PORTAL THROMBOSIS OCCURRING AFTER ESOPHAGEAL TRANSECTION

We examined three patients with portal thrombosis occurring after esophageal transection. Two of them whose condition developed in the early stage after surgery developed hepatic failure, indicating poor prognosis. The most probable cause of portal thrombosis was considered to be damage to the intravascular tunica intima by manipulation of a catheter during the intraoperative measurement of pylic pressure, but there were various problems regarding the pathogenesis. In terms of prophylaxis and countermeasures, it is necessary to carefully manipulate catheters in the portal vein during operation and to administer a small dose of heparin immediately after surgery. Because of the possible development of portal thrombosis immediately after surgery for portal hypertension, early diagnosis and treatment, mainly including ultrasonic examination of the abdomen, are necessary.