Risk factors of portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis

Abstract

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication after splenectomy, causing a possible negative impact on the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis. However, the risk factors of PVT are not completely clear. Many factors are related to the occurrence of postoperative PVT, such as hemodynamic changes, splenomegaly, splenectomy, coagulation and anticoagulation disorder, liver cirrhosis, platelet count, D-dimer level, infection, inflammation, and other factors.Hemodynamic changes are mainly caused by thicker portal and splenic vein diameters, larger spleen, slower portal vein blood flow rate, lower portal vein pressure before and after surgery, etc. It is timely detection and advanced prevention that really matter in reducing PVT incidence and improving patient prognosis. We systematically reviewed the researches on the risk factors and therapies of PVT to provide useful information on a comprehensive understanding for researchers.