Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the subtotal splenectomy versus total splenectomy with gastroesophageal devascularization for patients of hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Methods We searched the Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2008), MEDLINE (1966 to August, 2008), EMbase (1966 to August, 2008), the China Biological Medicine Database (1978 to August, 2008), Chinese Sci-tech Periodical Full-text Database (1989 to August, 2008) and Chinese Periodical Full-text Database (1994 to August, 2008), as well as hand-searched several related journals and conference proceedings for the randomized controlled trials involving the comparison of the efficacy of the subtotal splenectomy with the total splenectomy for the patients of the hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Results Three studies involving 136 patients were identified. The results of two studies indicated that both of the subtotal splenectomy increased less the peripheral platelet count and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups [WMD= – 39.27, 95%CI (– 62.57, – 15.97)]. Two studies indicated that the serum tuftsin level was increased significantly after the subtotal splenectomy [WMD= 165.28, 95%CI (159.36, 171.21)]. One study indicated that both of the subtotal splenectomy and total splenectomy with gastroesophageal devascularization increased the peripheral white blood cell count and there was statistical difference between the two groups [WMD= – 0.93, 95%CI (– 1.52, – 0.34)]. There was no statistical difference in serum IgA level between the two groups. One study indicated the average fever time after the total splenectomy was longer than the subtotal splenectomy; there was statistical differences in 5 years survival rate between the two groups (Plt;0.05). Conclusions After the subtotal splenectomy the hypersplenism of patients suffered from hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension was corrected obviously and the blood cells were increased smoothly so that high blood viscosity was prevented and occurrence of the thrombotic diseases was decreased. And the immune system reserve functions of the patients with hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension were maintained. More randomized controlled trials, with large sample sizes, may lead to more accurate results.
Objective To determine the frequencies and patterns of gastrointestinal wall thickening at muti-slice computed tomography (MSCT) in patients with hepatic cirrhosis. Methods One hundred and nine patients with cirrhosis and 130 patients without cirrhosis for gastrointestinal wall thickening were retrospectively analyzed by the abdominal MSCT scans. The frequencies of wall thickening were determined in the cirrhosis patients and in those without cirrhosis. The segmental distribution, symmetry and enhancement pattern were evaluated in all patients with cirrhosis for gastrointestinal wall thickening. Results Gastrointestinal wall thickening was seen in 72 cases (66%) with cirrhosis patients and in 12 cases (9%) without cirrhosis patients (Plt;0.005). The jejunum and ascending colon were the most common sites of gastrointestinal wall thickening, which was involved in 32 and 31 patients respectively. The scans of 46 (64%) patients with gastrointestinal wall thickening showed multisegmental distribution. Gastrointestinal wall thickening was concentric and homogeneous in all patients with cirrhosis. Conclusion Gastrointestinal wall thickening is common in patients with hepatic cirrhosis. It frequently involves multiple segments. The jejunum and ascending colon are the most common sites of involvement. MSCT plays an invaluable role in diagnostic evaluation of bowel wall thickening in patients with hepatic cirrhosis.
Objective To explore the influence of cirrhotic portal hypertension and its complications on liver transplantation. Methods The literatures of the recent years on influence of hepatic cirrhotic portal hypertension on liver transplantation were reviewed. Results Splenomegaly, hypersplenism, portal vein thrombosis, portosystemic shunt and collateral flow in cirrhotic patients will increase the difficulty of liver transplantation and lead to more postoperative complications. Appropriate handling of these conditions can achieve a higher success rate of liver transplantation. Conclusion Correct management of end-stage cirrhotic portal hypertension and its complications can expand the indications of liver transplantation and improve long-term survival rates.
【Abstract】ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of liver transplantation on splenic function in rats with hepatic cirrhosis. MethodsHepatic cirrhosis model was established in rats by subcutaneous injections of carbon tetrachloride. Liver transplantation model was established with twocuff technique. Spleen index, morphological changes of spleen were observed before and after liver transplantation in hepatic cirrhosis rats. Spleen T lymphocyte subgroups before and after liver transplantation were also assayed by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. ResultsBefore liver transplantation, spleen index was increased from (2.42±0.11) mg/g to (3.62±0.14) mg/g， P＜0.01; pathological examination of spleen samples showed that the areas of white pulp were decreased from (23.47±2.30)% to (7.70±2.01)%， P＜0.01， and the areas of spleen trabecula were increased from (1.75±0.61)% to (4.46±0.71)%， P＜0.01. Meanwhile, the ratio of CD4/CD8 of spleen T lymphocyte subgroups was decreased from 2.67±0.15 to 1.18±0.15, P＜0.01. After liver transplantation, spleen index was decreased from (3.62±0.14) mg/g to (2.62±0.11) mg/g， P＜0.01; pathological examination of spleen showed that the areas of white pulp were increased from (7.70±2.01)% to (15.07±1.97)%， P＜0.01, and those of spleen trabecula were decreased from (4.46±0.71)% to (3.11±0.51)%， P＜0.05. Meanwhile, the ratio of CD4/CD8 of spleen T lymphocyte subgroups was increased from 1.18±0.15 to 2.32±0.11, P＜0.01. ConclusionImpaired function of spleen resulting from liver function damage can be improved in rats with hepatic cirrhosis after liver transplantation.
Objective To preliminarily summarize the diagnosis and treatment of coagulopathy in patient with severe hepatic cirrhosis who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Methods Preoperative coagulability, the replacement therapy by coagulation factors and platelet pre-and intraoperatively, intra-operative bleeding amount and blood transfusion amount and the relation to the postoperative course were analyzed retrospectively in 6 patients with severe hepatic cirrhosis who underwent OLT in the last year. Results All of the 6 patients had a Child-c preoperative hepatic function, 2 with prolongation of bleeding time. All of the 6 had a decrease of platelet count, with a mean platelet count of 25.3×１０９／Ｌ. Mean prolongation of prothrombin time was 10.7 seconds as compared with controls. Mean prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time was 23.1 seconds as compared with controls. Mean fibrinogen was 1.5 g/L. Mean pre- and intra- operative transfusion of fresh frozen plasma was 788 ml, platelet 7.1×１０12， cryopreciptitate 5.5 units, fibrinogen 2.8 grams and lyophilized prothombin complex concentrate (LPCC) 1 700 units. The first 4 cases in the early period had a mean bleeding amount of 8 672.5 ml, with a mean transfusion of 9 215.0 ml. One of the 4 with the most massive intraoperative bleeding was complicated by severe internal milieu disturbance, DIC and fungus infection and died of the infection. Postoperatively the last 2 cases in the late period had a complete preoperative replacement of coagulation factors and platelet and had a only mean bleeding amount of 2 700 ml with a mean transfusion amount of 3 638 ml. Conclusion We initially consider that a preoperative complete replacement of coagulation factors and platelet according to the coagulability tests may lessen intraoperative bleeding and transfusion and make the patient an uneventful postoperative course.