Living donor liver transplantation for neonates using segment 2 monosubsegment graft

Abstract

The prognosis of liver transplantation for neonates with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) continues to be extremely poor, especially in patients whose body weight is less than 3 kg. To address this problem, we have developed a safe living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) modality for neonates. We performed LDLTs with segment 2 monosubsegment (S2) grafts for three neonatal FHF. The recipient age and body weight at LDLT were 13-27 days, 2.59-2.84 kg, respectively. S2 or reduced S2 grafts (93-98 g) obtained from their fathers were implanted using temporary portacaval shunt. The recipient portal vein was reconstructed at a more distal site, such as the umbilical portion, to have the graft liver move freely during hepatic artery (HA) reconstruction. The recipient operation time and bleeding were 11 h 58 min-15 h 27 min and 200-395 mL, respectively. The graft-to-recipient weight ratio was 3.3-3.8% and primary abdominal wall closure was possible in all cases. Although hepatic artery thrombosis occurred in one case, all cases survived with normal growth. Emergency LDLT with S2 grafts weighing less than 100 g can save neonates with FHF whose body weight is less than 3 kg. This LDLT modality using S2 grafts could become a new option for neonates and very small infants requiring LT.