A History of Umbilical Vein Catheterization Does Not Preclude Children from a Successful Meso-Rex Bypass

Caroline P Lemoine1, Stephanie Yang1, Katherine A Brandt1

  • 1Division of Transplant and Advanced Hepatobiliary Surgery, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States.

Insights

A history of umbilical vein catheterization (UVC) does not preclude Meso-Rex bypass (MRB) for extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO). Patients with UVC history can still benefit from MRB, demonstrating its feasibility in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Umbilical vein catheterization (UVC) is a risk factor for portal venous thrombosis, potentially leading to extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) and portal hypertension (PHT).
  • The feasibility of Meso-Rex bypass (MRB) in patients with a history of UVC has been debated.
  • This study investigates the impact of prior UVC on MRB outcomes for EHPVO treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the feasibility and success rates of Meso-Rex bypass (MRB) in patients with and without a history of umbilical vein catheterization (UVC).
  • To determine if a history of UVC is a contraindication for MRB in treating extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 187 patients with EHPVO who underwent evaluation for MRB between 1997 and 2022.
  • Patients were divided into two groups: those with a history of UVC (UVC(+)) and those without (UVC(-)).
  • Surgical outcomes, including MRB success rates and patency, were compared between the groups.

Main Results:

  • A history of UVC was a significant predictor for receiving MRB (OR: 7.4).
  • MRB success rates were significantly lower in the UVC(+) group (49.1%) compared to the UVC(-) group (87.7%).
  • However, MRB patency at discharge was comparably high in both groups (89.3% in UVC(+) vs. 94.7% in UVC(-)).

Conclusions:

  • A history of UVC should not be considered an absolute contraindication for Meso-Rex bypass (MRB).
  • Approximately half of patients with prior UVC successfully underwent MRB.
  • Patients with symptomatic portal hypertension due to EHPVO warrant consideration for MRB regardless of UVC history.
Abstract