Long-term outcomes of hepatic artery stent placement for patients with hepatic artery stenosis after orthotopic liver transplantation

Abstract

To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes and complications of coronary stent placement for hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) retrospectively. Eighteen of the 26 patients with HAS or hepatic artery thrombosis confirmed by digital subtraction angiography underwent hepatic artery stenting with coaxial catheter technique and then followed up for 21.7 months (2.3 - 37.2 months). Liver function tests, color Doppler ultrasonography and CT angiography were conducted. Three patients died and 1 patient underwent re-transplantation within 2 months after stenting procedure. Seven patients' hepatic arteries looked normal after stenting. Restenosis was seen in 4 patients (28.5%). Two of them needed re-transplantation 20.5 and 5.1 months after stenting respectively. Three patients died of septic multiple-organ failure, liver abscess, and biliary infection respectively though their hepatic arteries were patent. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 76%, 76%, and 76% respectively, and the 1-, 2-, and 3-year graft survival rates after stenting were 69.5%, 69.5%, and 48.0% respectively, and the primary hepatic artery patency rates were 63%, 63%, and 63% respectively. HAS after OLT can be successfully treated with stent placement with an acceptable 1-, 2- and 3-year patient, graft survival and primary stent patency rates.