Splenic Embolization in the Management of Complications after Liver Transplantation: Integrative Review
Keywords:
Splenic Artery, Liver Transplantation, Embolization, TherapeuticAbstract
Introduction: Liver transplantation is a definitive treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease and liver neoplasms. Vascular complications remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Splenic artery embolization is an alternative to improve the clinical and hemodynamic conditions of such patients. Methods: The research was conducted in October 2025 on the PubMed and Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) platforms, based on the descriptors: “Splenic artery,” “Embolization, therapeutic,” and “Liver Transplantation”; 15 articles were selected based on eligibility criteria. Results: Seven case reports and eight cohort studies, or retrospective case series were found, reflecting the current level of evidence on the application of splenic artery embolization in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Analysis of the articles allowed the data to be synthesized into three central thematic categories: indications for the procedure, techniques used, and clinical outcomes, including complications. Conclusion: Splenic artery embolization is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective therapeutic strategy for the management of selected complications after liver transplantation, such as splenic artery steal syndrome, refractory ascites, hydrothorax, and hypersplenism.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ana Paula Konrath, Guilherme Lemos Maia, Olival Cirilo Lucena da Fonseca Neto
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