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Introduction Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a relatively common finding in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Although the recommendation to prevent its recurrence is anticoagulation for a duration of 3 to 6 months, this is controversial. Aim The aim of our study was to determine the efficacy of oral anticoagulants (OAC) as prophylaxis for recurrent PVT after liver transplantation. Materials and Methods Our study included 215 liver transplant patients who underwent surgery in our center from January 2012 to August 2017. We selected all patients diagnosed with PVT either pre-transplantation (using Doppler echography or Angio-CT) or during transplant surgery. All patients with PVT were initially anticoagulated with low-molecular-weight heparin in the postoperative period; at discharge they received OAC for a duration of six months. Control Doppler ultrasound was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months post-transplantation. Results PVT was identified in 37 out of 215 patients (17.2%). PVT was diagnosed with a pre-transplant vascular study in 17 out of 37 cases (45.9%). All patients were anticoagulated with OAC (warfarin) for at least 6 months. There were no cases of recurrent thrombosis and no complications associated with anticoagulant treatment throughout the follow-up period. Conclusions The prevalence of portal thrombosis in liver transplant patients in our study was fairly high, at 17.2%. PVT was identified in nearly 50% of patients using high-quality vascular studies prior to transplant surgery. Anticoagulation with OAC for 6 months was effective in preventing a recurrence of thrombosis and there were no associated complications.

Objectives We sought to evaluate our transplant series in light of the parameters outlined in the quality criteria established by the Spanish Hepatic Transplant Society (Sociedad Espanola de Trasplante Hepatico [SETH]). Methods We retrospectively analyzed 240 hepatic transplantations performed in 223 patients from November 2001 to December 2009. Results Among the series, 57% were in Child class C, 50% had cirrhosis without hepatocellular carcinoma, and 32% had this neoplasm. The most common cause for the illness was alcohol, followed by a virus, namely hepatitis C virus in 76% of cases. The average waiting list time was 45.14 days. The total graft ischemia averaged 460 minutes (range, 265–937). The 4.1% ( n = 10), incidence of an urgent retransplantation was mainly due to primary graft failure or arterial thrombosis. During the perioperative period the mortality rate was 2.5% ( n = 6) and the 1-month mortality rate was 6.6% ( n = 16). The raw survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years after the operation are 85%, 78%, and 72%, respectively. Conclusion Our perioperative as well as the long-term results fall within the quality standards established by SETH.

Introduction Vascular complications show an 8%–15% incidence after liver transplantation and represent an important cause of mortality. An aggressive policy is necessary for an early diagnosis and treatment. Patients and methods From 2001 to 2009, we performed 240 liver transplantations in 232 patients. We employed Doppler ultrasonography on days 1 and 4 as well as before hospital discharge and always try a radiological approach. Results The incidence of vascular complications was 7.2% (n = 18) including arterial (n = 12, 4.8%) of early thrombosis (n = 4), late thrombosis (n = 4), and stenosis (n = 4) or portal (n = 3; 1.2%) of thrombosis (n = 2) or stenosis (n = 1); or caval complications (n = 3, 1.2%). Radiologic therapy was effective in 1 patient with arterial stenosis, in the 3 patients with portal complications, and in 2 patients with caval complications. All patients with early thrombosis and 2/4 with late thrombosis required retransplantation. Surgical treatment was effective in 1 patient with late thrombosis, 3 with stenosis, and 2 with caval complications. The overall mortality rate was 16.6%; 2 patients with arterial complications and 1 with a caval complications. Conclusion Vascular complications, mainly artery complications, represent serious problem after liver transplantation, which often requires retransplantation. With an aggressive policy of diagnosis and treatment, we can decrease the mortality rate from these adverse events.