Portal thrombosis. A rare complication of laparoscopic splenectomy

Portal Vein Thrombosis After Splenic and Pancreatic Surgery

The portal vein is formed by the confluence of the splenic and superior mesenteric veins, which drain the spleen and small intestine respectively. Occlusion of the portal vein by thrombus typically occurs in patients with cirrhosis and/or prothrombotic disorders. However, portal vein thrombosis (PVT) can also happen after determined surgeries. Moreover, PVT can have serious consequences depending on the location and extent of the thrombosis, including hepatic ischemia, intestinal ischemia, portal hypertension… In this chapter, we will review the incidence, management and prophylaxis of PVT after splenectomy, pancreas transplantation, pancreatic surgery and in the setting of acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Fatal pulmonary embolism following splenectomy in a patient with Evan's syndrome: case report and review of the literature

Background

Evans syndrome (ES) is a rare disease characterized by simultaneous or sequential development of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) with or without immune neutropenia. Splenectomy is one of the treatment options for disease refractory to medical therapy. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) following splenectomy for hematological diseases has an incidence of 10%.

Case presentation

Here we describe a case report of a young patient hospitalized with severe hemolytic anemia with Hgb 4.8 g/dl. He developed thrombocytopenia with platelet nadir of 52,000/mm³, thus formally diagnosed with ES. He failed standard medical therapy. He underwent splenectomy and had a fatal outcome. Autopsy confirmed the cause of death as pulmonary embolism (PE).

Conclusions

This case report and review of the literature highlight important aspects of the association between VTE, splenectomy, and hemolytic syndromes including the presence of thrombocytopenia. The burden of the disease is reviewed as well as various pathophysiologic mechanisms contributing to thromboembolic events in these patients and current perioperative prophylactic anticoagulation strategies. Despite an advancing body of literature increasing awareness of VTE following splenectomy, morbidity and mortality remains high. Identifying high risk individuals for thromboembolic complications from splenectomy remains a challenge. There are no consensus guidelines for proper perioperative and post-operative anti-coagulation. We encourage future research to determine which factors might be playing a role in increasing the risk for VTE in real time with hope of forming a consensus to guide management.

Portal vein thrombosis after laparoscopic and open splenectomy

INTRODUCTION

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) could be a life-threatening complication after splenectomy if not diagnosed promptly and treated properly. Risk factors of PVT are not completely clarified. Spleen size and underlying hematologic diseases are main potential risk factors for this complication. Laparoscopic surgery might increase the risk of developing PVT, as it reduces the blood flow in the portal system due to the pneumoperitoneum but, on the other hand, it seems to be associated with less postoperative modifications of coagulation parameters than open surgery, thus preventing PVT itself. The authors reviewed their series on open and laparoscopic splenectomies, pointing out their experience on PVT and discussing their surveillance and prophylaxis programs to prevent this complication.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this series, the authors report their experience on postsplenectomy PVT in 162 patients who have been splenectomised (102 operated on laparoscopically and 60 by open surgery).

RESULTS

PVT was clinically observed in 1 case out of 60 open splenectomies and in 3 cases out of 102 laparoscopic procedures. Patients were treated with conservative anticoagulation therapy. In one case, additional ileal resection was needed. Mortality was 0%.

CONCLUSION

Low-molecular-weight heparin should be administered to all patients who have been splenectomised, especially if they are at high risk of PVT. If symptoms appear, patients need to be treated with high-dose heparin followed, after at least 3 weeks, by oral anticoagulant therapy.

Systemic thromboembolic complications after laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in comparison to open surgery in the absence of anticoagulant prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in adults has a chronic course and may necessitate splenectomy. The current study was undertaken to study the systemic thromboembolic complications of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) versus open splenectomy (OS) in patients with ITP at two large referral hospitals.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 49 patients who underwent splenectomy (21 LS and 28 OS) for primary/relapsing refractory ITP between June 1995 and November 2004. Clinically and/or radiologically confirmed deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE) were assessed within 2 weeks before and after splenectomy. None had prophylactic anticoagulants immediately after surgery. Follow up of those who developed complications continued for at least 2 additional years to assess for contributing factors that may have been masked at the time of occurrence.

RESULTS

Two (9.5%) LS group had acute PE within 5 days of LS and their platelet count reached 500A103/I(1/4)L within 4 days and 1000A103/I(1/4)L within 7 days after surgery. Three conversions to OS occurred; none had VTE. DVT occurred in 3 patients (10.7%) in the OS group; none were life threatening. There were no deaths.

CONCLUSION

Life-threatening venous thromboembolic events are serious complications after LS and OS for ITP patients if prophylactic anticoagulants are not administered. Patients at risk are those who both have an exponential rise of the platelet count, although factors other than the platelet count may be contributing in OS. Postsplenectomy, ITP should be considered as a thrombophilic condition and studies of additional measures to prevent such events are warranted.

Trombose de veia porta após desconexão ázigo-portal e esplenectomia em pacientes esquistossomóticos: Qual a real importância?

CONTEXTO: A complicação mais frequente após a desconexão ázigo-portal e esplenectomia em doentes com esquistossomose mansônica hepatoesplênica é a trombose da veia porta. OBJETIVOS:Avaliar a incidência, os fatores preditivos dessa complicação, assim como, a evolução clínica, laboratorial, endoscópica e ultrassonográfica desses pacientes. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados retrospectivamente os prontuários de 155 doentes esquistossomóticos submetidos a desconexão ázigo-portal e esplenectomia. RESULTADOS: Trombose de veia porta foi observada em 52,3% dos pacientes, sendo 6,5% de trombose total e 45,8% de trombose parcial. Os pacientes que evoluíram com trombose de veia porta apresentaram mais frequentemente diarreia no pós-operatório. Febre foi evento habitual que ocorreu em 70% dos casos, mais frequente, entretanto, nos doentes com trombose total da veia porta (100%). Trombose de veia mesentérica superior ocorreu em quatro doentes (2,6%), sendo mais frequente entre os com trombose total da veia porta. Não se encontrou diferença estatística quanto aos parâmetros clínicos, laboratoriais, endoscópicos e recidiva hemorrágica no pós-operatório tardio, quando comparados os pacientes com e sem trombose portal. CONCLUSÕES: A trombose de veia porta no pós-operatório da desconexão ázigo-portal e esplenectomia é evento frequente, sem nenhum fator preditivo para sua ocorrência; na maioria dos casos a trombose é parcial e apresenta evolução benigna, com baixa morbidade; trombose total da veia porta está mais frequentemente associada à trombose da veia mesentérica superior, com elevada morbidade; a trombose da veia porta, parcial ou total, não acarretou complicações no período pós-operatório tardio.

Portal vein thrombosis following laparoscopic total mesorectal excision: case report

Data continue to grow regarding the safety and technical feasibility of laparoscopically assisted total mesorectal excision (TME). As this minimally invasive alternative to open colonic resection becomes more popular, it is inevitable that information on the benefits and complications associated with it will continue to expand. Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) has been reported after a variety of laparoscopic procedures. We report a case of superior mesenteric, splenic and portal vein thrombosis following laparoscopically assisted TME. To our knowledge, this complication of laparoscopic TME has not been previously reported in the literature. PVT should be ruled out in patients who present with vague abdominal symptoms. The course of this complication, while potentially devastating, is usually benign and responds well to lysis and/or anticoagulation.

Increased procoagulant cell-derived microparticles (C-MP) in splenectomized patients with ITP

BACKGROUND

Splenectomy is frequently employed for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes in various clinical disorders. However its long-term safety is not well elucidated. Although risk of infection by encapsulated organisms is widely recognized, less well-known are risks of thrombosis and cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

We investigated levels of cell-derived microparticles (C-MP) in 23 splenectomized ITP (ITP-S) and 53 unsplenectomized ITP patients (ITP-nS). Assay of C-MP derived from platelets (PMP), leukocytes (LMP), red cells (RMP) and endothelial cells (EMP) were performed by flow cytometry. Coagulation parameters included PT, aPTT and activities of FVIII, IX and XI. Results of all measures were compared between the two groups, ITP-S vs ITP-nS.

RESULTS

Levels of all C-MP were higher in ITP-S than ITP-nS but only RMP and LMP reached statistical significance (p = 0.0035 and p < 0.0001, respectively). The aPTT was significantly shorter in ITP-S (p = 0.029). Interestingly, correlation analysis revealed that RMP, but not other C-MP, were associated with shortening of aPTT (p = 0.024) as well as with increased activities of factors VIII (p = 0.023), IX (p = 0.021) and XI (p = 0.0089).

CONCLUSIONS

RMP and LMP were significantly elevated in splenectomized compared to non-splenectomized ITP patients. This suggests that the spleen functions to clear procoagulant C-MP, and that elevation of C-MP might contribute to increased risk of thrombosis, progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease following splenectomy.

A case of portal vein thrombosis after laparoscopy-assisted splenectomy and cholecystectomy in a child

We report the case of an 8-year-old boy with a red cell membrane disorder who developed, soon after undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and splenectomy, complete thrombosis of the right branch and a partial occlusion of the left branch of the portal vein. The child was affected by a right hemiparesis because of a hypoxic-ischemic disorder that occurred in the first hours of life and was heterozygous for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation 677C-T. Intravenous heparin and aspirin were initiated on postoperative day 7. Heparin treatment was switched to the subcutaneous route after the first 24 hours. The symptoms subsided 3 days after the beginning of treatment, whereas complete resolution of portal vein thrombosis was observed 2 months later. A review of the literature is reported, and the possible pathogenetic mechanisms underlying portal vein thrombosis are discussed.

Portal Vein Thrombosis After Laparoscopic Splenectomy in Benign Hematologic Diseases

INTRODUCTION

Portal vein thrombosis is an unfrequent, but potentially deadly, complication of the laparoscopic splenectomy procedure. The laparoscopic approach has shortened the duration of hospital stay; portal vein thrombosis may appear after the patient has left the hospital, determining a later diagnosis. Because of the mild, nonspecific symptoms, the diagnosis can even be missed and only achieved when chronic complications take place.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to determine the appearance of portal vein thrombosis in a consecutive series of patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy by performing a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan postoperatively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A transversal study was established, performing in 2005 a contrast-enhanced CT scan on 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy between 1999 and 2005 at Ramón y Cajal University Hospital (Madrid, Spain). The presence of thrombosis in the splenoportomesenteric axis was investigated.

RESULTS

Two (2) cases (10%) of portal vein thrombosis were detected: 1 symptomatic case, 7 days after surgery, was treated with anticoagulation, resulting in the disappearance of the thrombus in a new CT scan 6 months later; the second case was asymptomatic and was discovered during the performance of this study.

CONCLUSIONS

The contrast-enhanced CT scan shows the best accuracy for the diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis, and it must be performed when any clinical manifestation appear; also, it must still be determined if a contrast-enhanced CT scan should be systematically performed in high-risk thromboembolic patients. An ultrasound Doppler may present many diagnostic errors. It is probably advisable to prolong the antithromboembolic prophylaxis.

Thrombosis of the splenoportal axis after splenectomy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Thrombosis of the portal system is a potentially life-threatening complication after splenectomy. The reported incidence is low (approximately or = 1%), however may be underestimated due to difficult in making the diagnosis. The factors associated with its development and the clinical outcome are poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, risk factors, treatment, and outcome in series of consecutive cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients who had undergone a splenectomy (both open and laparoscopic) between January 1997 and December 2004 at the Department of Surgery of University of Milan Bicocca were retrospectively reviewed. Twelve cases of thrombosis (7.6%) among 158 splenectomies were identified. No significant differences were noted in age, gender, and surgical approach between patients who developed thrombosis and those who did not. Indication for splenectomy in patients with thrombosis were myeloproliferative disorders (n=5), hemolytic disease (n=4), and lymphoproliferative disorder (n=3). All patients had splenomegaly (mean 1.380 kg, range 0.400-3.120 kg).

RESULTS

Among patients with myeloproliferative disorders, five (33%) developed the complication, compared with 4 of 35 (11.5%) with hemolytic disease. Patients with both splenic weight >2.500 kg and myeloproliferative disorders had 80% incidence of portal thrombosis. Preoperative prophylactic anticoagulant therapy with low molecular weight heparin was administered in each case. All these patients had fever, abdominal pain, or leukocytosis. All diagnoses were made by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan and ecocolordoppler ultrasonography, and anticoagulation therapy was initiated immediately. Treatment within 15 days after splenectomy was successful in all patients, while delayed treatment was ineffective.

CONCLUSIONS

Portal thrombosis should be suspected in patients with fever or abdominal pain after splenectomy. Patients with myeloproliferative disorders and hemolytic diseases are at higher risk, as well as patients with marked splenomegaly. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis, and prompt anticoagulation therapy are the keys to a successful outcome.

Laparoscopy-Associated Portal Vein Thrombosis: Description of an Evolving Clinical Syndrome

Several cases of portal vein thrombosis following laparoscopic procedures have been reported over the past few years. To date, no formal description of this phenomenon has been provided. In this paper, we summarize and analyze the features of the 4 reported cases to date as well as a fifth case encountered at our institution. The probable causes of this complication include changes in coagulation status, splanchnic hemodynamics, and portal venous blood flow, all of which may be related to carbon dioxide absorption and increased intra-abdominal pressure. The recognition of this phenomenon and its management are discussed. A review of the relevant literature is provided.

Elective Laparoscopic Splenectomy and Thrombosis of the Spleno-portal Axis

Thrombosis of the portal system is a potentially life-threatening but otherwise underappreciated complication after splenectomy. Nonspecific and mild onset symptoms are the cause of delay in diagnosis, and the short hospital stay after laparoscopic approach could even contribute to the difficulty of early detection of this condition. The aim of this study was to verify if planned imaging controls are able to discover this complication leading to a prompt treatment. Thirty-eight patients (19 males and 19 females with a mean age of 24 years) who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy at our institution were studied to identify clinical signs of thrombosis of the portal venous system and eventually associated factors. All the patients were enrolled in a protocol of imaging surveillance using a doppler ultrasound method. Postoperative thrombosis of the spleno-portal axis occurred in 7 patients (18.9%) of the series. In 3 cases (8.1%) the thrombus extended from the splenic vein to occlude the portal axis. The complication was symptomatic in 4 cases (10.8%), whereas in 3 cases, the thrombosis was an ultrasonographic surprise in totally asymptomatic patients. Thrombosis occurred even as late as 2 months after splenectomy. Splenomegaly was the only significant factor predictive of thrombosis. Only those patients who had an early detection of portal or splenic vein thrombosis had a recanalization of the veins with anticoagulant therapy. Patients with splenomegaly who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy are at risk of thrombosis of the portal system and should undergo strict imaging surveillance and aggressive anticoagulation therapy.

Coagulation and Splenectomy: An Overview

Venous thromboembolic events, such as pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, and portal vein thrombosis, have been observed in adult thalassemia patients, mainly in beta-thalassemia intermedia. The clinical findings are consistent with the observation of several alterations that indicate a state of activation of the hemostatic mechanisms in thalassemias. These alterations have usually been related to high platelet counts due to splenectomy and/or liver dysfunction. In a retrospective study of a large cohort of adults with thalassemia, we found a larger prevalence of venous thromboembolic events in transfusion-independent patients with thalassemia intermedia (29%) than in regularly transfused patients with thalassemia major (2%); moreover, the higher prevalence occurred particularly in splenectomized thalassemia intermedia patients. More recently, a multicenter study involving 56 tertiary referral centers in 7 countries was planned to assess the magnitude of thrombotic risk in thalassemia patients. The total number of patients who had thrombotic events was 146 (1.65%) out of 8860, with a prevalence of 0.9% in thalassemia major and 4% in thalassemia intermedia. The highest prevalence was confirmed in splenectomized patients. The observation that thrombotic events are more frequent in beta-thalassemia patients who are not receiving regular transfusions (thalassemia intermedia or thalassemia major patients in less developed countries with limited transfusion resources) or in thalassemic patients who have undergone splenectomy strongly supports the procoagulant activity of circulating damaged red blood cells.

Portal Vein Thrombosis after Laparoscopic Colectomy: Thrombolytic Therapy via the Superior Mesenteric Vein

Portal vein thrombosis is a rare but well-reported complication after laparoscopic surgery. We present a case of portomesenteric venous thrombosis that occurred 8 days after a laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy. Systemic anticoagulation failed to improve symptoms. The early postoperative state precluded the use of transarterial thrombolytic therapy. Transjugular intra-hepatic catheter-directed infusion of urokinase into the superior mesenteric vein resulted in clearance of thrombus and resolution of symptoms. The published data on laparoscopy-induced splanchnic venous thrombosis and transjugular intrahepatic intramesenteric thrombolysis are discussed.

High incidence of thrombosis of the portal venous system after laparoscopic splenectomy: a prospective study with contrast-enhanced CT scan

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this prospective study were to investigate the true incidence of portal or splenic vein thrombosis (PSVT) after elective laparoscopic splenectomy using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan, and outcome of anticoagulant therapy for PSVT.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Although rare, thrombosis of the portal venous system is considered a possible cause of death after splenectomy. The reported incidence of ultrasonographically detected PSVT after elective open splenectomy ranges from 6.3% to 10%.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy (LS group), and 21 patients underwent open splenectomy (OS group). Preoperative and postoperative helical CT with contrast were obtained in all patients, and the extent of thrombosis was investigated. Prothrombotic disorder was also determined.

RESULTS

PSVT occurred in 12 (55%) patients of the LS group, but in only 4 (19%) of the OS group. The difference was significant (P = 0.03). Clinical symptoms appeared in 4 of the 12 LS patients. Thrombosis occurred in the intrahepatic portal vein (n = 9), extrahepatic portal vein (n = 2), mesenteric veins (n = 1), proximal splenic vein (n = 4), and distal splenic vein (n = 8). Prothrombotic disorder was diagnosed in 1 patient. Anticoagulant therapy was initiated once the diagnosis was established, and complete recanalization, except for distal splenic vein, was observed without any adverse event. Patients with splenomegaly were at high risk of PSVT.

CONCLUSIONS

PSVT is a more frequent complication of laparoscopic splenectomy than previously reported but can be treated safely following early detection by CT with contrast.

Thromboembolic complications after splenectomy for hematologic diseases

Thromboembolic complications following splenectomy for hematologic diseases occur in up to 10% of patients and may range from portal vein thrombosis (PVT) to pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Up to now there exist no recommendations for the duration and intensity of prophylactic anticoagulation, which usually follows local institutional protocols. We report on three consecutive patients with severe portal vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism--one with fatal outcome--7 to 35 days after splenectomy for autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immunothrombocytopenia, and indolent lymphoma, respectively. Incidence and pathophysiology of thromboembolic events (TE) in this patient group as well as prophylactic anticoagulation will be discussed, including a review of the current literature on this topic.

Thrombosis in the portal venous system after elective laparoscopic splenectomy

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of thrombosis in the portal system is an underappreciated complication of splenectomy. Presenting symptoms are usually mild and nonspecific. The short hospital stay associated with the laparoscopic approach could delay the early diagnosis of this condition unless routine imaging controls are planned after discharge.

METHODS

The records of 40 patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy at our institution were reviewed for clinical signs of thrombosis in the portal system and associated factors. All patients were also enrolled in a color Doppler ultrasound surveillance program.

RESULTS

Nine patients (22.5%) developed thrombosis of the splenic vein, progressing to the portal vein in five cases (12.5%). Six patients (15%) were symptomatic. Thrombosis occurred even as late as 4 months after splenectomy. Spleen weight was the only significant factor predictive of postoperative thrombosis. The combination of splenomegaly and an elevated preoperative platelet count was associated with a 75% incidence of this complication.

CONCLUSION

The high risk of thrombosis after the laparoscopic resection of large spleens should prompt strict postoperative imaging surveillance, combined with a more aggressive anticoagulation prophylaxis.

Portal Vein Thrombosis following Splenectomy: Identification of Risk Factors

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) following splenectomy is a potentially life-threatening complication, and the true incidence of PVT in splenectomized patients is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of symptomatic PVT after splenectomy. The hospital database was searched to identify cases of PVT associated with splenectomy from January 1990 to May 2002. Six hundred eighty-eight patients underwent splenectomy during this period, 321 of them for hematologic diseases. Eleven of the 688 patients had PVT associated with splenectomy, and the charts of these patients were reviewed. Six patients developed PVT after splenectomy. Five had hematologic diseases. Symptoms were abdominal pain (6), ileus (5), fever (3), or diarrhea (2). Diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography (CT) (4), duplex ultrasonography (1), and magnetic resonance imaging (1). The indications for splenectomy included hemolytic anemia (3), thalassemia (1), and myelofibrosis (1). One patient had an incidental splenectomy during gastrectomy. There were four laparoscopic and two open splenectomies. The median interval between splenectomy and diagnosis of PVT was 40 days (range, 13–741). One patient died of pulmonary embolism. Five of six patients with postsplenectomy PVT had splenomegaly and hemolysis. We conclude that the risk of PVT is higher in patients with hematologic conditions associated with splenomegaly and hemolysis.

Portal vein thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a complication of hepatic disease and a potentially lethal complication of splenectomy. The reported incidence of this complication is low (approximately 1%). However, its true incidence may have been underestimated due to difficulty in making the diagnosis. Herein we report the case of a 19 year-old woman who presented with a 2-year history of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Because she had become refractory to medical therapy, she underwent laparoscopic splenectomy. She was discharged on postoperative day 2 after an uncomplicated procedure. She did well, complaining only of mild backache, until postoperative day 21, when she presented with nausea, vomiting, and leukocytosis. CT showed PVT and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. Despite heparin and fluid administration, her condition worsened. At laparotomy, she had diffuse small bowel edema and congestion. At a second-look procedure 24 h later, nearly all her jejunum and ileum were necrotic. After three procedures, she was left with 45 cm of proximal and 10 cm of distal small bowel. Bowel continuity was restored 8 weeks later. She continued on warfarin anticoagulation therapy for 1 year. Postsplenectomy PVT is most often seen following splenectomy for myeloproliferative disorders and almost never after trauma. The large splenic vein stump and the hypercoagulable state in patients with splenomegaly are thought to be contributory. The presentation of PVT is vague, without defining signs or symptoms. Color-flow Doppler and contrast-enhanced CT scans are the best methods for the nonoperative diagnosis of PVT. Aggressive thrombolysis offers the best hope for clot lysis and maintenance of bowel viability. Even vague symptoms must be considered seriously following splenectomy.

Splenoportal thrombosis as a complication after laparoscopic splenectomy

Laparoscopic splenectomy is performed with increasing acceptance for hematologic disorders, with low complication rates reported. Splenoportal thrombosis following splenectomy is a rare complication, anecdotally reported after laparoscopic procedures. We here describe a case of thrombosis of the spleno-mesenteric-portal axis 14 days after a laparoscopic splenectomy using Ligasure. Abdominal ultrasound scans and Doppler examination allowed us to diagnose this event, and an angio-MR scan performed afterward confirmed the diagnosis. Heparin therapy was promptly begun. The patient was then switched to oral anticoagulant therapy, with resolution of the clinical features. The patient was discharged after 1 week of anticoagulant therapy with a stable Doppler ultrasound pattern. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of anticoagulant therapy associated with careful surgical technique may reduce the risk of this life-threatening complication.

Portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy

BACKGROUND

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) has been described after splenectomy, but the factors associated with its development and the clinical outcomes are poorly characterized.

METHODS

Case logs of four surgeons from 1996 to 2001 were retrospectively reviewed to identify cases of postsplenectomy PVT.

RESULTS

Eight cases of PVT (8%) among 101 splenectomies were identified. Indications for splenectomy in patients with PVT were myeloproliferative disease (n = 4), hemolytic anemia (n = 3), and myelodysplastic disorder (n = 1). All patients had splenomegaly (mean 1698 g, range 360 to 3150 g). Among 10 patients with myeloproliferative disease (MP), 4 patients (40%) developed PVT, compared with 4 of 12 patients (25%) with hemolytic anemia. Three of 4 patients (75%) with MP disease and spleen weight greater than 3,000 g developed PVT. Five patients developed PVT despite receiving prophylactic subcutaneous heparin postoperatively. Presenting symptoms included anorexia in 7 (88%), abdominal pain in 6 (75%), and both elevated leukocyte and platelet counts in 8 patients (100%). All diagnoses were made by contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan, and anticoagulation was initiated immediately. One patient died of intraabdominal sepsis; the others are alive with no clinical sequelae at 38 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

PVT is a relatively common complication of splenectomy in patients with splenomegaly. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis by contrast-enhanced computed tomography, and prompt anticoagulation are key to a successful outcome.

Diagnosis and treatment of portal vein thrombosis following splenectomy

BACKGROUND

Portal vein thrombosis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of splenectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, risk factors, treatment and outcome of portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy in a large series of patients.

METHODS

All patients who had undergone a splenectomy in the University Hospital, Rotterdam, between 1984 and 1997 were reviewed retrospectively. Splenectomy that was followed by symptomatic portal vein thrombosis was selected for analysis. Risk factors for portal vein thrombosis were sought.

RESULTS

Of 563 splenectomies, nine (2 per cent) were complicated by symptomatic portal vein thrombosis. All these patients had either fever or abdominal pain. Two of 16 patients with a myeloproliferative disorder developed portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy (P = 0.03), and four of 49 patients with haemolytic anaemia (P = 0.005). Treatment within 10 days after splenectomy was successful in all patients, while delayed treatment was ineffective.

CONCLUSION

Portal vein thrombosis should be suspected in a patient with fever or abdominal pain after splenectomy. Patients with a myeloproliferative disorder or haemolytic anaemia are at higher risk; they might benefit from early detection and could have routine Doppler ultrasonography after splenectomy.