Reconstruction of the portal vein using a peritoneal patch-graft

Background: Reconstruction of the portal vein with autologous veins require s extra incisions. Prosthetic material is associated with an increased risk of infection. We therefore created an animal model of portal vein reconstr uction using the peritoneum. Methods: A 2.5 x 2.5 cm piece of the peritoneum was resected from Landrace pigs weighing 30 to 40 kg and was dipped in 100% alcohol for 10 minutes. Th e anterior wall of the portal vein measuring 1.2 x 0.6 cm was resected. The peritoneal patch-graft fitting the defect of the portal vein was used to r epair it. Results: All 7 pigs survived the surgery, and were killed at 2, 7, 7, 14, 2 1, 35 and 49 days, respectively, after surgery. There was no evidence of th rombosis or obstruction of the reconstructed portal vein or any other compl ications. Complete endothelialization of the patches were noted at day 14. Conclusions: Our patch-graft technique using the peritoneum is considered t o be a good and safe alternative for reconstruction after partial resection of the portal vein in clinical surgery. (C) 2001 Excerpta Medics, Inc. All rights reserved.