THE SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF PORTAL-VEIN THROMBOSIS AFTER HEPATIC TRANSPLANTATION WITH A SPLENORENAL SHUNT

  • 1 April 1988
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 166  (4) , 311-316
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.