Outcome of portal injuries following bariatric operations

Sergio Huerta, Zhaoping Li, Edward H. Livingston

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Portal vein thrombosis is rare following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). Its natural history is dependent on the etiology of the thrombosis, latrogenic injuries at bariatric operations resulting in portal vein thrombosis are lethal complications typically necessitating a liver transplant, whereas postoperative portal vein thrombosis without an injury to the portal vein has a benign course. There are currently no data on management or prognostic factors of portal vein thrombosis after bariatric operations. Methods: 3 patients referred for liver transplantation secondary to portal vein injury following bariatric surgery between 2000 and 2003 are presented. Results: 2 super-obese (BMI ≥50 kg/m2) and 1 morbidly obese (BMI 44 kg/m2) patients sustained portal vein injuries during bariatric surgery (RYGBP 2, VBG 1) by experienced bariatric surgeons. In each case, the portal injury was identified and repaired. Thrombosis followed reconstruction in all 3 patients. All 3 underwent emergency liver transplantation, but died of sepsis and multi-organ failure following transplantation. Review of the literature found no cases of traumatic portal vein injuries following bariatric operations and 2 cases of postoperative portal vein thrombosis: 1 following LRYGBP (BMI 46) and one after a Lap-Band (BMI 41). Conclusion: Injury to the portal vein resulting from difficulty in discerning the anatomy of the intra-abdominal structures in the morbidly obese, is a lethal complication of bariatric surgery. Super-obese patients submitting to bariatic surgery should lose weight, undergo a two-stage bariatric procedure, or undergo laparoscopic RYGBP to minimize the risk of portal injury. Postoperative portal vein thrombosis has a benign course and can be managed conservatively.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)105-109
Number of pages5
JournalObesity Surgery
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2006

Keywords

  • Gastric bypass
  • Lethal complications
  • Liver transplantation
  • Morbid obesity
  • Portal injuries

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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