Intra-operative portal hemodynamics in pediatric LDLT: Doppler ultrasound surveillance.
Doppler ultrasonography is useful in monitoring intra-operative PV flow in LDLT. A retrospective cohort study included 550 pediatric recipients (<18 years) who underwent LDLT from October 2006 to August 2016 in our hospital. A total of 33 recipients (incidence 6%) were found to have insufficient intra-operative PV flow after PV reperfusion. The treatments included intra-operative stent placement (n=25), anticoagulation (n=3), thrombectomy and re-anastomosis (n=2), graft repositioning (n=1), collateral ligation (n=1), and replaced PV (n=1). The peak PV velocity, HAPSV, HARI, and HV velocity before and after the interventions were significantly improved 0(0,5.5) cm/s vs. 37.36±15.30 cm/s, 38.68±8.92 cm/s vs. 62.30±16.97 cm/s, 0.55±0.08 vs. 0.76±0.10, and 32.37±10.33 cm/s vs. 40.94±15.01 cm/s, respectively (P<.01). Insufficient PV flow and decreased HARI are two significant criteria indicating need for intra-operative PV management. Dramatic changes in the hepatic hemodynamics were detected after proper treatment. Immediate resolution of PV flow is feasible in pediatric LDLT.