Results of using the recipient's splenic artery for arterial reconstruction in liver transplantation in 23 patients.

BACKGROUND

Arterial reconstruction is essential in liver transplantation. In some patients there may be an inadequate flow as a result of stenosis, intimal dissection, or anomalies of the hepatic artery.

METHODS

This study analyzes our experience with 23 patients in whom arterial anastomosis was performed using the splenic artery due to the inadequacy of the hepatic artery. During the same period an aortoiliac conduit was used in 12 liver transplantations due to the same problem.

RESULTS

No splenic infarction, pancreatitis, or other related complications were found. Artery thrombosis developed in only two patients in the aortoiliac conduit group. One- and three-year patient actuarial survival were 78% vs. 80% and 72% vs. 80%, respectively, for the splenic artery group and the aortoiliac conduit group.

CONCLUSIONS

Anastomosis with the splenic artery is an alternative in liver transplantation and is particularly suitable when splenomegaly is present.