PORTAL THROMBOSIS - A RARE COMPLICATION OF LAPAROSCOPIC SPLENECTOMY

Portal thrombosis is a-rare complication of splenectomy. We performed 12 laparoscopic splenectomies and observed this complication only in o ne patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP). The right branch of the por tal vein presented a partial thrombosis, while the left branc h was completely obstructed by thrombi. Abdominal ultrasonography and an ultrasound doppler exam allowed us to diagnose this event and a ret rograde angiography performed afterward confirmed our diagnosis, A 48- h intravenous heparin treatment was promptly begun, followed by antico agulant drugs (dicumarol). The patient was dismissed 5 days afterward, presenting a steady-state ultrasound doppler pattern and a complete n ormalization of liver parameters. An ultrasound doppler exam performed 1 month after anticoagulant therapy showed a complete resolution of p ortal thrombosis. We believe that early diagnosis of this rare complic ation, prompt beginning of anticoagulant therapy, and care in surgical procedures may reduce patient life-threatening risks and assure compl ete remission.