title: Portal vein thrombosis after laparoscopic and open splenectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) could be a life-threatening complication after splenectomy if not diagnosed promptly and treated properly. Risk factors of PVT are not completely clarified. Spleen size and underlying hematologic diseases are main potential risk factors for this complication. Laparoscopic surgery might increase the risk of developing PVT, as it reduces the blood flow in the portal system due to the pneumoperitoneum but, on the other hand, it seems to be associated with less postoperative modifications of coagulation parameters than open surgery, thus preventing PVT itself. The authors reviewed their series on open and laparoscopic splenectomies, pointing out their experience on PVT and discussing their surveillance and prophylaxis programs to prevent this complication.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this series, the authors report their experience on postsplenectomy PVT in 162 patients who have been splenectomised (102 operated on laparoscopically and 60 by open surgery).
  
  
  RESULTS
  PVT was clinically observed in 1 case out of 60 open splenectomies and in 3 cases out of 102 laparoscopic procedures. Patients were treated with conservative anticoagulation therapy. In one case, additional ileal resection was needed. Mortality was 0%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Low-molecular-weight heparin should be administered to all patients who have been splenectomised, especially if they are at high risk of PVT. If symptoms appear, patients need to be treated with high-dose heparin followed, after at least 3 weeks, by oral anticoagulant therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. rvecchio@unict.it
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vecchio
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cacciola
authors.forename: Rossella R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Cacciola
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marchese
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Intagliata
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011169:Portal Vein; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013156:Splenectomy; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight