Prevention and treatment of portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy or combined devascularization with anticoagulant drugs

Portal vein system thrombosis (PVST) is a common complication in patients after open or laparoscopic splenectomy or combined with devascularization. It may endanger the health of the patients after surgery and even potentially endanger the patient's life in severe cases. The formation and development of PVST is affected by many factors, and the correct use of anticoagulant drugs play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of PVST in postoperative patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension. This article discusses the advances in research on the prevention and treatment of PVST after open or laparoscopic splenectomy or combined with devascularization with anticoagulant drugs, and reviews the current anticoagulant properties and recommends of anticoagulant therapy, further guides the use of clinical anticoagulant drugs to reduce the incidence of PVST and improve the quality of life in patients with such surgery. Key words: Portal system; Thromboembolism; Liver cirrhosis; Splenectomy; Anticoagulants