Preoperative successful thrombectomy and thrombolysis of acute extensive splanchnic venous system and TIPSS thrombosis in a child with Budd-Chiari syndrome-Creating a window to enable living donor liver transplantation.

Preoperative extensive PV thrombosis can pose a technical challenge during liver transplantation surgery. Several strategies adopted to mitigate this problem include creation of a superior mesenteric vein-PV jump graft, use of a polytetrafluoroethylene graft, renoportal anastomosis, or cavoportal hemitransposition. Extensive and diffuse thrombosis of the splanchnic venous system may even necessitate multivisceral transplantation. We describe the case of a pediatric patient with Budd-Chiari syndrome and decompensated cirrhosis, who developed extensive thrombosis of the porto-spleno-mesenteric venous system prior to liver transplantation. We used a combination technique of thrombus aspiration by a novel trans-TIPPS approach followed by thrombolysis. Complete preoperative resolution of the extensive thrombosis was achieved. This allowed the creation of a brief window to enable planned LDLT. In prudently selected patients, performing an early mechanical and chemical thrombolysis of an extensive acute splanchnic venous thrombosis can thus help expedite a planned LDLT.

Therapeutic coil embolization of dominant shunt in hepatopulmonary syndrome enhances post-liver transplant respiratory recovery.

Coil embolization of the atypical enlarged pulmonary artery/arteriole with visible shunting may improve hypoxemia in patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). When used selectively in cases with large shunts, either pre- or post-liver transplantation (LT), it can aid an early recovery and reduce morbidity. We present a case where a large intrapulmonary shunt was embolized preoperatively to improve hypoxemia associated with HPS and enhance post-operative recovery.

Auxiliary Partial Orthotopic Liver Transplant as a Rescue Procedure for Acute Liver Failure with Extra-Small-for-Size Grafts: A Report of 2 Cases.

Auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplant is a complex technique whereby a partial liver graft is transplanted in the orthotopic position, leaving behind a portion of the native liver. In acute liver failure, auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplant serves as a rescue therapy and bridge for the native liver to regenerate. Auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplant was initially considered a technically challenging procedure with inferior results versus orthotopic liver transplant. However, advancements in surgical techniques have led to improved results with auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplant. Auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplant is now increasingly accepted as a valid treatment option for acute liver failure. We present 2 cases of acute liver failure treated with auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplant using an extra-small-for-size graft. The first case was a 12-year-old female patient who presented with druginduced acute liver failure and required an auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplant with an extra-small left lobe graft (graft-to-recipient weight ratio of 0.45). The second case was a 23-year-old male patient with acute liver failure of unknown etiology who underwent an auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplant with a small right lobe graft (graft-torecipient weight ratio of 0.5). In both cases, computed tomography liver volumetry was performed to determine the appropriate graft size for the recipient. Both patients underwent successful auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplants, with good postoperative recovery. Follow-up examinations showed satisfactory liver function without evidence of graft failure or rejection. Auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplant using extra-small grafts can be an effective treatment option for acute liver failure when no other suitable option exists, including as a rescue procedure for small grafts. However, careful patient selection and surgical planning are essential to ensure successful outcomes.