As tumors invade major abdominal veins, surgical procedures are transformed from simple and basic to complicated and challenging. In this narrative review, we focus on what is currently known and not known regarding the technical aspects of major abdominal venous resection and its reconstruction, patency, and oncologic benefit in a cross-cutting perspective.

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed and Semantic Scholar from inception up to October 18, 2023. We reviewed 106 papers by title, abstract, and full text regarding resection or reconstruction of the inferior vena cava, hepatic vein confluence, portal vein (PV), and middle hepatic vein (MHV) tributaries in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in a cross-cutting perspective.

The oncologic benefit of aggressive hepatic vein resection with suitable reconstruction against adenocarcinoma remains unclear, and further studies are required to clarify this point. A superior mesenteric/PV resection is now a universal, indispensable, and effective procedure for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Although many case series using tailor-made autologous venous grafts have been reported, not only size mismatch but also additional surgical incisions and a longer operation time remain obstacles for venous reconstruction. The use of autologous alternative tissue remains only an alternative procedure because the patency rate of customized tubular conduit type to interpose or replace the resected vein is not known. Unlike arterial replacement, venous replacement using synthetic vascular grafts is still rarely reported and there are several inherent limitations except for reconstruction of tributaries of MHV in LDLT.

Various approaches to abdominal vein resection and replacement or reconstruction are technically feasible with satisfactory results. Synthetic vascular grafts may be appropriate but have a certain rate of complications.

After living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), rising serum bilirubin levels commonly indicate insufficient numbers of hepatocytes are available to metabolize bilirubin into biliverdin. Recovery of bilirubin levels is an important marker of hepatocyte repopulation after LDLT. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2A6 in humans (or cyp2a4 in rodents) can function as "bilirubin oxidase." Functional hepatocytes contain abundant CYP2A6, which is considered a marker for hepatocyte function recovery. The aim of our study was to determine the impact of estradiol/estrogen receptor signaling on bilirubin levels during liver function recovery.

We conducted a hospital-based cohort study of bilirubin levels after LDLT surgery in both liver graft donors and recipients, performed a transcriptome comparison of wild-type versus estrogen receptor (ER)α knockout mice and a bioinformatics analysis of transcriptome changes in their regenerating liver after two-third partial hepatectomy (PHx), and assayed in vitro expression of cytochrome (CYP2A6) in human hepatic progenitor cells (HepRG) treated with 17β-estradiol (E2).

The latency of bilirubin level reduction was shorter in women than in men, suggesting that a female factor promotes bilirubin recovery after liver transplantation surgery. In the PHx mouse model, the expression of the cyp2a4 gene was significantly lower in livers from the knockout ERα mice than in livers from their wild-type littermates; but the expression of other bilirubin metabolism-related genes were similar between these groups. Moreover, E2 or bilirubin treatments significantly promoted CYP2A6 expression in hepatocyte progenitor cells (HepRG cells). Sequence analysis revealed similar levels of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR; bilirubin responsive nuclear receptor) and ESR1 binding to the promoter region of CYP2A6.

This is the first report to demonstrate, on a molecular level, that E2/ERα signaling facilitates bilirubin metabolism in regenerating liver. Our findings contribute new knowledge to our understanding of why the latency of improved bilirubin metabolism and thereby liver function recovery is shorter in females than in males.

Despite advances in the practice of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), the optimum surgical approach with respect to the middle hepatic vein (MHV) in right lobe LDLT remains undefined. We designed a randomized trial to compare the early postoperative outcomes in recipients and donors between extended right lobe grafts (ERGs; transection plane was maintained to the left of MHV and division of MHV performed beyond the segment VIII vein) and modified right lobe grafts (MRGs; transection plane was maintained to the right of MHV; the segment V and VIII drainage was reconstructed using a conduit of recipient portal vein). Eligible patients (n = 86) were prospectively randomized into the ERG arm (n = 43) and the MRG arm (n = 43) at the beginning of donor hepatectomy. The primary endpoint considered in this equivalence trial was patency of the MHV or the reconstructed "neo-MHV" in the recipient. The secondary endpoints included biochemical parameters, postoperative complications, mortality in recipients as well as donors and volume regeneration of remnant liver in donors, measured at 2 months. The patency of the MHV was comparable in the ERG and MRG arms (90.7% versus 81.4%; difference, 9.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -5.8 to 24.4; z score, 1.245; P = 0.21). Volume regeneration of the remnant liver in donors was significantly better in the MRG arm (111.3% versus 87.3%; mean difference, 24%; 95% CI, 14.6-33.3; P < 0.001). The remaining secondary endpoints in donors and recipients were similar between the 2 arms. To conclude, MRG with reconstructed neo-MHV has comparable patency to native MHV in ERG and confers equivalent graft outflow in the recipient. Furthermore, it allows better remnant liver regeneration in the donor at 2 months. Liver Transplantation 24 888-896 2018 AASLD.

The ideal donor in intestinal transplantation (ITX) is generally considered to be 50% to 70% of recipient body weight. This may be due to concerns for "small for size" syndrome as seen in liver transplantation. We report our experience using smaller donors (donor-recipient weight ratio [DRWR], < 50%) in ITX recipients.

We studied a group of ITX recipients with DRWR of 50% or less to unmatched controls who received intestinal allografts with DRWR greater than 50%. We examined patient and graft survival and enteral autonomy from parenteral nutrition as surrogate markers for safety of using smaller donors and ease of abdominal wall closure between groups to determine the value.

There was no difference in overall patient and graft survival, time to enteral autonomy from parenteral nutrition, and weight gain after ITX over time between groups. The need for complicated abdominal closure techniques was significantly more frequent in the control group than in the study group (34.6% vs 6.9%, P = 0.01). Secondary abdominal closure occurred more frequently in the control group (15.4% vs 0%, P = 0.014). Wound revisions also occurred more frequently in the control group (15.4% vs 0%, P = 0.028).

Our data suggest that ITX using smaller donors (DRWR ≤ 50%) seems to be an acceptable practice without adverse impact on surgical complications, nutritional autonomy, and patient and graft survival. Abdominal wall closure seems easier in recipients of smaller donors and "small for size" syndrome as described in liver transplantation does not occur with intestinal allografts.

To analyze the outcomes of living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using left-lobe (LL) or right-lobe (RL) small-for-size (SFS) grafts.

Prospectively collected data of adult patients who underwent LDLT at our hospital in the period from January 2003 to December 2013 were reviewed. The patients were divided into the RL-LDLT group and the LL-LDLT group. The two groups were compared in terms of short- and long-term outcomes, including incidence of postoperative complication, graft function, graft survival, and patient survival. A SFS graft was defined as a graft with a ratio of graft weight (GW) to recipient standard liver volume (RSLV) (GW/RSLV) of < 50%. The Urata formula was used to estimate RSLV.

Totally 218 patients were included for analysis, with 199 patients in the RL-LDLT group and 19 patients in the LL-LDLT group. The two groups were similar in terms of age (median, 53 years in the RL-LDLT group and 52 years in the LL-LDLT group, P = 0.997) but had significantly different ratios of men to women (165:34 in the RL-LDLT group and 8:11 in the LL-LDLT group, P < 0.0001). The two groups were also significantly different in GW (P < 0.0001), GW/RSLV (P < 0.0001), and graft cold ischemic time (P = 0.007). When it comes to postoperative complication, the groups were comparable (P = 0.105). Five patients died in hospital, 4 (2%) in the RL-LDLT group and 1 (5.3%) in the LL-LDLT group (P = 0.918). There were 38 graft losses, 33 (16.6%) in the RL-LDLT group and 5 (26.3%) in the LL-LDLT group (P = 0.452). The 5-year graft survival rate was significantly better in the RL-LDLT group (95.2% vs 89.5%, P = 0.049). The two groups had similar 5-year patient survival rates (RL-LDLT: 86.8%, LL-LDLT: 89.5%, P = 0.476).

The use of SFS graft in LDLT requires careful tailor-made surgical planning and meticulous operation. LL-LDLT can be a good alternative to RL-LDLT with similar recipient outcomes but a lower donor risk. Further research into different patient conditions is needed in order to validate the use of LL graft.

Our aim was to study the long-term outcomes of living donor liver transplantation using small-for-size (SFS) grafts. From July 2002 to July 2009, 233 patients received a right liver graft with a middle hepatic vein from a living donor in our center. Recipients were stratified according to the graft weight to recipient standard liver volume (GW/SLV) ratio into 4 groups: >50% (n = 89), >40% to 50% (n = 85), >35% to 40% (n = 38), and ≤ 35% (n = 21). They were compared in terms of graft survivals, biliary stricture rates, renal function in terms of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), platelet counts, and graft function in terms of serum bilirubin and international normalized ratio (INR). The 5-year graft survivals for patients with GW/SLV of >50%, >40% to 50%, >35% to 40% and ≤ 35% were 88.8%, 88.2%, 81.5%, and 81.0%, respectively. Transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma affected graft survivals (P = 0.02), but graft size did not (P = 0.66). There were no differences in frequency of biliary stricture (21.3% versus 17.1% versus 21.1% versus 28.6%; P = 0.75). At each year after transplant, their platelet counts (P = 0.12-0.65), eGFR (P = 0.49-0.91), bilirubin (P = 0.14-0.51), and INR (P = 0.20-0.98) remained comparable. SFS grafts with GW/SLV ≤ 35% and >35% to 40% had comparable long-term outcomes with larger liver grafts. Graft size did not affect long-term graft survivals.

Right lobe donations are known to expose the donors to more surgical risks than left lobe donations. In the present study, the effects of remnant volume on donor outcomes after right lobe living donor hepatectomies were investigated.

The data on 262 consecutive living liver donors who had undergone a right hepatectomy from January 2004 to June 2011 were retrospectively analysed. The influence of the remnant on the outcomes was investigated according to the two different definitions. These were: (i) the ratio of the remnant liver volume to total liver volume (RLV/TLV) and (ii) the remnant liver volume to donor body weight ratio (RLV/BWR). For RLV/TLV, the effects of having a percentage of 30% or below and for RLV/BWR, the effects of values lower than 0.6 on the results were investigated.

Complication and major complication rates were 44.7% and 13.2% for donors with RLV/TLV of ≤30%, and 35.9% and 9.4% for donors with RLV/BWR of < 0.6, respectively. In donors with RLV/TLV of ≤30%, RLV/BWR being below or above 0.6 did not influence the results in terms of liver function tests, complications and hospital stay. The main impact on the outcome was posed by RLV/TLV of ≤30%.

Remnant volume in a right lobe living donor hepatectomy has adverse effects on donor outcomes when RLV/TLV is ≤30% independent from the rate of RLV/BWR with a cut-off point of 0.6.

In adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), the use of a right lobe graft without the middle hepatic vein (MHV) can cause hepatic congestion and disturbance of venous drainage. To solve this problem, we successfully used cadaveric venous allografts preserved in 4 °C University of Wisconsin (UW) solution within 10 days as interposition veins for drainage of the paramedian portion of the right lobe in adult LDLT.

From June 2007 to January 2008, 11 adult LDLT patients received modified right liver grafts. The major MHV tributaries (greater than 5 mm in diameter) of 9 cases were preserved and reconstructed using cadaveric interposition vein allografts that had been stored for 1 to 10 days in 4 °C UW solution. The regeneration of the paramedian sector of the grafts and the patency of the interposition vein allografts were examined by Doppler ultrasonography after the operation.

MHV tributaries were reconstructed in 9 recipients. Only 1 recipient died of renal failure and severe pulmonary infection on day 9 after transplantation without any hemiliver venous outflow obstruction. The other 8 recipients achieved long-term survival with a median follow-up of 30 months. The cumulative patency rates of the 8 recipients were 63.63% (7/11), 45.45% (5/11), 45.45% (5/11) and 36.36% (4/11) at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. Regeneration of the paramedian sectors was equivalent.

The cadaveric venous allograft preserved in 4 °C UW solution within 10 days serves as a useful alternative for interposition veins in facilitating implantation of a right lobe graft and guarantees outflow of the MHV.

A right liver graft without the middle hepatic vein (MHV) trunk is now commonly used in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), but it is unclear whether hepatic venous collaterals would develop in clinical patient just after occlusion of hepatic veins. Between January 2005 and October 2006, 56 consecutive adult patients underwent LDLT using right lobe grafts without MHV in our center. Twenty-four patients (42.9%) had MHV tributaries reconstruction. Vascular flow in the graft and interposition vein graft patency was checked by Doppler ultrasonography (US) daily during hospital stay and monthly follow-up after discharge for 2 y. Among 24 cases with MHV reconstruction, interpositional graft block occurred in one case within 7 d after transplantation. A reversed flow in MHV tributaries and collaterals between MHV and right hepatic vein (RHV) was detected by Doppler US. Vessel graft blocks were found in 10 of 22 cases of MHV tributaries reconstruction between 4 to 9 mo after transplantation. Collaterals formation between MHV and RHV developed in 4 of 10 cases of vessel graft block, and their graft function did not deteriorate. In conclusion, nearly half of the patients needed reconstruction of MHV tributaries when a right lobe graft without MHV was used in LDLT. The authors thought that the reconstruction of MHV tributaries should be established when the congested area was dominant by the clamping test or when the diameter of the tributaries was >5 mm. It was found that there may not be any problems if reconstructed vessel graft obstruction was found 3 mo after transplantation, as intrahepatic venous collaterals between MHV and RHV could develop.

The objective of our study was to assess the value of Doppler sonography for the diagnosis of hepatic venous congestion in a modified right lobe graft during the early postoperative period after living donor liver transplantation.

Doppler sonography examinations were prospectively performed in 54 patients within 24 hours after living donor liver transplantation with a modified right lobe graft in which large (> 5 mm) middle hepatic vein (MHV) tributaries were reconstructed. The number, flow direction, and waveform of the MHV tributaries; the echogenicity of the surrounding parenchyma; and the flow direction of the corresponding portal branch were evaluated. Hepatic venous congestion was diagnosed when there was no color flow or a monophasic waveform of an MHV tributary. The sensitivity of Doppler sonography for the detection of MHV tributaries was assessed using donors' preoperative CT scans and surgical records as references. The diagnostic values of Doppler sonography for hepatic venous congestion were assessed using recipients' postoperative CT scans as references. Differences in prevalence of Doppler sonography findings between the group with hepatic venous congestion and the non-hepatic venous congestion group were assessed.

Doppler sonography enabled us to identify 90% (155/173) of all and 98% (129/131) of the large MHV tributaries. The sensitivity and specificity of Doppler sonography for hepatic venous congestion were 90% (28/31) and 77% (96/124), respectively, for all and 88% (15/17) and 85% (95/112), respectively, for large MHV tributaries. Parenchymal hyperechogenicity was more commonly seen in the hepatic venous congestion group (65%, 20/31) than in non-hepatic venous congestion group (6%, 7/124) (p < 0.01). All five MHV tributaries with reversed flow were seen in the non-hepatic venous congestion group. All five portal branches with hepatofugal flow were seen in the hepatic venous congestion group.

Doppler sonography provides a reliable noninvasive surveillance tool for hepatic venous congestion in a modified right lobe graft during the early postoperative period after living donor liver transplantation.

The purpose of our study was to assess the predictors of early mortality after the creation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) for acute variceal bleeding in patients with viral liver cirrhosis.

Seventy-three patients (56 men and 17 women; mean age, 51.3 years) with viral liver cirrhosis who underwent TIPS placement for acute variceal bleeding were studied. Multiple covariates, including demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters, were included in univariate and multivariate analyses to determine their association with early (30-day) mortality.

During the follow-up period (mean, 35 months 3 days), shunt dysfunction occurred in 33 patients (45.2%). Forty-three patients (58.9%) died, and 23 patients (31.5%) died within 30 days of TIPS. Early death was predicted independently by hyperbilirubinemia (> 3 mg/dL; p = 0.004; odds ratio, 10.6) and elevated serum creatinine level (> 1.7 mg/dL; p =0.018; odds ratio, 12.0).

Hyperbilirubinemia and elevated serum creatinine level are predictive of early mortality after TIPS creation for acute variceal bleeding in patients with viral liver cirrhosis.

The harvesting of the middle hepatic vein (MHV) with a right hepatectomy for living-donor liver transplantation allows an optimal venous drainage for the recipient but can also have adverse effects for the donor. This study compares morbidity, early liver function, and volume regeneration in 2 groups of donors who underwent right hepatectomy with (MHV+, n = 21) or without (MHV-, n = 20) MHV harvesting during 2 successive periods. The operative time was 401 +/- 60 minutes in the MHV+ group compared with 392 +/- 63 minutes in the MHV- group, and the transection time was 152 +/- 53 minutes in the MHV+ group compared with 131 +/- 30 minutes in the MHV- group (not significant). Blood loss in the MHV+ group was 773 +/- 343 mL compared with 613 +/- 361 mL in the MHV- group (not significant). The graft weight and remnant liver volume ratio were similar in the MHV+ and MHV- groups (763 +/- 200 gm vs. 832 +/- 156 gm and 42% +/- 9.5% vs. 43% +/- 8.3%, respectively). Postoperative biologic liver function tests showed that prothrombin time (PT) ratio on postoperative days 1 and 3 were significantly lower in the MHV+ group compared with the MHV- group (53% vs. 65% and 63% vs. 72%, respectively, P <.05). There were no differences in postoperative alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase peak levels between the MHV+ and MHV- groups (319 +/- 198 IU /L vs. 310 +/- 110 IU /L and 317 +/- 226 IU /L vs. 296 +/- 125 IU /L, respectively). Bilirubin maximal blood level was similar in the 2 groups (32 +/- 17 micromol/L in the MHV+ group vs. 43 +/- 16 micromol/L in the MHV- group, P <.05). No donor died. The overall morbidity was lower in the MHV+ group compared with the MHV- group (36% vs. 55%; P >.05, not significant). The donor's remnant liver volume regeneration, evaluated by computed tomography (CT) volumetric study on day 7, was similar in the 2 groups (97% +/- 29% in the MHV+ group and 103% +/- 39% in the MHV- group, P >.05). The results of this comparative study show that right hepatectomy with the MHV neither affects morbidity nor impairs early liver function and regeneration in donors.

To evaluate relevant arterial and venous anatomy of the hepatectomy plane lateral to segment IV by using multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) with respect to adult living related transplantation of the right lobe of the liver.

In potential liver donors, 100 consecutive hepatic CT angiograms were obtained after intravenous bolus administration of 150-180 mL of nonionic contrast material. Arterial phase images (1.25-mm collimation, 7.5 mm/ 0.8-second table speed) were acquired after test dose injection. Portal phase images were acquired at 60 seconds (2.5-mm collimation, 15 mm/0.8-second table speed). Postprocessing depicted arterial, portal, and hepatic vein anatomy traversing the anticipated surgical hepatectomy plane to the right of the middle hepatic vein (MHV) and separating the right and left lobes of the liver. Two radiologists interpreted the images, and data were agreed on by consensus. Data collected included intrahepatic anatomy and origin of the artery and vein supplying segment IV; the venous drainage from segments V and VIII; and the presence, size, and distance from the right hepatic vein (RHV) confluence of accessory hepatic veins in the surgical plane.

Thirty-one donors had conventional hepatic vascular anatomy. Vessels that traversed the hepatectomy plane included the artery supplying segment IV in seven (7%) patients, dominant portal vein supply to segment IV from the right portal vein in two (2%) patients or from both right and left portal vein branches in three (3%) patients, segment VIII draining into the MHV in 67 (67%) patients or both the MHV and RHV in 18 (18%) patients (the major draining vein was >7 mm in diameter in 23%), segment V draining into the MHV in 10 (10%) patients, or both the MHV and RHV in 19 (19%) patients (the major draining vein from segment V was 7-10 mm in diameter in 70 patients, and larger than 10 mm in five). Forty-four accessory hepatic veins were identified in 40 patients; seven drained segment V, while the majority drained segments VI and VII. The mean diameter was 5.3 mm and 45% were larger than 6 mm. The average distance to the RHV-inferior vena cava confluence was 28.7 mm. Of 70 patients with drainage from segment V into RHV, 22 (31%) had an accessory RHV. However, atypical drainage into the MHV was noted in seven (70%) of 10 patients and into the MHV and RHV in 11 (58%) of 19 patients.

In the majority of potential donors, CT angiography depicted a wide range of vascular anatomic variations that traverse the hepatectomy plane.

With the extensive use of living donor liver grafts in adult patients, controversy over small-for-size syndrome has escalated in recent years. Although several symptoms have been suggested as manifestations of the syndrome, small-for-size syndrome remains difficult to diagnose because these symptoms are neither specific nor inevitable. The occurrence of small-for-size syndrome also seems to depend on a number of recipient and graft factors. Potential pathogenic mechanisms include persistent portal hypertension and portal overperfusion. At present, several techniques are being explored in an attempt to ameliorate the impact of small-for-size syndrome. Recent experience suggests that the occurrence of small-for-size syndrome is multifactorial and that complications relating to small-for-size grafts should be examined in relation to a variety of graft, recipient, and technical factors.

To assess the accuracy of multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) angiography in the evaluation of hepatic arterial anatomy in living related liver transplantation (LRLT) donors.

During a 10-month period, 62 potential LRLT donors were evaluated with CT and conventional angiography. Multi-detector row CT was performed after intravenous injection of 150 mL of contrast material at 3 mL/sec. CT angiograms of the hepatic arteries were generated by a radiologist who used volume rendering and maximum intensity projection techniques without knowledge of results of conventional angiography. Two reviewers reviewed CT and conventional angiograms retrospectively in consensus. The results of the two examinations were then compared.

CT examinations were technically adequate in 56 (90%) donors. Respiratory motion artifact compromised detailed hepatic artery analysis in six donors (10%). Second-order branches of right hepatic arteries were visualized in 58 donors (94%), and second-order branches of left hepatic arteries were visualized in 51 (82%). A total of 27 hepatic arterial anatomic variations were detected in 22 donors at conventional angiography. CT angiography accurately depicted 25 (93%) anatomic variations in 20 donors (91%). CT angiography did not depict an accessory right hepatic artery in two donors. The number and origins of dominant arteries supplying segment IV were accurately identified at CT angiography in 51 donors (82%). Hepatic arterial anatomy depicted at CT angiography was identical to that at conventional angiography in 50 donors (81%).

Multi-detector row CT angiography is useful but limited in its ability to depict the dominant artery supplying segment IV and small accessory hepatic arteries.

To report the authors' experience with hepatic vein reconstruction and plasty in living donor liver transplantation for adult patients.

A right liver graft without the middle hepatic vein (MHV) trunk (modified right liver graft) can cause severe congestion of the right paramedian sector. However, the need for MHV reconstruction has not been fully recognized.

From June 2000 to December 2001, 30 adult patients received a modified right liver graft. Major MHV tributaries were preserved and reconstructed under the authors' criteria. Plasty of recipient hepatic veins for a wide outflow orifice was performed when necessitated. The regeneration of paramedian and lateral sectors of the grafts was examined by computed tomography 1 and 3 months after the operation.

MHV tributaries were reconstructed in 18 grafts. Plasty of recipient hepatic veins was performed in 15 patients. All patients survived the operation. The regeneration of paramedian and lateral sectors was equivalent.

A modified right liver graft can provide satisfactory surgical results if hepatic vein reconstruction and plasty are performed using the present techniques.

Inclusion of the middle hepatic vein in a right lobe graft from a living-donor may improve venous drainage and avoid graft dysfunction, but reconstruction of the middle hepatic vein is technically difficult. We developed a hepatic venoplasty technique, which was applied in eight consecutive right lobe liver transplantations. The right and middle hepatic veins of the graft were joined together to form a triangular cuff for a single anastomosis to the recipient's inferior vena cava. Hepatic venoplasty was successful in all cases, and no interposition graft was required. Venovenous bypass was not used. All grafts showed immediate function, and no hepatic venous outflow obstruction was observed. There was no reoperation and the graft survival rate was 100%. This hepatic venoplasty technique can be applied systemically as a standard one in right lobe liver graft with the middle hepatic vein to simplify the recipient hepatectomy and to obviate venous outflow obstruction.

To report the authors' experience with hepatic vein reconstruction and plasty in living donor liver transplantation for adult patients.

A right liver graft without the middle hepatic vein (MHV) trunk (modified right liver graft) can cause severe congestion of the right paramedian sector. However, the need for MHV reconstruction has not been fully recognized.

From June 2000 to December 2001, 30 adult patients received a modified right liver graft. Major MHV tributaries were preserved and reconstructed under the authors' criteria. Plasty of recipient hepatic veins for a wide outflow orifice was performed when necessitated. The regeneration of paramedian and lateral sectors of the grafts was examined by computed tomography 1 and 3 months after the operation.

MHV tributaries were reconstructed in 18 grafts. Plasty of recipient hepatic veins was performed in 15 patients. All patients survived the operation. The regeneration of paramedian and lateral sectors was equivalent.

A modified right liver graft can provide satisfactory surgical results if hepatic vein reconstruction and plasty are performed using the present techniques.

As a result of the shortage of cadaveric livers for adults, many institutes perform living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using right-lobe grafts. It is important to learn whether regeneration of the graft is compromised by division of middle hepatic vein (MHV) tributaries. Accordingly, we studied the effect on graft regeneration of transection of the MHV tributaries and other factors, including graft versus body weight ratio (GRBW).

Of 100 adult recipients having undergone right-lobe LDLT, 30 6-month survivors were studied. Liver regeneration was assessed by volumetry based on the computed tomography (CT). A regeneration index was defined as the ratio of the graft volume 6 months after LDLT to the preoperative value. The dominance of the MHV tributaries over the right hepatic vein in venous drainage of the anterior segment was evaluated by preoperative CT using a 5-point scale.

The regeneration index of the posterior segment was significantly greater than that of the anterior segment (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P=0.01). The relatively poor regeneration of the anterior segment compared with the whole graft was associated with preoperatively dominant MHV tributaries (Spearman rank correlation: R=-0.44, P=0.01). The only significant determinant of the whole-graft regeneration, however, was GRBW (stepwise regression: Y=-0.80X+0.2, R(2)=0.70, P<0.0001).

Despite deprivation of MHV tributaries, a graft will regenerate to meet the metabolic demand, and a smaller graft for the recipient is capable of regenerating to a greater extent.

Right liver grafts without middle hepatic vein (MHV) drainage reconstruction resulted in severe congestion of the anterior segment (AS) in our early experience of adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). However, a detailed strategy for preventing such congestion or the necessity of MHV reconstruction has not been discussed in LDLT using a right lobe graft.

From July 1997 to February 1998, two of five right lobe grafts without MHV drainage reconstruction were complicated with severe congestion of the AS. Thereafter, 42 adult recipients who received right liver grafts with sizable MHV tributaries underwent the reconstruction of MHV drainage. All sizable (>5 mm in diameter) MHV tributaries were preserved during donor hepatectomy and were reconstructed with the recipient's autogenous interposition vein grafts at the bench surgery. The reconstructed vein grafts of this modified right lobe graft were anastomosed to the stump of the MHV and/or left hepatic vein of the recipient after graft revascularization.

Serial Doppler ultrasonography, which was regularly checked until 30 days posttransplant, revealed the patent interposition vein graft in 38 of 42 recipients (patency rate 90.5%). In these 38 recipients, no evidence of congestion in the AS was recognized on enhanced computed tomography, while providing enough functioning liver mass comparable to an extended right lobe graft. Also, congestion-related graft injury, such as an infarct of the AS, was not observed in these recipients.

Our early experience indicated the necessity of MHV drainage reconstruction in right lobe grafts, which do not have MHV trunk in certain instances. However, preoperatively, it is difficult to predict the degree of AS congestion of the right liver graft without MHV drainage reconstruction. We suggest aggressive reconstruction of MHV drainage tributaries of the AS, under the circumstances that sizable MHV tributaries are encountered, to prevent possible congestion-related complications.

Anatomical variations in right liver lobe are common. However, clinical implications and surgical management of these variations in living donor liver transplantation have not been analyzed systematically.

Surgical anatomy of vascular and biliary structures in 120 right lobe grafts were reevaluated by reviewing the results of preoperative (computerized tomography and Doppler ultrasonography) and intraoperative (cholangiography) imaging as well as surgical findings. The data were analyzed in relation to surgical management of anatomical variations.

The incidence of variants leading to multiple portal vein anastomoses was 7.5%. The incidence of dual right hepatic veins was 0.8%; 30% of the grafts had significant accessory hepatic veins (>5 mm) and 13.9% of these were multiple. All of them were successfully reconstructed with technical modifications including venoplasty and venous grafts, except for two cases with multiple intraparenchymal portal vein branches to the anterior segment. The incidence of dual hepatic arteries was 1.7%, but only one of them was reconstructed without negative sequelae. The incidence of variants potentially leading to multiple bile duct anastomoses was 35.0%, and eventually 39.2% of the grafts had multiple orifices. With a variety of techniques including ductoplasty, hepaticohepaticostomy, and biliary stent, total incidence of leakage and stenosis was 10.8% and 9.2%, respectively. Although ductoplasty, internal stent or no stenting, seemed to be associated with increased risk of complications, anatomical variants, multiple bile ducts, and duct-to-duct reconstruction did not bear a significant risk.

Anatomical variations of vascular and biliary structures in right lobe grafts are common. However, most can be managed safely with technical modifications. Only cases with intraparenchymal origin of the anterior portal vein(s) may form a relative contraindication, especially when combined with similar biliary variants. Otherwise, intraoperative assessment of biliary anatomy was enough for successful management. Detailed and precise assessment of vascular and biliary anatomy is vital for appropriate surgical management.

The aim if this study is to determine donor morbidity associated with right lobectomy for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) to adult recipients through a systematic review of the published literature. Data sources were English-language reports on donor outcome after LDLT. MEDLINE (1995 to June 2001) was searched using the MeSH terms "living donors" and "liver transplantation." Limits were set for human only and English language only. Bibliographies of retrieved references were cross-checked to identify additional reports; 211 reports were obtained. Population studies and consecutive and nonconsecutive series were included. All studies reported at least one of the following outcomes specific to living donors (LDs) of right hepatic lobes to adult recipients: surgical and hospital complications, length of hospital stay, readmissions, recovery time, return to predonation occupation, health-related quality of life, or mortality. Abstracts of relevant articles were reviewed independently using predetermined criteria, and appropriate articles were retrieved. Study design and results were summarized in evidence tables. Summary statistics of combined data were performed when possible. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Data on donor morbidity associated with right lobectomy are limited. On the basis of reported data, morbidity associated with LD right lobectomy ranges from 0% to 67%. In conclusion, reported morbidity associated with right lobe donation for LDLT varies widely. Standardized definitions of morbidity and better methods for observing and measuring outcomes are necessary to understand and potentially improve morbidity. Future studies assessing LD outcomes should report donor outcome more explicitly.

Liver graft size, anatomy of the bile duct and the vascular inflow and outflow are essential for living related liver transplantation (LRLT). Preoperative delineation of those variations that would change the operative procedure to achieve a successful result especially in an emergency condition.

Our aim was to develop a rapid and noninvasive imaging diagnostic method for the detection of anatomical variants that is mandatory for a safe operation when selecting potential liver transplant living donors. We used a different magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technique, which enabled to us to exploit the anatomical landmark of the liver, signal enhancement of blood flow in the abdomen, and the intrahepatic biliary routes inside the liver. Then, with the help of Advantage Window workstation reconstruction, the reconstructed single vascular or biliary systems were displaced in a three-dimensional fashion and the whole examination finished within 30 min.

Modification of the standard MR technique was performed on a superconductive 1.5T whole body image scanner, MR arteriogaphy, venography, and cholangiography with three-dimensional reconstruction in evaluating the anatomy of the hepatic arteries, hepatic veins, portal venous system, bile ducts, and liver size in potential liver transplant living donors. These anatomical structures were compared with traditional imaging methods.

In all 38 cases, as well as delineation of the portal vein detail to the segmental level was satisfactorily obtained in this MR study. The images were well displayed in a three-dimensional fashion, which had good correlation with images from traditional imaging modalities and operative findings. In 86.8% cases, the MR arteriography was well matched with the celiac angiography. Of those 17 operative cases, estimation of liver volume was well correlated with the liver graft within 3.9-12.5% variation. In the major hepatic vein, we obtained 100% accuracy and 88.2% in the minor branches. Of 12 donors received intraoperative cholangiography during liver donation, good correlation of biliary anatomy was achieved. One donor was excluded from graft donation due to the complicated arterial supply to the left liver. According to the anatomical variation, surgical procedures in graft harvesting and anastomosis were readjusted and no major complications were found in those donors and all recipients survived after liver transplantation.

MR volumetry, venography, angiography, and cholangiography with three-dimensional reconstruction is sufficient for all major imaging evaluation. It may replace the traditional conventional catheter angiography, computed tomography, sonography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography as a single investigation in the evaluation of the potential liver transplant donors. Angiography is only valuable in suboptimal cases and intraoperative cholangiography is only performed in biliary ductile variants.

Despite the increasing use of living donor liver transplantation, little is known about donor needs, concerns, and experiences. The goal of this study is to assess morbidity associated with living donation from a donor perspective, functional status after donation, and overall satisfaction with the donation process. We surveyed all living donors (LDs) from our center. Demographics, perioperative experience, and satisfaction with donation were assessed. The Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-12), a well-validated tool, measured overall health-related quality of life. Of 27 subjects eligible for the study, 27 subjects (100%) participated. Forty percent reported an event they deemed an immediate complication, of which 60% were recorded in the medical record. Complications requiring readmission were reported by 22%. Mean recovery time was 12 weeks (range, 1 to 52 weeks). No significant change was reported in physical activity, social activity, or emotional stability, and 92% of donors resumed their predonation occupation. Regardless of recipient outcome, 100% of donors would donate again and recommend donation to someone in contemplation. All surveyed LDs at our institution are satisfied with their donation decision. Morbidity in the first year after donation may be greater than previously appreciated. Despite complications, postoperative functional status of donors is equal to or better than population norms.

Living donor liver transplantation was developed in response to a shortage of full-size grafts for children. The progression from reduced-size cadaveric grafts to use of living donors occurred subsequent to expansion of liver anatomy knowledge and practical use of hepatic segments. A major benefit of pediatric live donor liver transplantation is the grafting of children without using livers from the cadaver donor pool. A major drawback of the procedure relates to the need to perform surgery and assign risk to an otherwise healthy individual. The ethical challenge has been discussed in detail and, although not ideal, the procedure "passes muster" on grounds of informed consent and the good of helping another human being. Formidable success appears to have been attained with the adult-to-adult procedure thus far; however, the transplant community still awaits center-specific and compiled data to determine whether the procedure truly reduces adult waiting list times for liver transplant recipients with minimal donor risk.

A continuing shortage of cadaveric liver even for adult patients has motivated not a few centers to proceed to living-donor liver transplantation using right lobe grafts. One of controversies is potential congestion in the graft anterior segment by the deprivation of the middle hepatic vein.

Hepatic tissue oxygenation and hemoglobin concentration were investigated with a near-infrared spectroscopy in the course of harvesting and implantation in living-donor liver transplantation. Twenty adult recipients of right lobe graft were involved in the study. The aim of the analysis was to detect tissue congestion or ischemia.

No significant change in mean hepatic tissue oxygenation and hemoglobin was noted in the right lobe during donor operation even after hepatic parenchymal transection, although some trend for relative congestion, i.e., increased tissue hemoglobin, compared with the left lobe was observed. After graft reperfusion in the recipient, both mean hepatic tissue oxygen saturation and hemoglobin decreased significantly in the anterior segment, which was accompanied by increased heterogeneity of tissue hemoglobin and oxygenation. Increased heterogeneity of oxygenation and decreased tissue hemoglobin were observed also in the posterior segment.

The anterior segment in right lobe living-donor liver transplantation is sensitive to ischemia, rather than congestion, at least in the immediate phase after graft reperfusion. The anterior segment seems to be also more prone to circulatory disturbance than the other part of the graft.

Liver transplantation is now accepted as effective therapy in the treatment of acute and chronic hepatic failure. Improvements in surgical techniques and immune suppression have led to 5-year survival rates that exceed 70% in most centers. The success of transplantation has led to a dramatic increase in the number of candidates to over 14,000 places on the national waiting list. While the number of patients in need of transplantation increases, there has been little growth in the supply of available cadaveric organs, resulting in an organ shortage crisis. With waiting times often exceeding 1 to 2 years, the waiting list mortality now exceeds 10% in most regions. Several novel approaches have been developed to address the growing disparity between the limited supply and excessive demand for suitable organs.

The continuing shortage of organs for adult transplant recipients has generated enthusiasm for adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The major concern has been the ability to resect a graft of adequate size without subjecting the donor to undue risk. The right hepatic lobe is generally large enough for adult recipients, but because of the real and perceived risks of right lobe (RL) resection, surgeons have been hesitant to offer this option to their patients. The first series of RL resections that included a significant number of patients was reported in 1999, and the results were encouraging. Only minor complications occurred in donors, and the recipients fared quite well. Enthusiasm for these donor resections is growing, and more centers are beginning to perform them. There is a good deal of global experience with pediatric LDLT but little with adults, and there are unique considerations in this population. This review examines donor selection criteria for adult recipients, highlights technical points critical for good outcome, and examines the early results and complications in both donors and recipients. If the preliminary results continue to be reproduced, RL LDLT could have significant impact on the worsening organ shortage.