Management of hepatic artery stenosis after orthotopic liver transplantation / 中华肝胆外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To determine the timing for therapy and efficacy for different types of hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) after orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT). Methods From October 2003 to May 2007, a total of 21 patients had hepatic artery stenosis after OLT in this hospital. Of the 21 patients, 19 underwent stent placement in their narrowed hepatic arteries and 2 were regularly followed up. Liver function, clinical outcomes, and the hepatic artery potency were reviewed. Results The occurring rate of HAS was 3.43% (21/613) and its median time of diagnosis was 146 days (range, 2-515 days). Six patients with early HAS were treated with interventions and 2 of them died.For the 4 surviving patients, 2 received retransplantation. For the 15 patients with late HAS, 13 were treated with interventions and 4 of them died. Two patients received retransplantation. Seven surviving patients had abnormality in liver function. Another 2 patients had normal liver function because of hepatic portal form compensatory circulation. Conclusion The presence of ischemic bile duct lesion and whether or not favourable compensatory circulation exists or not should be considered before individualized therapeutic regimens adopted according to postoperative HAS types.