Prevention and management of hepatic artery thrombosis in orthotopic liver transplantation / 中国普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo investigate the methods of hepatic arterial reconstruction in orthotopic liver (transplantation)(OLT), and the prevention and management of associated complications, so as to improve the therapeatic results and donor survival rate of OLT.MethodsThe clinical data of 85 cases of orthotopic liver transplantation performed in our institute from May 1995 to May 2004 were retrospectively analysed. Hepatic artery reconstruction was made by use of Carrels patch of donor celiac artery or bifurcation of donor common hepatic artery and splenic artery anastoniosed to left and right hepatic artery of recipient in 16 cases((18.82)%), to bifurcation of gastroduodenal and proper hepatic arteries of recipient in 61 cases((71.76)%), or use of donor iliac artery interposition graft to abdominal aorta in 8 cases(9.42%). Regular heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin as a prophylactic anticoagulation therapy was maintained during and after (operation) as indicated by prothrombin time. Intra-and postoperative Doppler ultrasonography was used to (monitor) hepatic arterial blood supply.ResultsHepatic artery thrombosis(HAT) was observed in 1 case (intraoperatively)(overall incidence 1.2%).Thrombectomy and reconstruction of the arterial anastomosis were performed immediately.This patient currently has a survival time of 13 months without HAT. HAT was not observed in any of the other 84 cases during the follow up of 2 to 52 months.Conclusions Hepatic artery thrombosis may be minimized by proper selection of anastomotic site of hepatic artery reconstruction and (effective) use of postoperative anticoagulation.Close follow-up by Doppler ultrasonography may make a prompt diagnosis of HAT, salvage grafts and avoid re-transplantation.