Postoperative portal vein thrombosis and the liver function after splenectomy and pericardial devascularization

Objective To study the impact of splenectomy and pericardial devascularization on the occurrence and development of portal vein thrombosis and the liver function in patients with cirrhosis complicated by portal hypertension. Methods 29 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension who underwent splenectomy and pericardial devascularization in the 302 Hospital of PLA from December 2012 to June 2013 were retrospectively studied. The incidences of PVT before and after operation were monitored. The liver function was assessed using the Child-Pugh classification. Results 29 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension underwent splenectomy and pericardial devascularization. The incidences of PVT in the preoperative period, 12 days, 3 months, 6 months after operation were 10.3%, 89.7%, 51.7%, 24.1%, respectively. The Child-Pugh scores in the preoperative period, 12 days, 3 months, 6 months after operation were (5.2±0.4), (5.6±0.7), (5.2 ±0.7), (5.3±0.7), respectively. Conclusions The incidences of postoperative PVT increased after operation, but it decreased on long-term follow-up after operation. The liver function did not change. Key words: Liver cirrhosis; Portal hypertension; Splenectomy; Pericardial blood vessels devascularization; Portal vein thrombosis; Liver function