Experience with recipient splenic artery inflow in adult liver transplantation: a case series.
BACKGROUND
Hepatic artery thrombosis following orthotopic liver transplant is one of the most common reasons for early graft failure. Meticulous reconstitution of hepatic artery flow remains essential for good outcomes. Prior surgery, body habitus, hepatic artery inadequacy and anatomic differences can complicate hepatic artery revascularization.


METHODS
We report a single institution's experience, from January 1996 to January 2007, using splenic artery inflow in seven patients with inadequate native hepatic arteries.


CONCLUSIONS
End-to-side anastomosis was associated with postanastomotic intimal hyperplasia. End-to-end anastomosis provided effective hepatic inflow, demonstrated splenic and pancreatic safety, and was not associated with the intimal hyperplasia experienced with end-to-side anastomosis.
Vanderlan
Wesley B
WB
Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard (CFP-2), Detroit, MI, 48202, USA. blakevanderlan@yahoo.com.
Abouljoud
Marwan S
MS
Yoshida
Atsushi
A
Kim
Dean Y
DY