Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2025

Surgical Tips and Tricks for Performing Porcine Pancreas Transplantation
Published on: July 20, 2022
Revascularization techniques for complete portomesenteric venous occlusion in patients undergoing pancreatic
Jon M Harrison1, Amy Y Li1, John R Bergquist1
1Section of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA.
Introduction:
Pancreatic pathologies causing portomesenteric occlusion complicate extirpative pancreatic resection due to portomesenteric hypertension and collateral venous drainage.
Methods:
Patients with portomesenteric occlusion undergoing pancreatectomy were identified between 2007 and 2020 at Stanford University Hospital. Demographic and clinical data, technique and perioperative factors, and post-operative outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
Of twenty-seven (27) patients undergoing venous revascularization during pancreatectomy, most (15) were for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Occlusions occurred mostly at the portosplenic confluence (15). Median occlusion length was 4.0 cm [3.1-5.8]. Regarding revascularization strategy, mesocaval shunting was used in 11 patients, in-line venous revascularization with internal jugular conduit in three patients, traditional venous resection and reconstruction in 9 patients, and thrombectomy in two patients. Median cohort operative time and estimated blood loss were 522 min [433-638] and 1000 mL [700-2500], respectively. Median length of stay was 10 days [8-14.5] with overall readmission rate of 37%. Significant complications occurred in 44% of patients despite only one (4%) perioperative mortality.
Discussion:
Despite the technical complexity for managing portomesenteric occlusions, early revascularization strategies including mesocaval shunting or in-line venous revascularization are feasible and facilitate a safe pancreatic resection for surgically fit patients.

