Successful recanalization of portal vein thrombosis before liver transplantation using transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.
A frequent complication in patients with end-stage liver disease is portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Although PVT is not considered an absolute contraindication to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), more complex surgery is required and patients have more postoperative complications and greater mortality rates. We describe 2 patients who experienced complete PVT either while waiting for liver transplantation or during the workup, resulting in acute deterioration of liver function. Recanalization of the portal vein was successfully performed in both patients using transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPS), and patency was maintained by the addition of anticoagulation therapy. They subsequently underwent successful OLTs and remain well. In conclusion, we believe that TIPS placement can be performed safely in patients with recent PVT, ensuring the patency of the portal vein until OLT.
Liatsos
C
C
Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Medicine and the Department of Radiology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.
Vlachogiannakos
J
J
Patch
D
D
Tibballs
J
J
Watkinson
A
A
Davidson
B
B
Rolles
K
K
Burroughs
A K
AK
D006502:Budd-Chiari Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D019168:Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic; D012086:Reoperation; D015607:Stents; D014654:Vascular Patency / Q000502:physiology