 0.70). No cases of graft loss occurred as a direct consequence of PVT. In conclusion, the early diagnosis and management of PVT after LDLT can lead to acceptable early and longterm results without affecting patient and graft survival.

Anticoagulation treatment of portal vein thrombosis in a patient with cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation: A case report

RATIONALE

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is relatively common in patients with liver cirrhosis waiting for liver transplantation (LT). Anticoagulation is an important non-invasive treatment strategy for patients with cirrhosis and PVT.

PATIENT CONCERNS

This is the case of a 51-year-old man who presented with cryptogenic liver cirrhosis associated with ascites. Computed tomography (CT) and Doppler ultrasonography (US) showed a partially obstructive thrombus of the portal vein (Yerdel Grade II).

DIAGNOSIS

Portal vein thrombosis (Yerdel Grade II); liver cirrhosis.

INTERVENTIONS

The PVT was completely recanalized after 4 months of treatment with the low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) medication enoxaparin but discontinuation of anticoagulants led to PVT recurrence. The patient's condition deteriorated, even though re-treating the anticoagulation with enoxaparin significantly reduced the PVT.

OUTCOMES

The thrombus was removed by a thrombectomy and LT was performed successfully without any vascular complications.

LESSONS

Patients with cirrhosis and PVT who are waiting LT can be effectively treated with LMWH anticoagulants. Careful use of anticoagulation is generally safe. Early initiation of anticoagulation treatment may be associated with a high rate of portal vein recanalization.

Successful Treatment of a Patient With Diffuse Portosplenomesenteric Thrombosis Using a Pericholedochal Varix for Portal Flow Reconstruction During Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation: A Case Report

Portal vein thrombosis remains a challenging issue in liver transplantation. When thrombectomy is not feasible due to diffuse portosplenomesenteric thrombosis, other modalities are adapted such as the use of a jump graft or portal tributaries or even multivisceral transplantation. For patients with diffuse thrombosis of the splanchnic venous system, a large pericholedochal varix can be a useful vessel for providing splanchnic blood flow to the graft and for relieving portal hypertension. We report our experience of successfully treating a patient with diffuse portosplenomesenteric thrombosis using a pericholedochal varix for portal flow reconstruction during deceased donor liver transplantation and eventually preventing unnecessary multivisceral transplantation. A 56-year-old man diagnosed with liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis B underwent deceased donor liver transplantation due to refractory ascites. Preoperative imaging revealed diffuse portosplenomesenteric thrombosis with large amount of ascites. During the operation, dissection of the main portal vein was not possible due to the development of multiple large pericholedochal varices and cavernous change of the main portal vein. After outflow reconstruction, portal inflow was restored by anastomosing the graft portal vein to a large pericholedochal varix. Postoperatively, although abdominal computed tomography scan showed stenosis of portal vein anastomosis site, liver function tests improved, and Doppler sonogram revealed no flow disturbance. During follow-up, the patient repeatedly developed hydrothorax and ascites. In addition, stenosis of the portal vein anastomosis and thrombosis of the portomesenteric system still remained. The patient underwent transhepatic portal vein stent insertion. After portal vein stent insertion, hydrothorax and ascites improved and the extent of thrombosis of the portomesenteric system decreased without anticoagulation therapy. In conclusion, enlarged pericholedochal varix in patients with totally obliterated splanchnic veins can be a source of useful inflow to restore portal flow and decrease the extent of thrombosis, thereby preventing unnecessary multivisceral transplantation.

Pretransplantation Portal Vein Recanalization and Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation for Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis: Final Analysis of a 61-Patient Cohort

PURPOSE

To report the final analysis of the safety and efficacy of portal vein (PV) recanalization (PVR) and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation (PVR-TIPS) in patients with PV thrombosis (PVT) in need of liver transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-one patients with cirrhosis and PVT underwent PVR-TIPS to improve transplantation candidacy. Median patient age was 58 years (range, 22-75 y), and median pre-TIPS Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 14 (range, 7-42). The most common etiologies of cirrhosis were nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in 18 patients (30%) and hepatitis C in 13 patients (21%). Twenty-seven patients (44%) had partial PVT, and 34 patients (56%) had complete thrombosis. Forty-nine patients (80%) had Yerdel grade 2 PVT, and 12 (20%) had Yerdel grade 3 PVT. Twenty-nine patients (48%) had cavernous transformation of the PV.

RESULTS

PVR-TIPS was technically successful in 60 of 61 patients (98%). PV/TIPS patency was maintained in 55 patients (92%) at a median follow-up of 19.2 months (range, 0-105.9 mo). Recurrent PV/TIPS thrombosis occurred in 5 patients (8%), all of whom initially presented with complete PVT. The most common adverse events were TIPS stenosis in 13 patients (22%) and transient encephalopathy in 11 patients (18%). Twenty-four patients (39%) underwent transplantation, 23 of whom (96%) received an end-to-end anastomosis. There were no cases of recurrent PVT following transplantation, with a median imaging follow-up of 32.5 months (range, 0.4-75.4 mo). Five-year overall survival rate was 82%.

CONCLUSIONS

PVR-TIPS is a safe, effective, and durable treatment option for patients with chronic PVT who need liver transplantation.

Prevalence and outcome of portal thrombosis in a cohort of cirrhotic patients undergoing liver transplantation

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients that have undergone liver transplantation (LT) is 9.7% (SD 4.5). The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence, assess the factors that are associated with PVT and clarify their association with prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and LT.

AIMS AND METHODS

From 2005 to 2014, laboratory, radiological and surgical data were collected from patients with LC in our center who had undergone LT for the first time.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-one patients were included. The mean age was 55 (SD 9), 75.4% of patients were male and 48.7% had HCV. The Child-Pugh scores were A/B/C 41.9%/35.9%/25.5% and the MELD score was 15 (SD 6). Previous decompensations were: ascites (61.4%), hepatic encephalopathy (34.4%), variceal bleeding (25.4%), hepatocellular carcinoma (48.9%) and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SPB) (14.3%). The mean post-transplant follow-up was 42 months (0-113). PVT was diagnosed at LT in 18 patients (9.4%). Six patients were previously diagnosed using imaging tests (33.3%): 2 patients (11.1%) by DU and 4 patients (22.2%) by CT scan. All patients with PVT had DU in a mean time of 6 months before LT (0-44) and 90 patients (47.1%) had a CT scan in a median time of 6 months before LT (0-45). PVT was significantly related to the presence of SBP (33.3% vs 12.6%; p = 0.02) and lower levels of albumin (3.1g/dl vs 3.4g/dl; p = 0.05). MELD was higher in patients with PVT (16.6 vs 14.9; p = 0.3). There were no significant differences with regard to the need for transfusion of blood components. Moreover, the surgery time was similar in both groups. PVT correlated with a higher mortality in the first 30 days (8.8% vs 16.7%; p = 0.2).

CONCLUSION

Prior history of SBP and lower levels of albumin were identified as factors associated with PVT. The pre-transplant diagnosis rate is very low and the presence of PVT may have implications for short-term mortality.

Significance of measured intraoperative portal vein flows after thrombendvenectomy in deceased donor liver transplantations with portal vein thrombosis

Adequate portal vein (PV) flow in liver transplantation is essential for a good outcome, and it may be compromised in patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). This study evaluated the impact of intraoperatively measured PV flow after PV thrombendvenectomy on outcomes after deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). The study included 77 patients over a 16-year period who underwent PV thrombendvenectomy with complete flow data. Patients were classified into 2 groups: high PV flow (>1300 mL/minute; n = 55) and low PV flow (≤1300 mL/minute; n = 22). Postoperative complications and graft survival were analyzed according to the PV flow. The 2 groups were similar in demographic characteristics. Low PV flow was associated with higher cumulative rates of biliary strictures (P = 0.02) and lower 1-, 2-, and 5-year graft survival (89%, 85%, and 68% versus 64%, 55%, and 38%, respectively; P = 0.002). There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative PVT between the groups (1.8% versus 9.1%; P = 0.19). No biliary leaks or hepatic artery thromboses were reported in either group. By multivariate analyses, age >60 years (hazard ratio [HR], 3.04, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-6.82; P = 0.007) and low portal flow (HR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.15-4.65; P = 0.02) were associated with worse survival. In conclusion, PV flow <1300 mL/minute after PV thrombendvenectomy for PVT during DDLT was associated with higher rates of biliary strictures and worse graft survival. Consideration should be given to identifying reasons for low flow and performing maneuvers to increase PV flow when intraoperative PV flows are <1300 mL/minute. Liver Transplantation 23 1032-1039 2017 AASLD.

Small-for-size syndrome in live donor liver transplantation-Pathways of injury and therapeutic strategies

Due to the severe organ shortage and the increasing gap between the supply and demand for donor grafts, live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has become an accepted and alternative technique for the expansion of the donor pool. However, donor safety and good recipient outcomes must be balanced regarding risk stratification and decision-making within this patient population. Small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) is one of the complications encountered after LDLT, thus increasing the burden of optimizing donor graft selection and effective treatments during its occurrence. A graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR) <0.8 predisposes the graft to SFSS. However, other factors may induce this complication even without a graft-to-patient size mismatch. Several strategies to prevent this complication include portal vein flow and liver outflow modulation, as well as pharmacological treatment. Also, as an entity with a multifactorial etiology, outcomes vary between right-lobe, left-lobe, and posterior-lobe donation among series encountered in the literature. In this review, we analyze the pathophysiology and classification of this complication, the state-of-the-art on management of SFSS, and the outcomes regarding the best treatment strategy on this patient population.

Single-center experience of living donor liver transplantation in patients with portal vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a relative contraindication in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We investigated the long-term outcome of adult patients with PVT in LDLT.

METHODS

Between 2004 and 2009, 471 cases of adult LDLT were performed and 56 patients had PVT (11.8%). Thrombectomy was attempted using a modified eversion technique. We evaluated the outcome of patients with PVT according to grade and compared with no-PVT patients.

RESULTS

There was no difference in terms of age, gender, Child-Pugh score, MELD score, proportion of malignance, operation time, and total amount of transfused blood. Complete thrombectomy was successful in 73.2% (41/56), partial thrombectomy in 26.8% (15/56), and one case needed jump graft for portal vein reconstruction. Among patients with partial thrombectomy, when the PV velocity was above 20 cm/s, the remnant thrombus disappeared in 46%. The rate of PV complication was statistically not different (8.9% vs 3.4%, P=.062). Five-year survival of mild PVT was 69.3%, 60.6% for severe PVT, and 80.4% for no-PVT (P=.059).

CONCLUSIONS

Eversion thrombectomy by modified technique is feasible in most cases of PVT. Good long-term outcome may be expected in LDLT with PVT.

Portal Vein Recanalization and Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation for Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis: Technical Considerations

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is common in cirrhotic patients and presents a challenge at the time of transplant. Owing to the increased posttransplant morbidity and mortality associated with complete PVT, the presence of PVT is a relative contraindication to liver transplantation at many centers. Our group began performing portal vein (PV) recanalization and transjugular intrahepatic portostystemic shunt placement (PVR-TIPS) several years ago to optimize the transplant candidacy of patients with PVT. The procedure has evolved to include transsplenic access to assist with recanalization, which is now our preferred method due to its technical success without significant added morbidity. Here, we describe in detail our approach to PVR-TIPS with a focus on the transsplenic method. The procedure was attempted in 61 patients and was technically successful in 60 patients (98%). After transitioning to transsplenic access to assist with recanalization, the technical success rate has improved to 100%. The recanalized portal vein and TIPS have maintained patency during follow-up, or to the time of transplant, in 55 patients (92%) with a mean follow-up of 16.7 months. In total, 23 patients (38%) have undergone transplant, all of whom received a physiologic anastomosis (end-to-end anastomosis in 22 of 23 patients, 96%). PVR-TIPS placement should be considered as an option for patients with chronic PVT in need of transplantation. Transsplenic access makes the procedure technically straightforward and should be considered as the primary method for recanalization.

Results of ABO-incompatible liver transplantation using a simplified protocol at a single institution

BACKGROUND

Because of the development of various desensitization strategies, ABO-incompatible (ABOi) living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has become a feasible option for patients with end-stage liver disease. However, there has been no united desensitization protocol for ABOi LDLT. We analyzed the outcomes after establishment of simplified protocol without splenectomy, intravenous immunoglobulin, and local infusion therapy.

METHODS

We analyzed 19 ABOi LDLT cases that had been performed between January 2012 and December 2013, without splenectomy and local infusion. We used a single dose of rituximab (375 mg/m(2)) 10 days before transplantation and several series of plasma exchange according to the recipients' iso-agglutinin titer-to-target titer ratio of 1:32.

RESULTS

Nineteen recipients received ABOi LTs from living donors. The mean initial immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG anti-ABO titers were 76.63 ± 78.81 (range, 8∼256) and 162.53 ± 464.1 (0∼2048). We performed preoperative plasma exchange to 16 recipients (mean number of sessions, 3.58; range, 1-10). After surgery, 9 patients received plasma exchange (mean, 1.84; range 1∼14). One death occurred as the result of pneumonia (5.3%). There were 4 cases of acute rejections (21.1%), and all of them were treated successfully with steroid pulse or thymoglobulin. Antibody-mediated rejection and graft failure did not occur. Six cases of postoperative complications (31.6%) occurred, including 3 cases of infections. There were 2 cases of biliary anastomotic stricture (10.5%) and 1 case of portal vein stenosis (5.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

ABOi LDLT with the use of simplified protocol can be safely performed without increased risk of antibody-mediated rejection and other complications.

The friendly incidental portal vein thrombus in liver transplantation

Improved outcomes have been shown in liver transplantation (LT) with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). However, PVT is still discovered incidentally during surgery despite careful preoperative imaging. Data are limited comparing the outcomes of incidental PVT with PVT diagnosed via preoperative imaging before LT. This study aims to compare the overall outcomes of patients with PVT. From 2008 to 2012, 369 patients had LT, and 58 patients with PVT were identified. They were divided into those with non-PVT (group 0; n = 311), preoperatively identified PVT (group 1; n = 28), and incidental PVT (group 2; n = 30). The demographics, characteristics, preoperative assessment, and postoperative outcomes were compared. A survival analysis was also performed. Baseline characteristics and preoperative evaluations of all 3 groups were comparable (P > 0.05) except for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, tumor status, platelet levels, and serum bilirubin. A multivariate analysis only showed a high serum bilirubin level to be a predictor of PVT (P = 0.004; odds ratio, 3.395; 95% confidence interval, 1.467-7.861). Postoperative outcomes were also comparable (P > 0.05). Compared to group 2, group 1 had more patients with a Yerdel classification of 3 or 4 with more extensive surgical intervention required (P = 0.02). The survival analysis in all 3 groups was comparable with 5-year survival rate of 87.4%, 84.6%, and 91.8% in group 0, 1, and 2, respectively (P = 0.66). In conclusion, recipients with PVT undergoing LT can have similar outcomes as the non-PVT patients even if PVTs were discovered incidentally. Discovery of incidental PVT only requires thrombectomy with no substantial change of treatment strategy, and the outcome is not adversely affected because most incidental PVTs are of a lower Yerdel grade. Preoperative imaging is useful to identify those with a higher Yerdel grade to allow planning of surgical strategy during transplantation.

Portal vein recanalization-transjugularintrahepatic portosystemic shunt using the transsplenic approach to achieve transplant candidacy in patients with chronic portal vein thrombosis

PURPOSE

To present the transsplenic route as an alternative approach for portal vein recanalization-transjugular portosystemic shunt (PVR-TIPS) for chronic main portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in potential transplant candidates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 2013-2014, 11 consecutive patients with cirrhosis-induced chronic main PVT underwent transsplenic PVR-TIPS. All patients had been denied listing for transplant because of the presence of main PVT, a relative contraindication in this center. The patients were followed for adverse events. Portal vein patency was assessed at 1 month by splenoportography and every 3 months subsequently by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. After PVR-TIPS, patients were reviewed (and subsequently listed for transplant) at a weekly multidisciplinary conference.

RESULTS

PVR-TIPS using the transsplenic approach was successful in all 11 patients with no major complications. Median age was 61 years (range, 33-67 y) and 9 of 11 patients (82%) were men. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was the leading cause of liver disease in 4 of 11 patients (36%), and hepatitis C was present in 4 of 11 patients (36%). Complete main PVT was found in 8 of 11 patients (73%). Of 11 patients, 4 (36%) had a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score > 18, and 8 (73%) had a baseline Child-Pugh score of 7-10. Minor adverse events occurred in 2 of 11 patients (fever, encephalopathy). At the end of the procedure, 5 of 11 patients (45%) exhibited some minor remaining thrombus in the portal vein; 3 of the 5 patients (60%) had complete thrombus resolution at 1 month, with the remaining 2 patients having resolution at 3 months (no anticoagulation was needed). Three patients underwent successful liver transplant with end-to-end anastomoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Transsplenic PVR-TIPS is a potentially safe and effective method to treat PVT and improve transplant candidacy.

ABO-incompatible living donor liver transplantation without graft local infusion and splenectomy

BACKGROUND

Graft local infusion and splenectomy in ABO-incompatible (ABO-I) living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) are associated with high rates of operative complications.

METHODS

Consecutive ABO-I LDLT patients treated at the National Cancer Centre between January 2012 and February 2013 were identified. The protocol for ABO-I LDLT at the study centre included the administration of rituximab (300 mg/m(2)) at 2 weeks preoperatively, followed by plasma exchanges (target isoagglutinin titre: ≤ 1:8), basiliximab (20 mg on the day of surgery and on postoperative day 4), and i.v. immunoglobulin (0.8 g/kg on postoperative days 1 and 4) without graft local infusion or splenectomy.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients (11 men and four women) who underwent transplantation for liver cirrhosis (n = 3) or hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 12) were identified. These included 13 patients with hepatitis B virus infection, one with hepatitis C virus infection and one with alcoholic cirrhosis. The mean age, mean Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and mean graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR) of these patients was 51.8 years, 11.5 and 0.84, respectively. The median isoagglutinin titre before plasma exchange was 1:32 (range: 1:4 to 1:256). There were no hyperacute or antibody-mediated rejections. No bacterial or fungal infections were observed. Complications included herpes zoster viral infection in one patient, postoperative bleeding in one patient and extrahepatic biliary stricture in three patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This simplified ABO-I LDLT protocol showed good graft outcomes without immunologic failure or serious infections.

From portal to splanchnic venous thrombosis: What surgeons should bear in mind

The present study aims to review the evolution of surgical management of portal (PVT) and splanchnic venous thrombosis (SVT) in the context of liver transplantation over the last 5 decades. PVT is more commonly managed by endovenous thrombectomy, while SVT requires more complex technical expedients. Several surgical techniques have been proposed, such as extensive eversion thrombectomy, anastomosis to collateral veins, reno-portal anastomosis, cavo-portal hemi-transposition, portal arterialization and combined liver-intestinal transplantation. In order to achieve satisfactory outcomes, careful planning of the surgical strategy is mandatory. The excellent results that are obtained nowadays confirm that, even extended, splanchnic thrombosis is no longer an absolute contraindication for liver transplantation. Patients with advanced portal thrombosis may preferentially be referred to specialized centres, in which complex vascular approaches and even multivisceral transplantation are performed.

Small bowel transplantation

BACKGROUND

Small bowel transplantation evolution, because of its complexity, was slower than other solid organs. Several advances have enabled its clinical application.

AIM

To review intestinal transplantation evolution and its current status.

METHOD

Search in MEDLINE and ScIELO literature. The terms used as descriptors were: intestinal failure, intestinal transplantation, small bowel transplantation, multivisceral transplantation. Were analyzed data on historical evolution, centers experience, indications, types of grafts, selection and organ procurement, postoperative management, complications and results.

CONCLUSION

Despite a slower evolution, intestinal transplantation is currently the standard therapy for patients with intestinal failure and life-threatening parenteral nutrition complications. It involves some modalities: small bowel transplantation, liver-intestinal transplantation, multivisceral transplantation and modified multivisceral transplantation. Currently, survival rate is similar to other solid organs. Most of the patients become free of parenteral nutrition.

Management of portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a fairly common complication of liver cirrhosis. Importantly, occlusive PVT might influence the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. Evidence from a randomized controlled trial has shown that anticoagulation can prevent the occurrence of PVT in patients with cirrhosis without prior PVT. Evidence from several case series has also demonstrated that anticoagulation can achieve portal vein recanalization in patients with cirrhosis and PVT. Early initiation of anticoagulation therapy and absence of previous portal hypertensive bleeding might be positively associated with a high rate of portal vein recanalization after anticoagulation. However, the possibility of spontaneous resolution of partial PVT questions the necessity of anticoagulation for the treatment of partial PVT. In addition, a relatively low recanalization rate of complete PVT after anticoagulation therapy suggests its limited usefulness in patients with complete PVT. Successful insertion of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) not only recanalizes the thrombosed portal vein, but also relieves the symptomatic portal hypertension. However, the technical difficulty of TIPS potentially limits its widespread application, and the risk and benefits should be fully balanced. Notably, current recommendations regarding the management of PVT in liver cirrhosis are insufficient owing to low-quality evidence.

Gastric coronary vein to portal vein reconstruction in liver transplant: case report

OBJECTIVES

Portal vein thrombosis is a common complication in end-stage liver diseases of candidates for liver transplant. Most portal vein thromboses can be removed with thrombectomy. However, if the thrombosis extends to the distal superior mesenteric vein, it is difficult to reconstruct the portal vein. We report herein a case of dilated gastric coronary vein to portal vein reconstruction in liver transplant.

CASE REPORT

During the operation, the portal vein thrombosis was confirmed; it extended to the distal superior mesenteric vein. It could not be removed, and a jumping graft vein could not be used either. The dilated gastric coronary vein was dissected. After a piggy-back caval anastomosis, the recipient gastric coronary vein was anastomosed to donor portal vein using side-to-end anastomosis. Successive ultrasound studies demonstrated patent portal anastomosis. At postoperative day 30, computed tomography scans confirmed the patency of the portal anastomosis. The patient recovered fully and at the time of this writing, was doing well 1 year after transplant. Neither ascites nor upper gastrointestinal bleeding occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

If complete portal vein thrombosis extends to the distal superior mesenteric vein, and a jumping graft vein cannot be applied, the recipient gastric coronary vein or other collateral varix anastomosed to the donor portal vein is an alternative.

Prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and hypersplenism after surgery: a single-center experience from the People's Republic of China

PURPOSE

As prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hypersplenism is rarely reported, this study examined prognostic factors for patients who underwent surgery for this condition.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed prognostic factors in 181 consecutive HCC patients using univariate and multivariate analyses, as well as subgroup analyses for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of two groups: one group who received splenectomies (Sp) and one group who did not (non-Sp).

RESULTS

1, 3, and 5 year OS rates were 88.4%, 67.1%, and 52.8%, respectively; corresponding DFS rates were 67.0%, 43.8%, and 31.6%, respectively. Age ≥55 years old, cigarette smoking, tumor size ≥5 cm, microvascular invasion, and Child-Pugh grade B (versus A) correlated significantly with OS (P<0.05). Interestingly, in patients with tumor lymph node metastasis (TNM) stage I disease, DFS of the Sp-group (median DFS, 24.1 months; n=34) was significantly lower than that of the non-Sp group (median DFS, 62.1 months; n=74), P=0.034; whereas at TNM stage II, OS of the Sp-group (median OS, 79.1 months; n=21) was significantly better than that of the non-Sp group (median OS, 23.3 months; n=30), P=0.018.

CONCLUSION

Hepatectomy without concomitant splenectomy can contribute to improved DFS of TNM stage I HCC patients with hypersplenism, whereas simultaneous hepatectomy and splenectomy can prolong OS for patients at TNM stage II.

Portal vein thrombosis before liver transplant does not alter postoperative patient or graft survival

OBJECTIVES

Portal vein thrombosis may complicate liver transplant. The purpose of this study was to analyze our cohort of transplanted recipients to evaluate the relation between preoperative portal vein thrombosis and patient and graft survival after liver transplant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 209 patients who had liver transplant; 2 patients who had the diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis made during surgery were excluded. Patients were stratified in 2 groups according to whether they had (15 patients) or did not have portal vein thrombosis (192 patients) before liver transplant and were compared for early and late survival.

RESULTS

In all 15 patients who had portal vein thrombosis, the Yerdel grade was I or II. Patients who had preoperative portal vein thrombosis had lower median survival (portal vein thrombosis, 47 mo; no portal vein thrombosis, 61 mo), frequency of total number of deaths (portal vein thrombosis, 4 [27%]; no portal vein thrombosis, 68 [35%]), and frequency of death within 3 months after transplant (portal vein thrombosis, 1 [7%]; no portal vein thrombosis, 23 [12%]). However, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in patient or graft survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-grade portal vein thrombosis detected before liver transplant is not an absolute contraindication for liver transplant. Radiographic screening before liver transplant is recommended to minimize surgical difficulty.

Portal vein thrombosis and liver transplantation: implications for waiting list period, surgical approach, early and late follow-up

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a well-known and relatively common complication of liver cirrhosis. In the past, PVT was considered as a contraindication for liver transplantation (LT). To characterize prevalence, risk factors, perioperative management and outcome of PVT in the setting of LT, the English literature published between 1991 and 2011 was reviewed. Of 6807 articles, 280 were selected, and 39 experiences were analyzed in detail (methodology, type and duration of treatments, peri-operative management, strategy to avoid recurrence, strengths and weaknesses, Oxford evidence level, citations). 3/39 studies were prospective; 9/39 were based on prospectively recorded databases; no studies of 1, 2a, 3a level of evidence were present; 5/39 were recognized as level 2b, 23/39 as level 3b, and 8/39 as level 4. High complication rate has been reported with consequent effect on graft and patient survival. Overall, PVT presents today good results similar to those obtained in patients without PVT undergoing LT even if they require a higher transfusion number and a longer ICU/hospital stay. Reported cases were retrospectively stratified according to Yerdel classification. Grade 1-2 patients (76%) do well with eversion thromboendovenectomy, resection of damaged vein and porto-portal anastomosis. Results of patients with grade 3-4 (24%) are inferior, however data on outcome in this subsets are fragmented and do not allow a reliable analysis. Moreover, results obtained in grade 3-4 cases are better in transplant centers with large specific experience. The small number of reports suggests caution. The role of anticoagulant treatment is still debated. Although in cirrhotics with PVT LT remains a demanding procedure, PVT should not be considered a contraindication anymore.

Review of the surgical approach to prevent small-for-size syndrome in recipients after left lobe adult LDLT

Left lobe liver grafts increase the donor safety in adult-to-adult living-donor liver transplantation (ALDLT). However, the left lobe graft provides about 30-50 % of the required liver volume to adult recipients, which is insufficient to sustain their metabolic demands, which can lead to small-for-size syndrome (SFSS). Transient portal hypertension and microcirculatory hemodynamic derangement, apart from outflow obstruction, during the first week after reperfusion are the critical events associated with small-for-size graft transplantation. The incidence of SFSS in left lobe ALDLT can be decreased by increasing the left lobe graft volume by effective utilization of the caudate lobe with preserved vascular supply, by modulating the portal pressure with splenectomy or a porto-systemic shunt or by hepatic venous outflow reconstruction to prevent the development of venous congestion. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology of SFSS and the various surgical strategies that can be performed to prevent SFSS in an effort to enhance the donor safety during living-donor liver transplantation.

Portal vein thrombosis: should anticoagulation be used?

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) can contribute to significant morbidity and mortality; in patients with cirrhosis, this can make transplant more technically challenging. Additionally, the clot may extend further into the mesenteric and splenic veins, and disturbance of the hepatic blood flow may lead to faster progression of the cirrhosis. Development of PVT is associated with local risk factors, and many patients have associated systemic prothrombotic factors. Anticoagulation in noncirrhotic patients should be initiated at diagnosis, using low-molecular-weight heparin overlapping with vitamin K antagonists. Cirrhotic patients with PVT should be screened for varices and then anticoagulated with low-molecular-weight heparin for at least a 6-month period. All patients should be assessed for triggering factors and tumors, as well as systemic prothrombotic factors. Newer evidence suggests that prophylactic anticoagulation in patients with cirrhosis may have a role in clinical management with decreased incidence of PVT and improved survival; further study is needed.

Management of nonneoplastic portal vein thrombosis in the setting of liver transplantation: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Nonneoplastic portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is frequent in patients with cirrhosis who undergo liver transplantation (LT); however, data on its impact on outcome and strategies of management are sparse.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed by analyzing studies that report on PVT in LT recipients and were published between January 1986 and January 2012.

RESULTS

Of 25,753 liver transplants, 2004 were performed in patients with PVT (7.78%), and approximately half presented complete thrombosis. Thrombectomy/thromboendovenectomy was employed in 75% of patients; other techniques included venous graft interposition and portocaval hemitransposition. Overall, the presence of PVT significantly increased 30-day (10.5%) and 1-year (18.8%) post-LT mortality when compared to patients without PVT (7.7% and 15.4%, respectively). However, only complete PVT accounted for this increased mortality. Rethrombosis occurred in up to 13% of patients with complete PVT and in whom no preventative strategies were used, and was associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

PVT is common in patients with cirrhosis undergoing LT, and it affects survival when it is complete, at least in the short term after transplant. Therefore, screening for this condition is essential, alongside adequate treatment strategies to attempt repermeation of the PV and prevent thrombosis extension.

Trombose de veia porta no transplante hepático

INTRODUÇÃO: A trombose de veia porta foi considerada contraindicação ao transplante de fígado no passado em razão da elevada morbi-mortalidade. Diversos avanços permitiram melhora dos resultados. OBJETIVO: Revisão dos avanços e das estratégias cirúrgicas utilizadas para realização do transplante de fígado na vigência de trombose de veia porta. MÉTODO: Revisão da literatura nas bases de dados Medline, Scielo, Lilacs cruzando os descritores: portal vein thrombosis, liver transplantation, vascular complications, jump graft, graft failure, multivisceral transplant. Foram estudados a epidemiologia, fatores de risco, classificação, diagnóstico, estratégias cirúrgicas e resultados. CONCLUSÃO: A trombose de veia porta deixou de ser contraindicação para o transplante hepático. O cirurgião dispõe atualmente de uma série de estratégias para realização do transplante, variando conforme o grau da trombose. Apesar de implicar em maior morbidade e taxas de re-trombose, os resultados do transplante na presença de trombose portal são semelhantes aos observados nas séries habituais.

Anticoagulation for the treatment of thrombotic complications in patients with cirrhosis

Cirrhotic patients can develop thrombotic complications, which in this group of patients occur with a greater frequency than in the general population. Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is the most common thrombotic phenomenon, although deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism can also occur. Risk factors for thrombosis include inherited and acquired deficiency of factors involved in anticoagulation mechanisms, venous stasis of the portal vein owing to architectural derangement of the liver and possibly local factors related to the endothelium. Clinical manifestations of PVT range from asymptomatic disease to a life-threatening complication, and although it is no longer considered an absolute contraindication for liver transplant, its presence may require challenging surgical techniques, which entail greater morbidity. Anticoagulation therapy is henceforth an important strategy to treat cirrhotic patients with PVT, although experience in this group of patients is limited. Vitamin K antagonists and low-molecular-weight heparin have been used successfully, achieving recanalization of the thrombosed vessel in patients with cirrhosis; however, the precise drug regimen management and monitoring has not be fully explored in this group of patients.

Anticoagulation therapy prevents portal-splenic vein thrombosis after splenectomy with gastroesophageal devascularization

AIM: To compare the incidence of early portal or splenic vein thrombosis (PSVT) in patients treated with irregular and regular anticoagulantion after splenectomy with gastroesophageal devascularization.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 301 patients who underwent splenectomy with gastroesophageal devascularization for portal hypertension due to cirrhosis between April 2004 and July 2010. Patients were categorized into group A with irregular anticoagulation and group B with regular anticoagulation, respectively. Group A (153 patients) received anticoagulant monotherapy for an undesignated time period or with aspirin or warfarin without low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) irregularly. Group B (148 patients) received subcutaneous injection of LMWH routinely within the first 5 d after surgery, followed by oral warfarin and aspirin for one month regularly. The target prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR) was 1.25-1.50. Platelet and PT/INR were monitored. Color Doppler imaging was performed to monitor PSVT as well as the effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy.

RESULTS: The patients’ data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Among the patients, 94 developed early postoperative mural PSVT, including 63 patients in group A (63/153, 41.17%) and 31 patients in group B (31/148, 20.94%). There were 50 (32.67%) patients in group A and 27 (18.24%) in group B with mural PSVT in the main trunk of portal vein. After the administration of thrombolytic, anticoagulant and anti-aggregation therapy, complete or partial thrombus dissolution achieved in 50 (79.37%) in group A and 26 (83.87%) in group B.

CONCLUSION: Regular anticoagulation therapy can reduce the incidence of PSVT in patients who undergo splenectomy with gastroesophageal devascularization, and regular anticoagulant therapy is safer and more effective than irregular anticoagulant therapy. Early and timely thrombolytic therapy is imperative and feasible for the prevention of PSVT.