BACKGROUND: This article discusses the value of using multi-parameter evaluation of intra-operative ultrasonography in evaluating pediatric liver transplantation-related arterial complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-eight children receiving a liver transplant underwent intraoperative ultrasonography for monitoring of artery hemodynamics. The ultrasonic measurement parameters included the diameters of the hepatic artery (HA) of the donor and anastomotic stoma, peak systolic velocity (PSV), resistance index (RI), acceleration time (SAT), and blood flow volume.

RESULTS: After being treated immediately using surgery or other means, blood flow returned to normal in 8 cases, and did not in 3 cases, of whom 2 experienced postoperative HAT. There was a significant difference in HA diameter of the donor, anastomotic stoma diameter, PSV, RI, SAT, and blood flow volume before and after treatment of the donor in the complications group. Postoperative complications occurred in 7 of 68 recipients, including the 2 cases exhibiting complications during the surgery (complication group) and 5 without complications during the surgery (no complication group). There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between the 2 groups in intraoperative ultrasonography parameters of HA diameter, anastomotic stoma diameter, RI, and blood flow volume.

CONCLUSIONS: Through intraoperative multi-parameter ultrasonic measurement, a definite diagnosis of hepatic artery complications can be made in liver transplantation patients. HA diameter of the donor, anastomotic stoma diameter, PSV, RI, SAT, and blood flow volume are important in assessing intraoperative artery complications.

Keywords: Child, Preschool, Child, Hepatic Artery - surgery, Infant, Newborn, Liver Diseases - etiology, Liver Transplantation - methods, Postoperative Complications - diagnostic imaging, Ultrasonography - methods