Successful recanalization of portal vein thrombosis before liver transplantation using transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

A frequent complication in patients with end-stage liver disease is porta v ein thrombosis (PVT), Although PVT is not considered an absolute contraindi cation to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), more complex surgery is r equired and patients have more postoperative complications and greater mort ality rates. We describe 2 patients who experienced complete PVT either whi le waiting for liver transplantation or during the workup, resulting in acu te deterioration of liver function, Recanalization of the portal vein was s uccessfully performed in both patients using transjugular intrahepatic port osystemic stent shunt (TIPS), and patency was maintained by the addition of anticoagulation therapy. They subsequently underwent successful OLTs and r emain well. In conclusion, we believe that TIPS placement can be performed safely in patients with recent PVT, ensuring the patency of the portal vein until OLT.