Abstract.
Portal thrombosis is a rare complication of splenectomy. We performed 12 laparoscopic splenectomies and observed this complication only in one patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP). The right branch of the portal vein presented a partial thrombosis, while the left branch was completely obstructed by thrombi. Abdominal ultrasonography and an ultrasound doppler exam allowed us to diagnose this event and a retrograde angiography performed afterward confirmed our diagnosis. A 48-h intravenous heparin treatment was promptly begun, followed by anticoagulant drugs (dicumarol). The patient was dismissed 5 days afterward, presenting a steady-state ultrasound doppler pattern and a complete normalization of liver parameters. An ultrasound doppler exam performed 1 month after anticoagulant therapy showed a complete resolution of portal thrombosis. We believe that early diagnosis of this rare complication, prompt beginning of anticoagulant therapy, and care in surgical procedures may reduce patient life-threatening risks and assure complete remission.
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Received: 18 March 1997/Accepted: 18 September 1997
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Valeri, A., Venneri, F., Presenti, L. et al. Portal thrombosis . Surg Endosc 12, 1173–1176 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004649900810
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004649900810