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Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava
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Is the inferior vena cava dispensable?

Vinci S Jones1, Albert Shun

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Corner Hawkesbury Road and Hainsworth Street, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, Sydney 2145 NSW, Australia. vincijones@yahoo.co.in

Pediatric Surgery International
|July 25, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Inferior vena cava (IVC) ligation is risky, but elective IVC ligation in children can be safe. This study found no long-term issues in four pediatric patients who underwent IVC ligation during elective surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Surgical Oncology

Background:

  • Inferior vena cava (IVC) ligation is generally considered high-risk.
  • Existing literature primarily documents IVC ligation in trauma settings.
  • Anecdotal evidence exists for elective IVC ligation in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and outcomes of intentional IVC ligation in children during elective surgery.
  • To review existing literature on IVC ligation and its physiological basis.
  • To determine if elective IVC ligation is a viable option in pediatric surgery.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of pediatric tertiary care center records over 20 years.
  • Identification and evaluation of patients undergoing intentional IVC ligation during elective surgery.
  • Literature review of IVC ligations and examination of physiological/anatomical sequelae.

Main Results:

  • Four pediatric patients underwent intentional IVC ligation.
  • Two patients experienced temporary pedal edema and ascites.
  • No long-term sequelae were observed; adequate collateral drainage was confirmed by Doppler studies.

Conclusions:

  • Elective IVC ligation can be safely performed in children when other surgical options are unavailable.
  • IVC ligation in pediatric patients can provide therapeutic benefits.
  • Development of adequate collateral circulation mitigates long-term complications.

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