Objective: To introduce a new surgical technique--cavoportal hemitransposition in liver transplantation.
Methods: Since Tzakis first reported liver transplantation with cavoportal hemitransposition in the presence of diffuse portal vein thrombosis in 1998, five relevant research papers have been published, in which a total of 23 cases were treated.
Results: Of the 23 cases, 11 underwent conventionally cavoportal anastomosis as an end-to-end anastomosis, 8 renoportal anastomosis, and 4 end-to-side anastomosis preceded by piggyback. Eight patients died after operation. Fifteen patients are still alive with normal liver and kinase function, with a longest follow-up of 37 months. They enjoy a normal life without dietary or other restriction.
Conclusion: Portal vein thrombosis is no longer an absolute contraindication to liver transplantation. This new technique is useful and reliable for liver transplantation.