Small-for-size partial liver graft in an adult recipient; a new transplant technique

Lancet. 2002 Feb 2;359(9304):406-7. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(02)07593-1.

Abstract

We report a new technique of adult liver transplantation using a small-for-size graft. In order to avoid graft congestion and failure by overperfusion, we completely diverted the superior mesenteric venous flow by a mesocaval shunt with downstream ligation of the superior mesenteric vein. The recipient recovered well, and the graft had normal histology and function at 5 months follow-up. Given the current scarcity of cadaveric donors, this technique may increase the numbers of adult recipients by using left lobes from cadaveric split liver grafts.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Graft Survival*
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Organ Size
  • Portacaval Shunt, Surgical
  • Postoperative Period
  • Swine