BACKGROUND: Extensive portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in the recipient of liver transplantation increases postoperative morbidity and mortality. Cavoportal hemitransposition (CPHT) has been described as a salvage technique in the presence of extensive portal and superior mesenteric venous thrombosis. METHODS: We report three patients who underwent this procedure, review the literature, and discuss the postoperative complications of CPHT. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients with extensive PVT who underwent CPHT have been reported. Seventeen patients have died to date. The common complications of CPHT were ascites (55.4%), renal insufficiency (48.2%), variceal bleeding (30.4%), or thrombosis of cavoportal anastomosis or portal branch (14.3%). CONCLUSION: CPHT is a salvage measure to maintain the patency of portal inflow to the liver graft in the presence of extensive PVT.
BACKGROUND: Extensive portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in the recipient of liver transplantation increases postoperative morbidity and mortality. Cavoportal hemitransposition (CPHT) has been described as a salvage technique in the presence of extensive portal and superior mesenteric venous thrombosis. METHODS: We report three patients who underwent this procedure, review the literature, and discuss the postoperative complications of CPHT. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients with extensive PVT who underwent CPHT have been reported. Seventeen patients have died to date. The common complications of CPHT were ascites (55.4%), renal insufficiency (48.2%), variceal bleeding (30.4%), or thrombosis of cavoportal anastomosis or portal branch (14.3%). CONCLUSION:CPHT is a salvage measure to maintain the patency of portal inflow to the liver graft in the presence of extensive PVT.