The successful management of portal vein thrombosis after hepatic transplantation with a splenorenal shunt

Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1988 Apr;166(4):311-6.

Abstract

Portal vein thrombosis is an infrequent complication after hepatic transplantation, but is quite dramatic when it occurs. It is usually managed by retransplantation with a significant mortality rate. We present a patient in whom portal vein thrombosis after hepatic transplantation was ultimately managed by a splenorenal shunt. The portal vein thrombosis was manifested by bleeding esophageal varices and, yet, normal hepatic function obviated the need for a new graft (one was not readily available). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first presentation of a patient with a transplant of the liver with acute portal vein occlusion and maintained hepatic function who has been successfully managed by a portosystemic shunt.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Esophageal and Gastric Varices / etiology
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Portal Vein*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery*
  • Splenorenal Shunt, Surgical*
  • Thrombosis / complications
  • Thrombosis / diagnosis
  • Thrombosis / surgery*
  • Ultrasonography