Relevant factors of portal vein thrombosis in patients after splenectomy for portal hypertension due to cirrhosis resulting from hepatitis

Abstract

Objective To analyze the relevant factors of portal vein thrombosis in patients after splenectomy for portal hypertension due to cirrhosis resulting from hepatitis. Methods The clinical data of 226 patients with hypertension due to cirrhosis resulting from hepatitis receiving simple splenectomy or splenectomy and portal-azygous devascularization in our hospital from August 2000 to June 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. Effective results were found in 154 of the patients. The 154 cases were divided into the thrombosis group and non-thrombosis group. The relation of portal vein thrombosis to the descendent level of portal vein pressure after operation,the prothrombin ratio (PTR) and fibrinogen(FIB) before operation, platelet count before and 1, 7, 14 days after operation, diameter of main portal vein and bilirubin level before operation and blood loss in operation were determined by logistic regression analysis. Results Portal vein thrombosis occurred in 31 patients. Regression univariate analysis showed that portal vein thrombosis was related to the descendent level of portal vein pressure after operation but not to the PTR and FIB, platelet count, diameter of main portal vein, bilirubin level and blood loss. Multivariate analysis demonstrated the same results. Conclusion The descended level of portal vein pressure is an important factor in portal vein thrombosis in patients after splenectomy for portal hypertension due to cirrhosis resulting from hepatitis. Key words: Hypertension portal; Portal vein thrombosis; Portal vein pressure; Splenectomy