Use total portosystemic shunt to rescue an emergency PNF with intractable hypotension: A case report

Abstract

Rationale: Living donor allogeneic liver transplantation is a surgical treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease, wherein a healthy liver is implanted in the patient, facilitating the recovery of the liver function in patients with end-stage liver disease. However, primary nonfunction (PNF) may occur as a result of this procedure. Patient concerns: A case of an 65-year-old Asian male with a medical history of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is described. Intractable hypotension occurred after open hepatic portal anastomosis, and large doses of vasoactive substances did not improve the condition. Diagnosis: PNF was diagnosed during surgery and it caused intractable hypotension. Interventions: we promptly used the total portosystemic shunt to achieve a successful rescue. Outcomes: The strengthening of perioperative management and active treatment allowed second liver transplantation and anhepatic phase of up to 10 hours, following which the patient was rescued. Lessons: The lesson we have learned is that total portosystemic shunt composited with careful anesthesia management can rescue the event of PNF with intractable hypotension in liver transplantation surgery. At the same time, we give attention to blood pressure, electrocardiogram, albumin, calcium, potassium, acidosis, coagulopathy, anti-infection, and protection of vital organs is essential for successful retransplant outcomes.