Reconstruction of the portal vein using a peritoneal patch-graft

Background: Reconstruction of the portal vein with autologous veins requires extra incisions. Prosthetic material is associated with an increased risk of infection. We therefore created an animal model of portal vein reconstruction using the peritoneum. Methods: A 2.5 × 2.5 cm piece of the peritoneum was resected from Landrace pigs weighing 30 to 40 kg and was dipped in 100% alcohol for 10 minutes. The anterior wall of the portal vein measuring 1.2 × 0.6 cm was resected. The peritoneal patch-graft fitting the defect of the portal vein was used to repair it. Results: All 7 pigs survived the surgery, and were killed at 2, 7, 7, 14, 21, 35 and 49 days, respectively, after surgery. There was no evidence of thrombosis or obstruction of the reconstructed portal vein or any other complications. Complete endothelialization of the patches were noted at day 14. Conclusions: Our patch-graft technique using the peritoneum is considered to be a good and safe alternative for reconstruction after partial resection of the portal vein in clinical surgery.