Massive gastrointestinal bleeding complicating portal vein cross-clamping during liver transplantation.

Abstract

This case report describes the occurrence of massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage immediately after cross-clamping of the inferior vena cava and hepatic portal vein. This case suggests that acute intraoperative hemorrhage from a varix should always be a consideration before liver transplantation in patients who have a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. A case of severe bleeding during liver transplantation is described in a patient who had a history of bleeding from the stomach before surgery. The importance of understanding surgical options and the ability to provide rapid massive transfusion in the management of this complication are discussed.