Long-term follow-up after endovascular treatment of hepatic venous outflow obstruction following liver transplantation

Hepatic venous outflow obstruction (HVOO) is a rare complication after liver transplantation (LT) associated with significant morbidity and reduced graft survival. Endovascular intervention has become the first-line treatment for HVOO, but data on long-term outcomes are lacking. We have analysed outcomes after endovascular intervention for HVOO in 905 consecutive patients who received 965 full-size LT at our unit from January 2007 to June 2014. There were 27 (3%) patients who underwent hepatic venogram for suspected HVOO, with persistent ascites being the most common symptom triggering the investigation (n = 19, 70%). Of those, only 10 patients demonstrated either stricture or pressure gradient over 10 mmHg on venogram, which represents a 1% incidence of HVOO. The endovascular interventions were balloon dilatation (n = 3), hepatic vein stenting (n = 4) and stenting with dilatation (n = 3). Two patients required restenting due to stent migration. The symptoms of HVOO completely resolved in all but one patient, with a median follow-up period of 74 (interquartile range 39–89) months. There were no procedure-related complications or mortality. In conclusion, the incidence of HVOO in patients receiving full-size LT is currently very low. Endovascular intervention is an effective and safe procedure providing symptom relief with long-lasting primary patency

Compressive stenosis of the inferior vena cava due to localized ascites after living-donor liver transplantation.

A 54-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital following the diagnosis of decompensated liver cirrhosis with hepatitis C. She underwent living-donor liver transplantation, performed using the left hepatic lobe with the middle hepatic vein donated by her husband. After the transplantation, the patient suffered from massive ascites with liver dysfunction. Computed tomography demonstrated stenosis of the suprahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) with focal collection of fluid. A second laparotomy was performed 19 days after the transplantation. When the encapsulated localized ascites on both sides of the IVC was opened, the ascites was flushed away. Subsequently, the grafted liver was easily mobilized and it was placed in the natural position without any tension, and the pressure gradient of the IVC was improved. Herein, we report a very rare case of compression stenosis of the IVC resulting in Budd-Chiari syndrome caused by localized encapsulated ascites

Interventional Techniques in the Management of Airway Complications Following Lung Transplantation

The last four decades have seen tremendous advances in the field of pulmonary transplantation. Vast improvements in the areas of surgical transplantation techniques, immunosuppressive agents, and postoperative care have all contributed to improved survival of patients. Advances in noninvasive imaging and bronchoscopy have allowed the pulmonary transplant team to intervene early in patients presenting with airway complications, often using minimally invasive procedures such as endobronchial balloon dilation or stent placement, or both. Stent technology itself has also improved and stents may sometimes be customized for treatment of short airway lesions or to optimize continued airflow through the sides of stents by creating openings using balloons or bronchoscopically directed laser. Preliminary work with brachytherapy may be decreasing the need for secondary reinterventions. The authors present an overview of some of these conventional and novel approaches to the treatment of airway complications after lung transplantation