Right hepatectomy in living donors with previous abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND： Few studies have evaluated the impact of previous abdominal surgery （PAS） on living donor right hepatectomy （LDRH）. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of liver transplantation using right lobe grafts of living donors with PAS. METHODS： Data were reviewed from LDRH patients at the authors＇ institution between March 2008 and November 2014. LDRH patients with PAS were divided into two groups according to upper PAS （group 1） or lower PAS （group 2）, and they were compared to those without PAS （group 3） who were matched 1：1 based on age, gender, and body mass index. Periop- erative data, complications by the Clavien classification, and the outcomes with more than 14 months follow-up were compared. RESULTS： Twenty-three （4.9%） of a total of 471 LDRH donors had PAS. Eleven donors were assigned to group 1, 12 to group 2, and 23 to group 3. Intraperitoneal adhesions were found in 20 （87.0%） of 23 donors with PAS, of whom 5 （21.7%） had adhesiolysis-related injuries that happened more commonly in group 1 than in group 2 （P=0.025）. LDRH was successfully completed under upper midline laparotomy in all donors. No donors received perioperative blood transfusion. The peak postoperative AST, ALT, INR, and total bilirubin levels made no difference between the three groups. Compared with group 3, groups 1 and 2 had a longer operative time （P=0.012） and a higher grade I complication rate （P=0.047）. All donors recovered fully to their routine activities. The 23 recipients of grafts from donors with PAS showed good liver function with 1-year graft and patient survivals of 100%. CONCLUSION： A history of PAS is not a contraindication to LDRH in the current era of advanced surgical techniques.

Reasons and effects of the decline of willing related potential living kidney donors

BACKGROUND Although the availability of related living donors(LDs)provides a better chance for receiving kidney transplantation(KT),the evaluation protocols for LD selection remain a safeguard for the LD’s safety.These protocols are variable from one center to another,resulting in variable rates of decline of the potential LDs(PLDs).The decline of willing PLDs may occur at any stage of evaluation,starting from the initial contact and counseling to the day of operation.AIM To identify the causes of the decline of PLDs,the predictors of PLD candidacy,and the effect on achieving LDKT.METHODS A retrospective study was performed on the willing PLDs who attended our outpatient clinic for kidney donation to their related potential recipients between October 2015 and December 2022.The variables influencing their candidacy rate and the fate of their potential recipients were studied.Two groups of PLDs were compared:Candidate PLDs after a completed evaluation vs non-candidate PLDs with a complete or incomplete evaluation.A multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the factors contributing to the achievement of PLD candidacy.RESULTS Of 321 willing PLDs,257 PLDs(80.1%)accessed the evaluation to variable extents for 212 potential recipients,with a mean age(range)of 40.5±10.4(18-65)years,including 169 females(65.8%).The remaining 64 PLDs(19.9%)did not access the evaluation.Only 58 PLDs(18.1%)succeeded in donating,but 199 PDLs(62.0%)were declined;exclusion occurred in 144 PLDs(56.0%)for immunological causes(37.5%),medical causes(54.9%),combined causes(9.7%),and financial causes(2.1%).Regression and release occurred in 55 PLDs(17.1%).The potential recipients with candidate PLDs were not significantly different from those with non-candidate PLDs,except in age(P=0.041),rates of completed evaluation,and exclusion of PLDs(P<0.001).There were no factors that independently influenced the rate of PLD candidacy.Most patients who failed to have KT after the decline of their PLDs remained on hemodialysis for 6 mo to 6 years.CONCLUSION The rate of decline of willing related PLDs was high due to medical or immunological contraindications,release,or regression of PLDs.It reduced the chances of high percentages of potential recipients in LDKT.

Liver retransplants using living donors:An approach for management

Background and aims:Many centers do not offer living donor transplants for patients in need of a liver retransplant.We aimed to study our liver retransplant outcomes using living donors and compared them with those of retransplants performed using deceased donors.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed all retransplants performed at our center between 2009 and 2023,and outcomes of living donor retransplants were compared with deceased donor retransplants using standard statistical tests.Results:Between January 2009 and March 2023,a total of 77 retransplants,60 with deceased donors and 17 with living donors,were performed.Important demographic differences between the two groups included a higher model for end-stage liver disease score in the deceased donor group(32.1±6.1 vs.19.4±5.7,P<0.001)and a higher number of early retransplants(within 3 months of the initial transplant),which accounted for 35% of deceased donor transplants but 0 of living donor transplants(P<0.01).Overall,the patient and graft survival rates were comparable between the two groups.The patient survival rates at 1 and 3 years after transplant were 73% and 67% in the deceased donor group and 84% and 73% in the living donor group,respectively(P=0.57).The hospital length of stay and blood product use were both better in the living donor group.Biliary complications did not show significant different between the two groups(P=0.33).Conclusions:Living donors can provide acceptable outcomes for those in need of a retransplant,with results comparable to those seen with deceased donors.A systematic approach to the patient in the pre-,peri-,and post-transplantation period is important in these complicated cases.

Renal allograft procurement from living unrelated donors in Iran: What falls under the eclipse

Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for end stage kidney disease.However,despite all the efforts to expand the donor pool,the shortage of donors is increasing and as a consequence,there has been a significant increase in the number of patients on transplant waiting lists globally.Societies worldwide have employed different methods to address this,each with specific ethical concerns surrounding them.Over three decades ago,a governmentally regulated program of kidney transplantation from living unrelated donors was introduced in Iran and since practiced which has been the subject of hot debate in the literature.Nevertheless,despite all these extensive discussions and publications,several key aspects of the program have still not been properly elucidated and addressed.In this article,the author aims to illuminate some dark corners related to this issue that have largely escaped the notice of ethicists.

Preemptive living donor kidney transplantation:Access,fate,and review of the status in

BACKGROUND Preemptive living donor kidney transplantation(PLDKT)is recommended as the optimal treatment for end-stage renal disease.AIM To assess the rate of PLDKT among patients who accessed KT in our center and review the status of PLDKT in Egypt.METHODS We performed a retrospective review of the patients who accessed KT in our center from November 2015 to November 2022.In addition,the PLDKT status in Egypt was reviewed relative to the literature.RESULTS Of the 304 patients who accessed KT,32 patients(10.5%)had preemptive access to KT(PAKT).The means of age and estimated glomerular filtration rate were 31.7±13 years and 12.8±3.5 mL/min/1.73 m2,respectively.Fifty-nine patients had KT,including 3 PLDKTs only(5.1%of total KTs and 9.4%of PAKT).Twenty-nine patients(90.6%)failed to receive PLDKT due to donor unavailability(25%),exclusion(28.6%),regression from donation(3.6%),and patient regression on starting dialysis(39.3%).In multivariate analysis,known primary kidney disease(P=0.002),patient age(P=0.031)and sex(P=0.001)were independent predictors of achievement of KT in our center.However,PAKT was not significantly(P=0.065)associated with the achievement of KT.Review of the literature revealed lower rates of PLDKT in Egypt than those in the literature.CONCLUSION Patient age,sex,and primary kidney disease are independent predictors of achieving living donor KT.Despite its non-significant effect,PAKT may enhance the low rates of PLDKT.The main causes of non-achievement of PLDKT were patient regression on starting regular dialysis and donor unavailability or exclusion.

Risks faced by donors of right lobe for living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: Because of the shortage of deceased donors with livers fit for transplantation, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is becoming an attractive alternative. Attention should be paid to the donors, especially to those of the right lobe. In this study, we evaluated the risks faced by donors of the right lobe for adult-to-adult LDLT. METHODS: The perioperative data from 105 consecutive living donors of the right lobe performed in West China Hospital from January 2002 to December 2007 were retrospectively studied. Preoperative evaluation included CT, MRCP, and intraoperative cholangiography, showing liver volume, hepatic vasculature and the biliary system. The standard liver volume (SLV) and the ratio of left lobe volume to SLV were calculated. The right lobe grafts were obtained by transecting the liver on the right side of the middle hepatic vein without inflow vascular occlusion, using an ultrasonic dissector. After operation the donors were monitored in the Intensive Care Unit for about three days. Each donor was followed up for at least 6 months. RESULTS: There was no donor mortality. Major complications occurred in 14 donors (13.3%), of whom 3 received conservative treatment, 8 required invasive paracentesis, and 3 required further surgery. All donors were recovered well and resumed their previous occupations. CONCLUSIONS: Donors of the right lobe face low risks. The preoperative evaluation, especially evaluation of the volume of the remnant liver, should be exact. During the operation, the patency of the remnant hepatic vasculature and bile duct must be preserved, and the extent of injury to the remnant liver should be limited as much as possible. The detection and treatment of postoperative complications should be diligently performed.

Measures for increasing the safety of donors in living donor liver transplantation using right lobe grafts

BACKGROUND: The safety of donors in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) should be the primary consideration. The aim of this study was to report our experience in increasing the safety of donors in LDLTs using right lobe grafts. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 37 living donors of right lobe grafts from January 2002 to March 2006. The measures for increasing the safety of donors in LDLT included carefully selected donors, preoperative evaluation by ultrasonography, angiography and computed tomography; and necessary intraoperative cholangiography and ultrasonography. Right lobe grafts were obtained using an ultrasonic dissector without inflow vascular occlusion on the right side of the middle hepatic vein. The standard liver volume and the ratio of left lobe volume to standard liver volume were calculated. RESULTS: There was no donor mortality in our group. Postoperative complications only included bile leakage (I donor), biliary stricture (1) and portal vein thrombosis (1). All donors recovered well and resumed their previous occupations. In recipients, complications included acute rejection (2 patients), hepatic artery thrombosis (1), bile leakage (1), intestinal bleeding (1), left subphrenic abscess (1) and pulmonary infection (1). The mortality rate of recipients was 5.4% (2/37); one recipient with pulmonary infection died from multiple organ failure and another from occurrence of primary disease. CONCLUSIONS: The first consideration in adult-to-adult LDLT is the safety of donors. The donation of a right lobe graft is safe for adults if the remnant hepatic vasculature and bile duct are ensured, and the volume-of the remnant liver exceeds 35% of the total liver volume.

Evaluation outcomes of donors in living dono liver transplantation: a single-center analysis of 132 donors

BACKGROUND: Donor safety has always been a major concern and potential risk to the donor must be balanced against recipient benefit. However, lack of a standardized and uniform evaluation of perioperative complications is a serious limitation of the evaluation of donor morbidity. This study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of donors in adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using the newer Clavien classification system in a single center in China. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed the outcomes of 132 consecutive living liver donors from 2005 to 2008 using the newer Clavien classification system. The preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data of the donors were collected and analyzed Ordinal regression was used to analyze the ordered grades of complications. RESULTS: Ninety-four (71.2%) of the donors developed postoperative complications of grade I (n=45, 34.1%), grade II (n=39, 29.5%) and grade III (n=10, 7.6%). There was no death or grade IV morbidity. Hepatic functional impairment and pleural effusion were the most frequent morbidities for living donors. Fifty-three donors (40.1%) developed hepatic functional impairment of grade I (n=40, 31.1%) and grade II (n=13, 10.0%). The ICU stay (7.8±1.8 days) and length of hospital stay (17.7±4.6 days) were significantly longer in donors with grade III than others. Furthermore, ordinal logistic regression revealed that donor’s older age (>40 years) and right hepatectomy were associated with morbidity. In addition, only preoperative total bilirubin (within the normal range) and postoperative nadir serum phosphorus were independently associated with hepatic functional impairment. The receiveroperator characteristic curve revealed that preoperative total bilirubin >18.0 μmol/L and postoperative nadir of serum phosphorus <1 mg/dL may lead to more severe hepatic functional impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that donors are relatively safe to undergo hepatectomy, many living donors still experience postoperative morbidity. Meticulous technical and preoperative donor evaluation and treatment are sure to reduce the incidence of complications.

Health-related quality of life in living liver donors after transplantation

BACKGROUND:Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has recently emerged as an effective therapeutic alternative for patients with end-stage liver disease.In the meantime,the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the donors is becoming better appreciated.Here we aimed to review the current literature and summarize the effects of liver donation on the long-term HRQoL of living donors.DATA SOURCES:A literature search of PubMed using 'donors','living donor liver transplantation','health-related quality of life',and 'donation' was performed,and all the information was collected.RESULTS:The varied postoperative outcomes of liver donors are attributive to the different evaluation instruments used.On the whole,donors experienced good long-term physical and mental well-being with a few complaining of compromised quality of life due to mild symptoms or psychiatric problems.The psychosocial dimension has received increasing attention with the vocational,interpersonal and financial impact of liver donation on donors mostly studied.CONCLUSIONS:Generally,donors have a good HRQoL after LDLT.Nevertheless,to achieve an ideal donor outcome,further work is necessary to minimize the negative effects as well as to incorporate recent progress in regenerative medicine.

Major complications of adult right lobe living liver donors

BACKGROUND：The right lobe of the liver is generally preferred for living donor liver transplantation in adult patients with end-stage liver disease.It is important to know the preoperative factors relating to the major postoperative complications.We therefore evaluated the possible risk factors for predicting postoperative complications in right lobe liver donors.METHODS：Data from 378 donors who had undergone right lobe hepatectomy at our center were evaluated retrospectively. The factors we evaluated induded donor age, gender, body mass index （BMI）, remnant liver volume, operation time, history of previous abdominal surgery, inclusion of the middle hepatic vein and variations in the portal and bile systems. RESUEI＇S： Of the 378 donors, 219 were male and 159 female. None of the donors died, but 124 （32.8%） donors experienced complications including major complications （Clavien scores III and IV） in 27 （7.1%）. Univariate analysis showed that complica- tions were significantly associated with male gender and higher BMI （P〈0.05）, but not with donor age, remnant liver volume, operation time, graft with middle hepatic vein, variations in the portal and bile systems and previous abdominal surgery （P〉0.05）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that major complications were significantly associated with male gender （P=0.005） and higher BMI （P=0.029）. Moreover, the Chi- square test showed that there were significant relationships between major complications and male gender （P=0.010,Z2=6.614, df=l） and BMI 〉25 kg/m2 （P=-0.031, Z2=8.562, df-1）. Of the 96 male donors with BMI 〉25 kg/m2, 14 （14.6%） with major complications had significantly smaller mean remnant liver volume than those （82, 85.4%） without major complications （32.50%± 4.45% vs 34.63%±3.11%, P=0.029）.CONCLUSION： Male donors with BMI 〉25 kg/m2 and a remnant liver volume 〈32.50% had a significantly increased risk for major complications.

A new technique for the reconstruction of complex portal vein anomalies in right lobe living liver donors

Living donor liver right lobe transplantation using donors with variation of the right sectorial portal vein is considered a challenging procedure in terms of the donor’s safety and the complexity of reconstruction in the recipient.We describe an innovative technique to reconstruct double portal vein orifices via a deceased donor iliac vein graft.The postoperative course of the recipient was uneventful.Doppler ultrasound on the fourth postoperative month revealed equivalent flow in both portal vein branches.Reconstruction of double right portal vein branches using a cryopreserved iliac vein is a valuable technique for utilizing right lobe grafts with challenging portal vein anatomy.

Platelet count reduction and outcomes in living liver donors

BACKGROUND: Platelet count reduction in living donors after graft harvesting is very common. The mechanisms and the subsequent adverse consequences are not clear. The present study was to explore the mechanisms and the consequences of platelet count reduction in living donors. METHODS: We collected data from 231 living liver donor patients who donated at our transplant center between July 2002 and August 2009. Baseline and post-operative platelet counts were collected and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to compare the risk factors for the persistent decrease in platelet counts. Complications and other postoperative recovery were compared between the donors. RESULTS: Platelet count decreased differently at each of the follow-up intervals, and the average reduction from baseline evaluation to year 3 was 18.2%. A concomitant decrease in white blood cells was observed with platelet count reduction. All of the splenic volumes at the post-operative follow-up time points were significantly higher than those at baseline(P【0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the graft-to-donor weight ratio was a risk factor for low postoperative platelet counts in living donors at the three followup time points: one week(P=0.047), one month(P=0.034), and three months(P=0.047). At the one week follow-up time, 77 donor platelet counts were higher(group 1) and 151 donor platelet counts were lower(group 2) than baseline levels. Two hemorrhage events(1.3%) were observed in group 2, while three hemorrhage events(3.9%) were observed in group 1(P=0.211). The overall complication rate was comparable between the two groups(P=0.972). CONCLUSION: An increase in harvesting graft may decrease platelet counts, but this reduction does not produce short- or long-term damage in living liver donors.

Hypertension and obesity in living kidney donors

Over the past few decades,the shortage in the kidney donor pool as compared to the increasing number of candidates on the kidney transplant waitlist led to loosening of kidney donors’acceptance criteria.Hypertension and obesity represent risk factors for chronic kidney disease,both in native kidneys and those in kidney transplant recipients.While great progress has been made in kidney transplantation from living donors to benefit the recipient survival and quality of life,progress has been slow to fully risk-characterize the donors.This review critically reassesses the current state of understanding regarding the risk of endstage kidney disease in those donors with obesity,hypertension or both.Accurate risk assessment tools need to be developed urgently to fully understand the risk glomerular filtration rate compensation failure in the remaining kidney of the donors.

Outcome of split liver transplantation vs living donor liver transplantation:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The outcomes of liver transplantation(LT)from different grafts have been studied individually and in combination,but the reports were conflicting with some researchers finding no difference in both short-term and long-term outcomes between the deceased donor split LT(DD-SLT)and living donor LT(LDLT).AIM To compare the outcomes of DD-SLT and LDLT we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis.METHODS This systematic review was performed in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines.The following databases were searched for articles comparing outcomes of DD-SLT and LDLT:PubMed;Google Scholar;Embase;Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials;the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews;and Reference Citation Analysis(https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com/).The search terms used were:“liver transplantation;”“liver transplant;”“split liver transplant;”“living donor liver transplant;”“partial liver transplant;”“partial liver graft;”“ex vivo splitting;”and“in vivo splitting.”RESULTS Ten studies were included for the data synthesis and meta-analysis.There were a total of 4836 patients.The overall survival rate at 1 year,3 years and 5 years was superior in patients that received LDLT compared to DD-SLT.At 1 year,the hazard ratios was 1.44(95%confidence interval:1.16-1.78;P=0.001).The graft survival rate at 3 years and 5 years was superior in the LDLT group(3 year hazard ratio:1.28;95%confidence interval:1.01-1.63;P=0.04).CONCLUSION This meta-analysis showed that LDLT has better graft survival and overall survival when compared to DD-SLT.

Liver transplantation and resection in patients with hepatocellular cancer and portal vein tumor thrombosis: Feasible and effective?

Patients with locally advanced hepatocellular cancer(HCC)and portal vein tumor thrombosis(PVTT)have a dismal prognosis since limited treatment options are available for them.In recent years,effective systemic therapy,and advances in the understanding of technicalities and effectiveness of ablative therapies especially radiotherapy,have given some hope to prolong survival in them.This review summarized recent evidence in literature regarding the possible role of liver resection(LR)and liver transplantation(LT)in patients with locally advanced HCC and PVTT with no extrahepatic disease.Downstaging therapies have helped make curative resection or LT a reality in selected patients.This review emphasizes on the key points to focus on when considering surgery in these patients,who are usually relegated to palliative systemic therapy alone.Meticulous patient selection based on tumor biology,documented downstaging based on imaging and decrease in tumor marker levels,and an adequate waiting period to demonstrate stable disease,may help obtain satisfactory long-term outcomes post LR or LT in an intention to treat strategy in patients with HCC and PVTT.

Living-donor liver transplantation in Budd-Chiari syndrome with inferior vena cava complete thrombosis:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Budd-Chiari syndrome(BCS)is a challenging indication for liver transplantation(LT)due to a combination of massive liver,increased bleeding,retroperitoneal fibrosis and frequently presents with stenosis of the inferior vena cava(IVC).Occasionally,it may be totally thrombosed,increasing the complexity of the procedure,as it should also be resected.The challenge is even greater when performing living-donor LT as the graft does not contain the retrohepatic IVC;thus,it may be necessary to reconstruct it.CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old male patient with liver cirrhosis due to BCS and hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the Milan criteria underwent living-donor LT with IVC reconstruction.It was necessary to remove the IVC as its retrohepatic portion was completely thrombosed,up to almost the right atrium.A right-lobe graft was retrieved from his sister,with outflow reconstruction including the right hepatic vein and the branches of segment V and VIII to the middle hepatic vein.Owing to massive subcutaneous collaterals in the abdominal wall,venovenous bypass was implemented before incising the skin.The right atrium was reached via a transdiaphragramatic approach.Hepatectomy was performed en bloc with the retrohepatic vena cava.It was reconstructed with an infra-hepatic vena cava graft obtained from a deceased donor.The patient remains well on outpatient clinic follow-up 25 mo after the procedure,under an anticoagulation protocol with warfarin.CONCLUSION Living-donor LT in BCS with IVC thrombosis is feasible using a meticulous surgical technique and tailored strategies.

Microsurgical reconstruction of hepatic artery in living donor liver transplantation:experiences and lessons

BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery (HA) reconstruction is one of the key steps for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The incidence of HA thrombosis has been reduced by the introduction of nucrosurgical techniques under a high resolution microscope or loupe. METHODS: We report our experience in 101 cases of HA reconstruction in LDLTs using the graft-artery-undamp and posterior-wall-first technique. The reconstructions were completed by either a plastic surgeon or a transplant surgeon. RESULTS: The rate of HA thrombosis was 2% (2/101). The risk factors for failed procedures appeared to be reduced by participation of the transplant surgeon compared with the plastic surgeon. For a graft with duplicate arteries, we considered no branches should be discarded even with a positive clamping test. CONCLUSIONS: HA reconstruction without clamping the graft artery is a feasible and simplified technique, which can be mastered by transplant surgeons with considerable microsurgical training.

Management of the middle hepatic vein and its tributaries in right lobe living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: Left liver graft from a small donor will not meet the metabolic demands of a larger adult recipient. To overcome the problem of graft size insufficiency, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using the right lobe has become a standard method for adult patients. As the drainage of the median sector (segments V, VIII and IV) is mainly by the middle hepatic vein (MHV), the issue of whether the MHV should or should not be taken with the graft or whether the MHV tributaries (V5, V8) should be reconstructed in the recipient remains to be settled. DATA SOURCES: An English-language literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (1985-2006) on right lobe living donor liver transplantation, middle hepatic vein, vein graft, hepatic venoplasty and other related subjects. RESULTS: Some institutions had proposed their policy for the management of the MHV and its tributaries. Dominancy of the hepatic vein, graft-to-recipient weight ratio, and remnant liver volume as well as the donor-to-recipient body weight ratio, the volume of the donor's right lobe to the recipient's standard liver volume and the size of MHV tributaries are the major elements for the criteria of inclusion of the MHV, while for the policy of MHV tributaries reconstruction, the proportion of congestive area and the diameter of the tributaries are the critical elements. Optimal vein grafts such as recipient's portal vein and hepatic venoplasty technique have been used to obviate hepatic congestion and venous drainage disturbance. CONCLUSIONS: Taking right liver grafts with the MHV trunk (extended right lobe grafts) or performing the MHV tributaries reconstruction in modified right lobe grafts, according to the criteria proposed by the institutions with rich experience, can solve the congestion problem of the right paramedian sector and help to improve the outcomes of the patients. The additional use of optimal vein grafts and hepatic venoplasty also can guarantee excellent venous drainage.

Efficacy of middle hepatic vein reconstruction in adult right-lobe living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: Congestion of the right anterior segment may lead to graft dysfunction in right-lobe living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) without a middle hepatic vein (MHV) trunk. Selective reconstruction of MHV tributaries with the interposition of vascular grafts has been introduced to overcome this problem. However, there is still no consensus on the definite criteria of MHV reconstruction. METHODS: LDLT patients were reviewed to evaluate the effects of MHV reconstruction. From March 2005 to September 2008 in our transplantation center, 120 consecutive LDLTs were performed using a right-lobe graft without a MHV. Excluding 11 patients, among the remainder, 73 (67%) had reconstructed MHV tributaries, and the others 36 (33%) did not. The values of liver functional index and liver graft regeneration ratio were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was a prolonged period of liver functional recovery in patients with small-for-size grafts and a graft-recipient weight ratio (GRWR) <1.0%, and without MHV reconstruction. The ratio of liver regeneration 1 month postoperatively in reconstruction cases was 81%, versus 78% in patients without reconstruction (P=0.352), but among small-for-size grafts, there was a significant difference between the two groups (95% vs. 80%). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that reconstruction of MHV tributaries is not necessary in all patients, but is beneficial for patients with GRWR <1.0%. (Hepatobiliary Pancrent Dis Int 2010; 9: 135-138)

Graft-to-recipient weight ratio lower to 0.7% is safe without portal pressure modulation in right-lobe living donor liver transplantation with favorable conditions

BACKGROUND: The low graft-to-recipient weight ratio(GRWR) in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation(LDLT) is one of the major risk factors affecting graft survival. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether the lower limit of the GRWR can be safely reduced without portal pressure modulation in right-lobe LDLT. METHODS: From 2005 to 2011, 317 consecutive patients from a single institute underwent LDLT with right-lobe grafts without portal pressure modulation. Of these, 23 had a GRWR of less than 0.7%(group A), 27 had a GRWR of ≥0.7%, 【0.8%(group B), and 267 had a GRWR of more than and equal to 0.8%(group C). Medical records, including recipient, donor, operation factors, laboratory findings and complications were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The baseline demographics showed low model for end-stage liver disease score(mean 16.3±8.9) and high percentage of hepatocellular carcinoma(231 patients, 72.9%). Three groups by GRWR demonstrated similar characteristics except recipient body mass index and donor gender. For smallforsize syndrome, there were 3(13.0%) in group A, 1(3.7%) in group B, and 2 patients(0.7%) in group C(P【0.001). Hepatic artery thrombosis was more frequently observed in group A than in groups B and C(8.7% vs 3.7% vs 1.9%, P=0.047). However, among the three groups, graft survival rates at 1 year(100% vs 96.3% vs 93.6%) and 3 years(91.7% vs 73.2% vs 88.1%) were not different(P=0.539). In laboratory measurements,there was no group difference in total bilirubin and albumin. However, prothrombin time was longer in group A within postoperative 1 week and platelet count was lower in groups A and B within postoperative 1 month. CONCLUSION: A GRWR lower to 0.7% is safe and does not need to modulate portal pressure in adult-to-adult LDLT using the right-lobe in favorable conditions including low model for end-stage liver disease score.