Portal vein injuries.

Wounds of the portal vein are caused most commonly by penetrating trauma and carry a very high mortality rate. Most deaths are caused by exsanguination, occurring intraoperatively as surgeons struggle to control the hemorrhage from the portal vein and associated vascular injuries. A thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the area and of the likely patterns of wounding is important. At surgery, surgeons must be prepared to deal with multiple vessel wounding. Although most investigators have advocated lateral repair of the portal vein when it can be accomplished, portal ligation seems to be a safe alternative. Complex repairs are justified only when a contraindication to ligation exists. Postoperative care must recognize the need for extraordinary fluid replacement and the small risk for postoperative bowel infarction after repair or ligation of the portal vein.