Problematic vascular reconstruction in liver transplantation. Part II. Portovenous conduits.

Eight of 265 orthotopic liver transplant procedures performed at this institution since December 1984 have used venous conduits to reconstruct an occluded portal system and supply portal blood to the allograft. The factors mandating the use of these conduits were variable, and several reconstructive techniques were used. We present a series of patients with various conditions in which portal conduits were indicated and describe and illustrate the inherent technical considerations.