Isolated right hepatic vein obstruction after piggyback liver transplantation

Liver Transpl. 2006 May;12(5):808-12. doi: 10.1002/lt.20747.

Abstract

The "piggyback" technique for liver transplantation has gained worldwide acceptance. Still, complications such as outflow obstruction have been observed, usually attributable to technical errors such as small-caliber anastomosis of the suprahepatic vena cava, twisting, or kinking. Iatrogenic Budd-Chiari syndrome after piggyback liver transplantation has been reported as a consequence of obstruction involving the entire anastomosis (usually the 3 hepatic veins). Here we describe technical issues, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of 3 cases in which outflow obstruction affected only the right hepatic vein. In conclusion, all 3 patients developed recurrent ascites requiring angioplasty and/or stent placement across the right hepatic vein to alleviate the symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Budd-Chiari Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Budd-Chiari Syndrome / etiology*
  • Budd-Chiari Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Budd-Chiari Syndrome / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged