Temporary Intra-Operative Portocaval Shunts, Post-Operative Infections, and Mid-Term Survival after Cava-Sparing Liver Transplantation

摘要

Background: Temporary intra-operative portocaval shunts (TPCS) are believed to improve outcomes after cava-sparing liver transplantation. We hypothesize that decompression of the portal venous system via a TPCS reduces gut congestion, thereby decreasing bacterial translocation. Thus, we sought to clarify whether transplantation with a TPCS alters rates of post-operative infections and survival.