Optimal changes in portal hemodynamics induced by splenectomy during living donor liver transplantation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of splenectomy in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

Adult-to-adult LDLTs (n = 276) were divided into those with simultaneous splenectomy during LDLT (Splenectomy group, n = 154) and those without (Non-Splenectomy group, n = 122).

In the Splenectomy group, splenectomy decreased the portal venous pressure from 24.0 to 19.1 mmHg (p < 0.001). At the end of surgery, the portal venous pressure was significantly lower and the graft compliance was significantly higher in the Splenectomy group compared with the Non-Splenectomy group. The graft portal venous flow was also better in the Splenectomy group (y = 625-5.1x; r (2) = 0.08, p < 0.01) than in the Non-Splenectomy group (y = 470-2.9x; r (2) = 0.04, p = 0.03). Fourteen days after LDLT, the total bilirubin and ascites output were lower in the Splenectomy group than in the Non-Splenectomy group. Among the patients with hepatitis C, splenectomy was associated with a significantly higher rate of a sustained viral response (59.4 vs. 35.9%, p = 0.020) than was noted in those without splenectomy (n = 39). There were no patients with post-splenectomy sepsis under vaccination.

By decreasing the portal pressure and increasing the graft vascular compliance, splenectomy conferred better graft outcomes in adult-to-adult LDLT.