BACKGROUND: Thrombosis or hypoplasia of the portal vein remains an obstacle in orthotopic liver transplantation. The authors present the technique and initial results of two alternatives to portal vein reconstruction in these cases. METHODS: Three patients who suffered end stage liver disease underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. As the portal vein was inadequate in each case, the left gastric vein (two cases) or the inferior mesenteric vein was isolated, tied distally, transposed and anastomosed to the donor portal vein. RESULTS: In all three cases the reperfusion was apparently satisfactory and the postoperative course was uneventful. Doppler ultrasonography and liver function tests confirmed the sufficiency of the portal flow. CONCLUSION: The left gastric vein or the inferior mesenteric vein may be a good alternative to portal reconstruction in liver transplant.
Liver transplantation; Left gastric vein; Inferior mesenteric vein
