Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025

New Thrombectomy Technique for Total Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Transplantation
Published on: June 27, 2025
Portal venous system thrombosis after bariatric surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Li Luo1, Hongyu Li2, Yanyan Wu2
1Liver Cirrhosis Study Group, Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command (formerly called General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area), Shenyang, China; Postgraduate College, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China.
Background:
Portal venous system thrombosis can develop after bariatric surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the incidence of portal venous system thrombosis after bariatric surgery and clarify the role of anticoagulation for the prevention of portal venous system thrombosis after bariatric surgery.
Methods:
PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The incidence of portal venous system thrombosis after bariatric surgery was pooled by a random-effect model. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the incidence of portal venous system thrombosis according to the average duration of prophylactic anticoagulation (extended versus short-term). Meta-regression and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the source of heterogeneity.
Results:
Among 2,714 papers initially screened, 68 studies were included. Among 100,964 patients undergoing bariatric surgery, 300 developed portal venous system thrombosis. The pooled overall incidence of portal venous system thrombosis after bariatric surgery was 0.419% (95% confidence interval: 0.341%-0.505%). The pooled incidence of portal venous system thrombosis after bariatric surgery was numerically lower in patients who received extended prophylactic anticoagulation protocol after bariatric surgery than those who received short-term prophylactic anticoagulation protocol (0.184% vs 0.459%). Meta-regression analyses demonstrated that sample size (P = .006), type of surgery (P < .001), and average duration of prophylactic anticoagulation (P = .024) might be sources of heterogeneity, but not region, publication year, history of bariatric surgery, follow-up duration, or use of prophylactic anticoagulation. Sensitivity analyses could not identify any source of heterogeneity. The estimated mortality of portal venous system thrombosis after bariatric surgery was 1.33%.
Conclusion:
Portal venous system thrombosis after bariatric surgery is rare, but potentially lethal. Extended prophylactic anticoagulation protocol may be considered in patients at a high risk of developing portal venous system thrombosis after bariatric surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
