Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of venous anastomotic stenoses complicating liver transplantation: intermediate-term results

Vascular complications after liver transplantation: contemporary approaches to detection and treatment. A literature review

Vascular complications (VCs) after liver transplantation (LT) are rare but are one of the most dreaded conditions that can potentially lead to graft loss and recipient death. This paper has analyzed the international experience in the early diagnosis of various VCs that can develop following LT, as well as the optimal timing and methods of treatment of these complications.

Percutaneous transhepatic interventional therapy of portal vein stenosis in paediatric liver transplantation: A systematic review of efficacy and safety

PURPOSE OF THE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

To determine the efficacy and safety of percutaneous trans-hepatic balloon and/or stent angioplasty (PTA) in the management of portal vein (PV) stenosis following paediatric liver transplantation.

METHODS

Articles were included from a systematic search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov and International Clinical Trials Registry from inception to the 29th of August 2020.

RESULTS

There were 213 paediatric liver recipients who underwent PTA for PV stenosis in 19 included studies published between 1991 and 2019. Balloon angioplasty was the initial treatment in the majority (n = 153). Primary stent placement (n = 34) was performed for elastic recoil, intimal tears and PV kinks and rescue stent placement (n = 14) for recurrent PV stenosis following primary balloon angioplasty. The technical success was 97.6%-100% overall, 97.6%-100% for balloon-angioplasty-only and 100% for primary stenting. The clinical success was 50%-100% overall, 50%-100% for balloon-angioplasty-only and 100% for primary stenting. Long-term PV patency was 50%-100% overall, 37.5%-100% for balloon-angioplasty-only and 100% for primary stenting. Primary balloon angioplasty was successful in 78% of the cases. Of the recurrent PV stenoses, 9% resolved with stent placement and one required a meso-Rex shunt. There was one re-transplantation without stenting. The complication rate was 2.6% for balloon-angioplasty-only (bleeding, liver abscess, 2 PV thromboses) and 5.9% for primary stenting (bleeding, stent-fracture). There was no procedure-related mortality.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous transhepatic balloon angioplasty may be the initial management of portal vein stenosis in paediatric liver recipients. Stent placement may be a primary option in selected cases and a reliable rescue option for recurrent portal vein stenosis following balloon-angioplasty-only.

Safety and Efficacy of Endovascular Treatment of Portal Vein Stenosis in Liver Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of Angioplasty and Stent Placement for the treatment of Portal Vein Stenosis in Liver Transplant Recipients by performing a systematic review.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PubMed Database was extensively searched for articles describing Portal Vein Stenosis (PVS) as a complication in Liver Transplant (LT) patients. The initial database search yielded 488 unique records published in the PubMed Database, 19 of which were deemed to meet the inclusion criteria. Outcomes were separated into 2 groups (Group A included patients with primary angioplasty, Group B included patients with primary stent placement), and further subdivided into Adult and Pediatric populations.

RESULTS

Group A included a total of 282 LT patients with portal vein stenosis. The population was predominantly pediatric (n = 243). Group B included a total of 111 LT patients with portal vein stenosis. This population was predominantly adult (n = 66). Technical success was significantly higher in both Group B pediatric (100%) and adults (97%) compared to Group A (69.5%) and (66.7%) respectively. Re-stenosis rates were significantly lower in Group B pediatric group compared to Group A (2.3% vs 29.7%, χ² = 13.9; p < 0.001). Overall major (3.1%) and minor complications rates (1.5%) were low.

CONCLUSION

Primary stent placement appears to have higher technical success in both populations and lower re-stenosis rates for treatment of PVS in pediatric populations.

Interventional radiology in the management of the liver transplant patient

Liver transplantation (LT) is commonly used to treat patients with end-stage liver disease. The evolution of surgical techniques, endovascular methods, and medical care has led to a progressive decrease in posttransplant morbidity and mortality. Despite these improvements, a multidisciplinary approach to each patient remains essential as the early diagnosis and treatment of the complications of transplantation influence graft and patient survival. The critical role of interventional radiology in the collaborative approach to the care of the LT patient will be reviewed. Liver Transplantation 23 1328-1341 2017 AASLD.

Therapeutic efficacy and stent patency of transhepatic portal vein stenting after surgery

AIM

To evaluate portal vein (PV) stenosis and stent patency after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, using abdominal computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

Percutaneous portal venous stenting was attempted in 22 patients with significant PV stenosis (> 50%) - after hepatobiliary or pancreatic surgery - diagnosed by abdominal CT. Stents were placed in various stenotic lesions after percutaneous transhepatic portography. Pressure gradient across the stenotic segment was measured in 14 patients. Stents were placed when the pressure gradient across the stenotic segment was > 5 mmHg or PV stenosis was > 50%, as observed on transhepatic portography. Patients underwent follow-up abdominal CT and technical and clinical success, complications, and stent patency were evaluated.

RESULTS

Stent placement was successful in 21 patients (technical success rate: 95.5%). Stents were positioned through the main PV and superior mesenteric vein (n = 13), main PV (n = 2), right and main PV (n = 1), left and main PV (n = 4), or main PV and splenic vein (n = 1). Patients showed no complications after stent placement. The time between procedure and final follow-up CT was 41-761 d (mean: 374.5 d). Twenty stents remained patent during the entire follow-up. Stent obstruction - caused by invasion of the PV stent by a recurrent tumor - was observed in 1 patient in a follow-up CT performed after 155 d after the procedure. The cumulative stent patency rate was 95.7%. Small in-stent low-density areas were found in 11 (55%) patients; however, during successive follow-up CT, the extent of these areas had decreased.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous transhepatic stent placement can be safe and effective in cases of PV stenosis after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. Stents show excellent patency in follow-up abdominal CT, despite development of small in-stent low-density areas.

Sonographic Evaluation of Complications of Liver Transplantation

This article reviews several of the major complications that occur after liver transplantation and describes radiologic modalities used to diagnose and evaluate them. To illustrate the discussion, case presentations of five patients who under-went liver transplantation at the Nazih Zuhdi Transplantation Institute at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City are given. Many of the major complications of liver transplantation can be characterized as vascular or biliary in origin. Hepatic artery thrombosis is the most dreaded complication in the immediate postoperative period because it often necessitates retransplantation. Hepatic artery stenosis can alter graft function as well. Less common arterial complications include pseudoaneurysm formation, hepatic artery rupture and arteriovenous fistula formation. Venous complications include inferior vena cava and portal vein thrombosis and stenosis. Gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasound play a primary role in detection of vascular complications. Angiography or venography may be used for definitive diagnosis. Biliary complications, such as biliary leakage or stricture, occur with some frequency after transplantation and are best evaluated with sonography, cholangiography, and nuclear medicine studies. A late complication of liver transplantation is posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder, which may be detected and evaluated by ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Graft rejection is better detected by nonradiologic means.

Long-term Results of Domino Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using the "Double Piggy-back" Technique: A 13-Year Experience

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with Domino LT (DLT) using the "Double Piggy-back" technique.

BACKGROUND DATA

DLT using livers from familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) patients is a well-described technique and useful for expanding the donor pool. However, data on long-term results for HCC are limited, particularly regarding the use of the "Double Piggy-back" technique.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2014, a total of 260 patients undergoing LT for HCC were analyzed from a prospective database. Of those, 114 were submitted to DLT. Comparisons between groups were performed using propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 34 months (1-152). Overall and disease-free 5-year survival rates for the whole population were 58% and 56%, respectively. There were 177 (68%) patients within Milan Criteria and an additional 26 (10%) within University of California San Francisco (UCSF) criteria. Patients older than 50 years were more likely to receive an FAP liver [odds ratio (OR) 1.94, confidence interval (CI) 1.02-3.69]. DLT patients had more major complications (23.7% vs 13.0%, P = 0.025). Only patients undergoing DLT presented with piggy-back syndrome (7% vs 0%, P = 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, DLT and cadaveric LT had a similar 5-year survival rate (59% vs 44%, respectively, P = 0.117). Thirteen patients (11.4%) evidenced FAP disease but not before 6 years after DLT.

CONCLUSIONS

DLT for HCC is feasible and achieves equivalent results to cadaveric LT. The benefit of expanding the donor pool must be balanced against higher morbidity and a real risk of disease transmission.

Current state of the art in management of vascular complications after pediatric liver transplantation

Vascular complications by compromising the blood flow to the allograft can have significant and sometimes life-threatening consequences after pediatric liver transplantation. High level of suspicion and aggressive utilization of diagnostic modalities can lead to early diagnosis and salvage of the allograft. This review will summarize the current trends in management of vascular complications after pediatric liver transplantation.

Percutaneous segmental dilatation of portal stenosis after paediatric liver transplantation to avoid or postpone surgery: two cases and literature review

PURPOSE

The authors retrospectively reviewed the results obtained with percutaneous treatment of portal stenosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In November 2005 and March 2008, two patients, 15 and 32 months old, underwent portal vein angioplasty at our centre. Both procedures were performed after ultrasound-guided portal vein puncture and measurement of pre- and postanastomotic pressure gradients. The diameters of the angioplasty catheters ranged from 5 to 10 mm and no stents were used.

RESULTS

In both cases, it was possible to cross the stenoses, perform angioplasty and obtain an immediate reduction of the pressure gradients. There were no major complications after the procedure. In the first patient, percutaneous treatment allowed us to postpone surgical revision of the anastomosis; in the second case, angioplasty had to be repeated twice over a period of 4 years to finally achieve regular patency of the anastomosis and function of the graft.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous treatment of portal stenosis after paediatric liver transplantation is a safe and feasible treatment; if balloon dilatation does not guarantee functional recovery of the organ, it allows surgical revision to be postponed to a later date when the clinical condition is more stable.

Hepatic venous outflow obstruction after transplantation: outcomes for treatment with self-expanding stents

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and patency of self-expanding stents to treat hepatic venous outflow obstruction after orthotopic liver transplantation. To evaluate differences in the response between patients with early obstruction and patients with late obstruction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of 16 patients with hepatic venous outflow obstruction after liver transplantation treated with stents (1996-2011). Follow-up included venography/manometry, ultrasonography, CT, and laboratory tests. We did a descriptive statistical analysis of the survival of patients and stents, technical and clinical success of the procedure, recurrence of obstruction, and complications of the procedure. We also did an inferential statistical analysis of the differences between patients with early and late obstruction.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 3.34 years (21-5,331 days). The technical success rate was 93.7%, and the clinical success rate was 81.2%. The rate of complications was 25%. The survival rates were 87.5% for patients and 92.5% for stents. The rate of recurrence was 12.5%. The rate of primary patency was 0.96 (95% CI 0.91-1) at 3 months, 0.96 (95% CI 0.91-1) at 6 months, 0.87 (95% CI 0.73-1) at 12 months, and 0.87 (95% CI 0.73-1) at 60 months. There were no significant differences between patients with early and late obstruction, although there was a trend toward higher rates of primary patency in patients with early obstruction (P=.091).

CONCLUSIONS

Treating hepatic venous outflow obstruction after orthotopic transplantation with self-expanding stents is effective, durable, and effective. There are no significant differences between patients with early obstruction and those with late obstruction.

Imaging of vascular complications and their consequences following transplantation in the abdomen

Transplantation is the surgical treatment of choice for end-stage organ failure. Transplantation procedures performed in the abdomen include liver, renal, pancreas, islet, intestinal, and multivisceral transplantations. Imaging plays a pivotal role in the posttransplantation setting for monitoring the transplant allograft and screening for complications. Knowledge of the surgical techniques employed in abdominal transplantation is essential because it facilitates radiologic understanding and interpretation of the posttransplantation anatomy. This article includes a basic description of the standard surgical techniques performed in the abdomen, with emphasis on the relevant vascular anastomotic reconstructions used. Posttransplantation complications can be broadly classified as vascular or nonvascular in origin. Many of these complications can be accurately depicted and characterized at imaging and dealt with definitively by using interventional radiology techniques, which can be graft- and life-saving and can obviate further complex surgical intervention. The article discusses imaging appearances of vascular complications and their consequences after transplantation in the abdomen. These vascular complications include arterial thrombosis, arterial stenosis, venous thrombosis and stenosis, arteriovenous fistula formation, and pseudoaneurysm formation. The relevant predisposing factors, clinical features, imaging appearances, and potential treatment options for vascular complications of various types of transplantation are presented in a logical and integrated fashion. Knowledge and imaging recognition of the posttransplantation vascular complications discussed in this article will aid radiologists in accurate imaging characterization and thereby facilitate appropriate clinical management and therapy.

Endovascular treatment with primary stenting of inferior cava vein torsion following orthotopic liver transplantation with modified piggyback technique

PURPOSE

This study was undertaken to evaluate primary stenting in patients with inferior vena cava torsion after orthotopic liver transplantation performed with modified piggyback technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From November 2003 to October 2010, six patients developed clinical, laboratory and imaging findings suggestive of caval stenosis, after a mean period of 21 days from an orthotopic liver transplantation performed with modified piggyback technique. Vena cavography showed stenosis due to torsion of the inferior vena cava at the anastomoses and a significant caval venous pressure gradient. All patients were treated with primary stenting followed by in-stent angioplasty in three cases.

RESULTS

In all patients, the stents were successfully positioned at the caval anastomosis and the venous gradient pressure fell from a mean value of 10 to 2 mmHg. Signs and symptoms resolved in all six patients. One patient died 3 months after stent placement due to biliary complications. No evidence of recurrence or complications was noted during the follow-up (mean 49 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary stenting of inferior vena cava stenosis due to torsion of the anastomoses in patients receiving orthotopic liver transplantation with modified piggyback technique is a safe, effective and durable treatment.

Successful treatment by balloon angioplasty under portography for late-onset stenosis of portal vein after cadaveric liver transplantation

A 69-year-old woman, who underwent cadaveric liver transplantation for non-B, non-C liver cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma in April 2009, was admitted to our hospital because of graft dysfunction. Enhanced computed tomography revealed stenosis of the left branch of the portal vein, obstruction of the right branch of the portal vein at porta hepatis, and esophagogastric varices. Balloon angioplasty of the left branch of the portal vein under transsuperior mesenteric venous portography was performed by minilaparotomy. After dilatation of the left branch of the portal vein, the narrow segment of the portal vein was dilated, which resulted in reduction of collateral circulation. At 7 days after balloon angioplasty, esophageal varices were improved. The patient made a satisfactory recovery, was discharged 8 days after balloon angioplasty, and remains well.

A bidirectional approach for portal vein stent placement in a child with complete portal vein occlusion after living donor liver transplantation

Delayed PV complications are not rare in pediatric liver transplantation. Although PTPV offers a treatment and minimizes surgical revision, in case of complete PV thrombosis (PVT), the failure rate of PTPV is high. Herein, we report a successful technique of PTPV in a case of complete PVT with a stent placement using a bidirectional approach in a child with living donor liver transplantation.

Portal interventions in liver transplant recipients

Portal vein interventions in liver transplant recipients represent a group of interventions in the management of several disease entities including portal vein stenosis, portal vein thrombosis, and recurrent liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension with and without gastric varices. The procedures performed in these patient populations include portal vein angioplasty with or without stent placement for portal vein stenosis, portal vein thrombolysis with or without stent placement for portal vein thrombosis, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts or splenic embolization for cirrhosis, and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for gastric varices. This article discusses these disease entities and the minimal invasive procedures used in their management.

The Role of Interventional Radiology in Treating Complications following Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) is used to treat both adult and pediatric patients with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure. It has become more prevalent as both the surgical technique and postoperative care have improved resulting in a reduced morbidity and mortality. As a result, there are more patients surviving longer after liver transplantation. Despite this, there remain serious complications from the procedure that have a significant outcome on the patient and may result in retransplantation. At the same time, there have been significant advances in the field of interventional radiology both in terms of technology and how these apply to the patients. In this paper, we review the commonest complications, diagnostic tests, and interventional management options available.

Portal vein stenosis: a rare yet clinically important cause of delayed-onset ascites after adult deceased donor liver transplantation: two case reports

Vascular complications following liver transplantation are well documented. While complications involving the portal vein are less common than the hepatic artery, portal vein complications can lead to potentially life-threatening sequelae including graft loss. Portal vein stenosis is an infrequent complication following liver transplant. The majority of these complications are seen in living donor liver transplants and pediatric liver transplants. We present 2 cases of delayed onset portal vein stenosis in adult deceased donor liver transplantation (ADDLT). The first patient presented with refractory ascites twelve months after ADDLT. He was diagnosed and successfully treated with percutaneous transhepatic portovenography and venoplasty. The second patient had a history of irradiation to his portal bed in the setting of cholangiocarcinoma. He developed refractory ascites and esophageal variceal bleeding>2 years after ADDLT. He underwent percutaneous transhepatic portovenoplasty, but eventually required placement of a portal stent due to continued problems with recurrent ascites. These 2 cases highlight the importance of considering portal vein stenosis in the differential diagnosis of late-onset ascites following liver transplantation, especially if there have been any predisposing risk factors such as portal bed irradiation or prior splenectomy.

Long-term results of the percutaneous transhepatic venoplasty of portal vein stenoses after pediatric liver transplantation

  This paper has the objective to evaluate retrospectively the long-term results of transhepatic treatment of PV stenoses after pediatric LT. During an eight-yr period, 15 children with PV stenoses underwent PTA with balloon dilation or stent placement in case of PTA failure after LT. Patients' body weights ranged from 9.3 to 46kg (mean, 15.5kg). PV patency was evaluated in the balloon dilation and in the stent placement groups. Technical and clinical successes were achieved in all cases with no complication. Eleven patients (11/15; 73.3%) were successfully treated by single balloon dilation. Four patients (4/15; 26.7%) needed stent placement. One patient was submitted to stent placement during the same procedure because of PTA failure. The other three developed clinical signs of portal hypertension because of PV restenoses two, eight, and twenty-eight months after the first PTA. They had to be submitted to a new procedure with stent placement. The follow-up time ranged from 3 to 8.1 yr (mean, 6.3 yr). In conclusion, transhepatic treatment of PV stenoses after pediatric LT with balloon dilation or stent placement demonstrated to be a safe and effective treatment that results in long-term patency.

Percutaneous transluminal venoplasty after venous pressure measurement in patients with hepatic venous outflow obstruction after living donor liver transplantation

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the outcome of percutaneous transluminal venoplasty (PTV) after venous pressure measurement in patients with hepatic venous outflow obstruction following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 24 consecutive patients suspected of having hepatic venous outflow obstruction after LDLT. Pressure gradients were measured proximal and distal to the lesion, and gradient values >3 mmHg were considered hemodynamically significant. We evaluated the technical success, complications, outcome of venoplasty and recurrence, and the patency rate.

RESULTS

In all, 11 female patients manifested a pressure gradient >3 mmHg across the anastomotic site; they underwent subsequent PVT. The initial balloon venoplasty procedure was technically successful in 10 of the 11 patients (91%), and the pressure gradient was reduced from 5.8 to 1.1 mmHg (P < 0.01). Clinical improvement was observed in 9 of these 10 patients; one patient failed to improve and underwent retransplantation. Recurrent obstruction occurred in four patients; they underwent PTV with (n = 2) or without (n = 2) stent placement. There were no major procedural complications.

CONCLUSION

PTV following venous pressure measurement is an effective and safe treatment for venous outflow obstruction in patients subjected to LDLT. In patients with recurrent obstruction, re-venoplasty is recommended.

Management of venous stenosis in living donor liver transplant recipients

AIM: To retrospectively evaluate the management and outcome of venous obstruction after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

METHODS: From February 1999 to May 2009, 1 intraoperative hepatic vein (HV) tension induced HV obstruction and 5 postoperative HV anastomotic stenosis occurred in 6 adult male LDLT recipients. Postoperative portal vein (PV) anastomotic stenosis occurred in 1 pediatric left lobe LDLT. Patients ranged in age from 9 to 56 years (median, 44 years). An air balloon was used to correct the intraoperative HV tension. Emergent surgical reoperation, transjugular HV balloon dilatation with stent placement and transfemoral venous HV balloon dilatation was performed for HV stenosis on days 3, 15, 50, 55, and 270 after LDLT, respectively. Balloon dilatation followed with stent placement via superior mesenteric vein was performed for the pediatric PV stenosis 168 d after LDLT.

RESULTS: The intraoperative HV tension was corrected with an air balloon. The recipient who underwent emergent reoperation for hepatic stenosis died of hemorrhagic shock and renal failure 2 d later. HV balloon dilatation via the transjugular and transfemoral venous approach was technically successful in all patients. The patient with early-onset HV stenosis receiving transjugular balloon dilatation and stent placement on the 15th postoperative day left hospital 1 wk later and disappeared, while the patient receiving the same interventional procedures on the 50th postoperative day died of graft failure and renal failure 2 wk later. Two patients with late-onset HV stenosis receiving balloon dilatation have survived for 8 and 4 mo without recurrent stenosis and ascites, respectively. Balloon dilatation and stent placement via the superior mesenteric venous approach was technically successful in the pediatric left lobe LDLT, and this patient has survived for 9 mo without recurrent PV stenosis and ascites.

CONCLUSION: Intraoperative balloon placement, emergent reoperation, proper interventional balloon dilatation and stent placement can be effective as a way to manage hepatic and PV stenosis during and after LDLT.

Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric patients with late-onset portal vein stenosis after living donor liver transplantation

Portal vein stenosis (PVS) after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a serious complication that can lead to graft failure. Few studies of the diagnosis and treatment of late-onset (> or = 3 months after liver transplantation) PVS have been reported. One hundred thirty-three pediatric (median age 7.6 years, range 1.3-26.8 years) LDLT recipients were studied. The patients were followed by Doppler ultrasound (every 3 months) and multidetector helical computed tomography (once a year). Twelve patients were diagnosed with late-onset PVS 0.5-6.9 years after LDLT. All cases were successfully treated with balloon dilatation. Five cases required multiple treatments. Early diagnosis of late-onset PVS and interventional radiology therapy treatment may prevent graft loss.

Interventional radiology procedures in adult patients who underwent liver transplantation

Interventional radiology has acquired a key role in every liver transplantation (LT) program by treating the majority of vascular and non-vascular post-transplant complications, improving graft and patient survival and avoiding, in the majority of cases, surgical revision and/or re-transplantation. The aim of this paper is to review indications, technical consideration, results achievable and potential complications of interventional radiology procedures after deceased donor LT and living related adult LT.

Management of venous outflow complications after liver transplantation

Liver transplantation can be complicated by stenosis of the hepatic venous or inferior vena cava outflow. Venous outflow stenosis occurs at rates of 1 to 6% depending on the type of anastomosis. Stenoses can develop acutely as a result of technical problems or can present much later after the transplant due to intimal hyperplasia or perianastomotic fibrosis. Common clinical presentations include hepatic dysfunction, liver engorgement, ascites, abdominal pain, and occasionally variceal bleeding. Treatment can generally be accomplished via a transjugular approach, but percutaneous transhepatic access may be needed when the anastomosis cannot be catheterized from the jugular access. Angioplasty can achieve technical success in restoring anastomotic patency in close to 100% of cases, but restenosis is frequent. Repeat angioplasties may be needed. In adults and pediatric patients with adult sized hepatic veins, stenting may be a better option. Resolution of clinical signs and symptoms is seen in 73 to 100% of cases. Major complications are uncommon, with stent migration being one of the more difficult complications to manage.

Management of portal venous complications after liver transplantation

The postoperative vascular complications following liver transplantation, specifically portal venous complications, have been well documented. These complications, which include portal venous stenosis and thrombosis, can be potentially devastating and lead to graft failure. The interventional techniques in managing these complications are relatively new and have been developed only in the past 15 to 20 years. Additionally with the increasing numbers of split liver and living related transplants that are being performed, so has the incidence of portal venous complications increased. This article is a review of the current interventional techniques used in managing portal venous complications in the posttransplant patient. The topics covered include portal vein angioplasty, stenting, and thrombolysis with a description of the variety of techniques used to perform these procedures. The review also covers management of portal hypertension by creating a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).

Transileocolic venous balloon dilatation for the management of primary and recurrent portal venous stenosis after living donor liver transplantation in children

Portal venous stenosis is relatively a rare complication after liver transplantation in children and it sometimes leads to life threatening event due to gastrointestinal bleeding or graft failure. Recently, balloon dilatation has been widely accepted as a treatment of choice for the management of portal venous stenosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of transileocolic venous balloon dilatation for the management of primary and recurrent portal venous stenosis after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in children. The records of 57 pediatric liver transplants were retrospectively reviewed. Nine patients (15.8%) with portal venous stenosis were identified. Seven symptomatic children with portal venous stenosis underwent balloon dilatation. Two approaches were employed for balloon dilatation; the transileocolic venous approach and the percutaneous transhepatic approach. In patients with recurrent stenosis, careful follow-up was carried out while they were asymptomatic. Twelve balloon dilatations were performed in seven children with primary or recurrent portal venous stenoses. The initial technical success rate was 91.7% (11/12), while 6 out of 12 (50.0%) procedures resulted in recurrent stenosis. Five out of six recurrent stenoses required repeated balloon dilatation. The clinical success rate of balloon dilatation in our study was 85.7% (6/7). Other than recurrent stenosis, two procedure-related complications occurred. In conclusion, transileocolic venous balloon dilatation was a safe and effective procedure for portal venous stenosis after LDLT in children.

Stent Placement for the Treatment of Portal Vein Stenosis or Occlusion in Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of stent placement for the treatment of portal vein (PV) stenosis or occlusion in pediatric liver transplant recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Written informed consent was obtained from a legal guardian, and our institutional review board approved this study. Percutaneous (n = 10) or intraoperative (n = 2) stent placement was attempted in 12 pediatric recipients (age range, 6-102 months) via the percutaneous transhepatic or inferior mesenteric vein route. Stents 6-10 mm in diameter were placed. Technical and clinical success, complications, and patency of the PV were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in 10 of 12 patients (83%) and clinical success was achieved in eight patients (67%). Eight of the 10 patients in whom technical success was achieved (80%) remained healthy with a patent PV during the 10-58-month clinical follow-up period. One patient with technical success died of acute rejection without recurrent PV complications and another died of acute rejection after stent replacement as a result of an hourglass deformity of a deployed stent with partial thrombosis. No major procedural complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this study in a relatively small number of patients, PV stent placement seems to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of posttransplantation PV stenosis or occlusion in pediatric patients.

Intraoperative stent placement in the portal vein during or after liver transplantation

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the intermediate effectiveness of intraoperative portal vein stent placement for portal venous stenosis in liver transplantation. We attempted intraoperative portal vein stent placement in 44 portal venous anastomotic stenoses in 36 patients. All patients underwent stent placement via either the inferior or superior mesenteric vein. A total of 22 patients underwent portal vein stent placement simultaneously with liver transplantation, and 14 patients underwent stent placement 1-25 days (mean 5.93 days) after liver transplantation. Of the 22 patients, there was portal vein occlusion in 3 patients and small portal vein (<6 mm) in 10 patients (2.5-5.7 mm; mean size 3.9 mm). Patient follow-up included clinical and laboratory data collection, Doppler ultrasonography (US), and computed tomography (CT). Intraoperative portal vein stent placement was technically successful in all of our study patients, even in 6 patients with total occlusion of the portal vein. A total of 10 study patients underwent thrombectomy of the portal vein, 1 underwent patient portosystemic shunt ligation, and 7 patients had both procedures simultaneously. Portal venous patency has been maintained for 0-56 months (mean 16 months) in 42 (95%) of the 44 stent placements. In conclusion, intraoperative portal vein stent placement is an effective and long lasting treatment modality for treat portal venous stenosis, especially in patients with portal vein occlusion or small sized portal vein.

Early posttransplantation portal vein stenosis following living donor liver transplantation: percutaneous transhepatic primary stent placement

Surgical treatments have usually been preferred for early posttransplantation portal inflow abnormalities. However, these treatments are limited due to their technical difficulty and multiple complicating factors. The present study reports the efficacy and safety of percutaneous transhepatic primary stent placement to treat early posttransplantation (<or=1 month) portal vein (PV) stenosis. A total of 9 patients who had undergone living donor liver transplantation underwent percutaneous stent placement to treat PV stenosis. The average interval between liver transplantation and stent placement was 13 +/- 10 days. Technical and clinical success was obtained in 7 (77.8%) of the 9 patients. Of the 7 patients with clinical success, 1 died of cerebral hemorrhage within 1 month following stent placement. The remaining 6 patients have remained healthy and without recurrence of PV stenosis until the time this manuscript was completed, and follow-up Doppler ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT) obtained 66.6 +/- 16.1 months after stent placement revealed patent portal inflow in all of these 6 patients. Major complications occurred in 3 patients, i.e., 2 cases of hemoperitoneum caused by blood oozing from a transhepatic tract of the liver grafts and 1 case of intrahepatic pseudoaneurysm. These complications were successfully treated using surgical ligation (n = 2) or transarterial coil embolization (n = 1). In conclusion, although we did experience some procedural complications, the percutaneous transhepatic primary stent placements in our study showed acceptable technical and clinical results for treating early posttransplantation PV stenosis. In addition, long-term PV patency following stent placement was excellent. However, additional experience and further studies will be needed to verify the usefulness of primary stent placement in the early posttransplantation period.

Pediatric liver transplantation: a pictorial essay of early and late complications

Orthotopic liver transplantation is currently the treatment of choice in patients with end-stage liver disease for which no other therapy is available. In children, segmental liver transplantation with living donor, reduced-size cadaveric, and split cadaveric allografts has become an important therapeutic option. However, the resulting expansion of the donor pool has increased the risk for postoperative vascular and biliary complications, which affect children more frequently than adults. Early recognition of these complications requires radiologic evaluation because their clinical manifestations are frequently nonspecific and vary widely. Doppler ultrasonography (US) plays the leading role in the postoperative evaluation of pediatric patients. Current magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques, including MR angiography and MR cholangiography, may provide a wealth of pertinent information and should be used when findings at US are inconclusive. Computed tomography is a valuable complement to US in the evaluation of complications involving the hepatic parenchyma as well as extrahepatic sites and is commonly used to guide percutaneous aspiration and fluid collection drainage. Familiarity with and early recognition of the imaging appearances of the various postoperative complications of pediatric liver transplantation are crucial for graft and patient survival.

Outcome of percutaneous transhepatic venoplasty for hepatic venous outflow obstruction after living donor liver transplantation

PURPOSE

To evaluate retrospectively the outcome of percutaneous transhepatic venoplasty of hepatic venous outflow obstruction after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The institutional Human Subjects Research Review Board approved the interventional protocol and the retrospective study, for which informed consent was not required. Before treatment, informed consent was obtained from the patient or the patient's parents in all cases. Of 26 consecutive patients (nine male, 17 female; median age, 9 years) suspected of having hepatic venous outflow obstruction after LDLT, 20 patients confirmed to have anastomotic outflow stenosis at percutaneous hepatic venography and manometry underwent venoplasty. Pressure gradients before and after venoplasty were evaluated by using a paired t test. Patients in whom obstruction recurred during follow-up were re-treated with venoplasty with or without expandable metallic stents. Patency was analyzed by using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

The initial balloon venoplasty was technically successful in all 20 patients, all of whom had improved clinical findings. The pressure gradient +/- standard deviation was reduced from 14.6 mg Hg +/- 8.6 to 2.2 mg Hg +/- 2.4 (P < .001). Eleven patients had recurrent obstruction and were treated with balloon venoplasty; one of them underwent stent placement, as well as venoplasty. The primary (event-free) patency and 95% confidence interval (CI) at 3, 12, and 60 months after venoplasty were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.62, 0.98), 0.60 (95% CI: 0.38, 0.81), and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.38, 0.81), respectively. The primary assisted patency, maintained with repeated venoplasty and expandable metallic stents, was 1.00 at 60 months.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous venoplasty is an effective treatment for hepatic venous outflow obstruction after LDLT.

Interventional radiology in liver transplantation

Improvements in surgical technique, advances in the field of immunosuppresion and the early diagnosis and treatment of complications related to liver transplantation have all led to prolonged survival after liver transplantation. In particular, advances in diagnostic and interventional radiology have allowed the Interventional Radiologist, as part of the transplant team, to intervene early in patients presenting with complications related to organ transplant with resultant increase in graft and patient survival. Such interventions are often achieved using minimally invasive percutaneous endovascular techniques. Herein we present an overview of some of these diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the treatment and management of patients before and after liver transplantation.

Portal vein stenosis and occlusion stenting after liver transplantation in two adults

We report two cases of percutaneous transhepatic stenting of the portal vein to treat stenosis and occlusion disclosed 5 and 18 months, respectively, after orthotopic liver transplantation in two adult patients. If long-term patency is satisfactory, this technique should allow long-term management of portal vein stenosis and occlusion without the use of thrombolysis.

Portal vein thrombosis in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation: intraoperative endovascular radiological procedures

PURPOSE

To evaluate the usefulness of endovascular procedures for portal vein complications during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between May 1994 and November 2004, we performed 504 OLTs in 464 adults. Seventy-eight patients (16.8%) presented with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). This analysis of patients from May 2000 to September 2004 included 10 patients with PVT, who were treated with endovascular techniques due to low portal flow. We compared this group with patients who were treated surgically with attention to rethrombosis and survival rates. If portal vein problems were due to obstruction, a venoplasty and primary stent placement were performed. We also embolized with coils or surgically ligated remaining competitive portosystemic shunts.

RESULTS

Perfusion problems in the allograft were solved in all cases. We placed seven stents and embolized six competitive shunts. One anastomotic dysfunction was repaired. None of the patients died or rethrombosed during surgery or follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular techniques during OLT can resolve some liver graft perfusion problems due to PVT and "steal" phenomena, especially with unsatisfactory eversion thromboendovenectomy in patients with grade IV PVT. Although primary permeability of stents has been good, these results need to be confirmed.

Percutaneous angioplasty of portal vein stenosis that complicates liver transplantation: the mid-term therapeutic results

Objective

We wanted to valuate the mid-term therapeutic results of percutaneous transhepatic balloon angioplasty for portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation.

Materials and Methods

From May 1996 to Feb 2005, 420 patients underwent liver transplantation. Percutaneous transhepatic angioplasty of the portal vein was attempted in six patients. The patients presented with the clinical signs and symptoms of portal venous hypertension or they were identified by surveillance doppler ultrasonography. The preangioplasty and postangioplasty pressure gradients were recorded. The therapeutic results were monitored by the follow up of the clinical symptoms, the laboratory values, CT and ultrasonography.

Results

The overall technical success rate was 100%. The clinical success rate was 83% (5/6). A total of eight sessions of balloon angioplasty were performed in six patients. The mean pressure gradient decreased from 14.5 mmHg to 2.8 mmHg before and after treatment, respectively. The follow up periods ranged from three months to 64 months (mean period; 32 months). Portal venous patency was maintained in all six patients until the final follow up. Combined hepatic venous stenosis was seen in one patient who was treated with stent placement. One patient showed puncture tract bleeding, and this patient was treated with coil embolization of the right portal puncture tract via the left transhepatic portal venous approach.

Conclusion

Percutaneous transhepatic balloon angioplasty is an effective treatment for the portal vein stenosis that occurs after liver transplantation, and our results showed good mid-term patency with using this technique.

Endovascular treatment of splenomesenteric-portal vein thromboses during orthotopic liver transplantation

Extensive splanchnic venous thrombosis in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) continues to have a substantial impact on surgical complexity and perioperative morbidity and mortality rates. This report presents an experience in eight patients with splanchnic venous thrombosis treated by means of splanchnic vessel recanalization, primary stent placement, and closure of spontaneous competitive shunts during OLT. In all cases, portal perfusion in the allograft was adequate, portal hypertension was solved, and no complications were observed. None of the patients died during surgery or follow-up. The results reported here need to be confirmed in future studies.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of an occluded surgical splenorenal shunt in a 4-year-old child after liver transplantation

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is increasingly used in children. We present a case of successful balloon angioplasty of an occluded surgical splenorenal shunt in a 4-year-old child who underwent liver transplantation because of biliary atresia. Percutaneous reopening of the shunt is a relatively safe procedure that may spare patients of surgical intervention.

Treatment of hepatic venous outflow obstruction after piggyback liver transplantation

PURPOSE

To evaluate retrospectively the endovascular management of hepatic venous outflow obstruction after piggyback orthotopic liver transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was performed with the approval and under the guidelines of the institutional review board and complied with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Informed consent from patients was not required by the institutional review board for this retrospective study. From 1995 to 2003, 13 patients (eight male, five female), including 12 adults and one adolescent (age range, 14-67 years; median age, 52 years), underwent endovascular treatment of hepatic venous outflow obstruction after piggyback orthotopic liver transplantation. Patients gave informed consent for all procedures. Eleven patients received whole livers, and two received living-related donor right liver lobes. Four underwent repeat piggyback orthotopic liver transplantation prior to intervention. Primary stent placement was performed in 12 patients. One patient refused primary stent placement and chose venoplasty alone, but required a stent 5 months later. Short balloon-expandable stents (mean diameter, 14.6 mm +/- 1.1 [standard deviation]) were used to minimize jailing of branch vessels and to resist recoil. Pre- and post-procedural pressure gradients were measured. Follow-up included venography, cross-sectional imaging, and laboratory tests. The Wilcoxon signed rank test or the sign test was performed to compare pre- and post-procedural pressure gradients, body weights, and laboratory values.

RESULTS

Technical success (pressure gradient < or = 3 mm Hg) was achieved in 13 of 13 patients, and clinical success, in 12 of 13. Mean pre- and post-procedural pressure gradients were 13.0 mm Hg +/- 1.4 and 0.8 mm Hg +/- 0.3. Mean interval from transplantation to intervention was 348 days +/- 159. Mean follow-up was 678 days (range, 16-2880 days). Technical success did not result in clinical improvement in one patient. Biopsy demonstrated severe hepatic necrosis, likely from prolonged venous congestion, and the patient required repeat transplantation. Only one patient required reintervention for stent migration, and no other complications occurred. No significant restenosis was encountered after stent placement.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic venous outflow obstruction is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication of piggyback orthotopic liver transplantation. Endovascular treatment with balloon-expandable stents is effective, safe, and apparently durable.

Percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation of portal venous stenosis in patients with living donor liver transplantation

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate the long-term effectiveness of percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation of portal venous stenosis in patients who have undergone living donor liver transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Institutional review board approval and informed consent were not required. From June 1996 to August 2003, obstructed portal venous blood flow was diagnosed in 45 patients (21 male, 24 female) with a history of living donor liver transplantation; patients ranged in age from 9 months to 61 years (mean, 9.2 years). All stenoses occurred in the extrahepatic portal vein near the anastomosis of the portal vein. All dilation procedures were performed with percutaneous transhepatic puncture of the intrahepatic portal vein and subsequent balloon dilation of the stenosis. Patients who experienced recurrent stenosis underwent another balloon dilation session. Intravascular metallic stents were not deployed because of the possible need for repeated transplantation. The authors used paired t tests to compare patients successfully treated with one venoplasty procedure and those requiring repeated venoplasty, with regard to age and stenosis diameter percentages before and after the initial procedure.

RESULTS

Percutaneous balloon dilation was technically successful in 35 of 45 patients. In the remaining 10 patients, portal venous thrombotic occlusion precluded access to the mesenteric side of the portal vein. Twenty-five patients were successfully treated with a single session of balloon dilation (group 1). Results at follow-up ultrasonography revealed restenosis in 10 of 35 patients. Recurrent stenosis was resolved by means of repeated balloon dilation in nine patients (group 2). There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 in age (P = .87) or in stenosis diameter percentages before (P = .053) or after (P = .95) the initial procedure.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation seems to be an effective method for treatment of portal venous stenosis after living donor liver transplantation.

Interventional Radiology in Liver Transplantation

Radiology is a key specialty within a liver transplant program. Interventional techniques not only contribute to graft and recipient survival but also allow appropriate patient selection and ensure that recipients with severe liver decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma or portal hypertension are transplanted with the best chance of prolonged survival. Equally inappropriate selection for these techniques may adversely affect survival. Liver transplantation is a dynamic field of innovative surgical techniques with a requirement for interventional radiology to parallel these developments. This paper reviews the current practice within a major European center for adult and pediatric transplantation.

Hepatic clearance improves after angioplasty of the hepatic vein

Anastomotic stricture sometimes causes hepatic congestion leading to decreased hepatic clearance of drugs. We herein describe a correlation between trough levels of tacrolimus and an anastomotic stricture of the hepatic vein. A 13-year-old boy underwent living donor liver transplant with a left lobe graft from his mother. Outflow blockage due to an anastomotic stricture of the hepatic vein developed 3 months after transplant. His anastomotic site had been repeatedly treated with percutaneous transvenous angioplasty (PTA) by balloon dilation. About 1 year after transplant, his trough level of tacrolimus promptly decreased after balloon dilation (from 15.7 to 5.6 ng/dL). Liver function tests showed abnormalities, which were diagnosed as acute cellular rejection, and he was treated with pulse steroid therapy. The calculated half-life of tacrolimus (T1/2) showed marked improvement after PTA (from 35 to 22 hours). A 45-year-old woman underwent living donor transplantation due to alcoholic liver cirrhosis with a left lobe graft from her brother. An anastomotic stricture of the hepatic vein developed 4 months after transplant. She was treated with balloon dilation, which caused an abrupt decrease in the trough level of tacrolimus (12 to 4 ng/dL). Her alkaline phosphatase was elevated and she was diagnosed with rejection, which was treated with an increase of dosage of tacrolimus. In outflow block, the T1/2 of tacrolimus increases probably due to decreased hepatic clearance by stagnation or congestion of the liver. However, hepatic clearance of drugs quickly recovers after PTA. Close monitoring of immunosuppressive agents is fundamental at the time of angioplasty to avoid acute cellular rejection as developed in our two cases.