Is portal vein thrombosis still a contraindication for liver transplantation? A single-institute’s 5-year experience and literature review

Abstract

Background/purpose: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common problem in candidates for liver transplantation (LT). PVT is a well-recognized complication of patients with end-stage liver disease and its incidence ranges from 2% to 26%. The total PVT still represents an absolute contraindication for an LT. Various techniques of PV revascularization have been proposed; however, the results are far from optimal. Objective: The aim of this article is to report our experience in LT with PVT and to analyze the latest literature in this field. Materials and methods: In the past 5 years, 317 LTs were performed in 317 patients. Twentyone (6.6%) of them had a PVT (19 partial and two total). Results: During transplantation, a total thrombectomy was performed in 13 cases and a partial thrombectomy in the remaining six patients. In case of total thrombectomy, a left renovascular revascularization was performed in one case and a left gastric vein revascularization in the other. No cases of PVT recurrence were reported in the early follow-up. Conclusion: PVT no longer represent an absolute contraindication for an LT.