Liver transplantation for the Budd-Chiari syndrome.

A retrospective study was performed that analyzed 23 patients who had an orthotopic liver transplantation for the Budd-Chiari syndrome with end-stage liver disease. Patient follow-up was as long as 14 years. The technical considerations relevant to the Budd-Chiari syndrome were discussed. There have been no serious complications of postoperative anticoagulation. Three patients, all of whom died, had recurrence of the Budd-Chiari syndrome. No other patient has had evidence of recurrent Budd-Chiari syndrome on postoperative liver biopsies. One-, 3-, and 5-year actuarial survival was 68.8%, 44.7%, and 44.7%, respectively. It was concluded that orthotopic liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for patients with the Budd-Chiari syndrome and end-stage liver disease.