Two-clamp method to avoid portal anastomotic stenosis in liver transplantation

• Published in: The American journal of surgery Vol. 165; no. 3; p. 367
• Main Authors: Calleja, I J, Polo, J R, García-Sabrido, J L, Ferreiroa, J P, Valdecantos, E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-03-1993
• Subjects: Anastomosis, Surgical; Child; Constriction; Constriction, Pathologic - prevention & control; Humans; Liver Transplantation - methods; Portal Vein - surgery; Portal Vein - transplantation; Postoperative Complications - prevention & control; Suture Techniques
• ISSN: 0002-9610
• DOI: 10.1016/S0002-9610(05)80846-3

We developed a two-clamp technique to avoid stenoses in portal anastomoses during liver transplantation. A portal anastomosis is created with a continuous polypropylene suture. A second vascular clamp is placed on the donor portal vein before release of the recipient vein clamp. After release of the proximal clamp, the vein is allowed to distend to its maximal diameter, and the suture is gently tied. This technique was used in both portal and arterial anastomoses in 43 consecutive liver transplant recipients. No cases of postoperative stenosis or thrombosis were observed.