Ten-year experience in porto-caval hemitransposition for liver transplantation in the presence of portal vein thrombosis

Am J Transplant. 2007 Feb;7(2):454-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2006.01649.x. Epub 2007 Jan 4.

Abstract

Porto-caval hemitransposition (PCH) in liver transplantation allows revascularization of the liver when the porto-mesenteric axis is thrombosed. We, here, review our experience over an 11-year period. A total of 23 patients underwent liver transplantation using PCH. Immunosuppression was based on tacrolimus, with sirolimus used in case of renal insufficiency. Most common diagnoses were hepatitis C, Laennec's, Budd-Chiari and cryptogenic cirrhosis. Six patients needed splenectomy prior to transplant, 5 during transplant, 1 post-transplant, 11 had no splenectomy. Overall survival was 60% at 1 year and 38% at 3 years, with 10 of 23 patients currently alive and the longest survivor at 9.3 years. Most common cause of death was sepsis/multisystem organ failure, followed by pulmonary embolism. A total of 7/23 patients experienced post-operative gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, 6/23 patients developed thrombosis of the vena cava (median 162 days post-op). Post-operative ascites was noted in almost all patients. Renal dysfunction was commonly seen even after the first month post-transplant. PCH offers a feasible option for liver transplantation in those patients with complex thrombosis of the mesenteric and portal circulation.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Budd-Chiari Syndrome / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / methods
  • Kidney / physiology
  • Liver Diseases / surgery
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Liver Transplantation / mortality
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Portacaval Shunt, Surgical / adverse effects
  • Portacaval Shunt, Surgical / methods*
  • Portacaval Shunt, Surgical / mortality
  • Portal Vein / surgery*
  • Survival Rate
  • Warfarin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Warfarin