Endovascular management of venous complications post liver transplantation: a retrospective analysis of technical and clinical success

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the technical and clinical success of percutaneous endovascular management of venous complications post liver transplantation (LT).

Materials and methods

This single-center retrospective study analyzed 16 patients who underwent endovascular treatment for post-LT venous complications at a quaternary referral center between January 2019 and December 2023. The analysis evaluated technical success (<30 % residual stenosis), clinical success (symptom resolution or improvement), target vessel patency and organ preservation (Olthoff criteria) at 6 and 12 months.

Results

The cohort included 16 patients (male:female ratio 9:7, median age 50 years), including 12 recipients from deceased donors and 4 from living donors. Technical success was achieved in 100 % (16/16) of cases, with clinical success in 87.5 % (14/16). Target vessel patency was maintained in 81.3 % (13/16) at both 6 and 12 months. Organ preservation was achieved in 93.8 % (15/16) at both 6 and 12 months. Procedure-related complications occurred in two patients: one managed endovascularly and one conservatively. One non-procedure-related complication was successfully managed endovascularly.

Conclusion

Percutaneous endovascular treatment is a relatively safe and effective approach for post-LT venous complications, demonstrating high technical success rates and favorable clinical outcomes.