Percutaneous transhepatic portal vein stenting for portal hypertension caused by local recurrence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract A 62-year-old woman underwent an extended left hepatectomy with a combined resection of portal vein and extrahepatic bile duct for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). After 7 years, she presented with repeated tarry black stool and severe anemia. The source of bleeding was not identified on upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a small hypodence lesion at portal hepatis, by which portal vein (PV) stenosis was induced in the absence of sufficient development of portal venous collateral. Positron emission tomography revealed an accumulation of fluorodeoxy glucose around PV obstruction. Based on these findings, we diagnosed that the local recurrence of ICC, which resulted in mesenteric hypertension and small bowel varices. Therefore, portal stent placement was carried out under percutaneous transhepatic portgraphy to maintain portal blood flow. An uncovered expandable metallic stent was inserted into the stenotic region. Portgraphy after the stent replacement showed a relief of the PV stenosis and disappearance of the collateral pathways. After this procedure, the patient had no additional episode of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Our experience suggests that stent placement for postoperative PV stenosis is recommended as a useful treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding caused by portal hypertension that is less invasive.