Living-donor right hepatectomy with or without inclusion of middle hepatic vein: comparison of morbidity and outcome in 56 patients

Use of middle hepatic vein in right lobe living donor liver transplantation

The harvesting of the middle hepatic vein (MHV) with the right lobe graft for living-donor liver transplantation allows an optimal venous drainage for the recipient; however, it is an extensive operation for the donor. This is a prospective, nonrandomized study evaluating liver functions and early clinical outcome in donors undergoing right hepatectomy with or without MHV harvesting. From August 2005 to July 2007, a total of 100 donor right hepatectomies were performed with (n = 49) or without (n = 51) the inclusion of the MHV. The decision to take MHV was based on an algorithm that considers various donor and recipient factors. There was no donor mortality in donors in either group. Overall complication rate was higher in MHV (+) donor group, however when remnant liver volume was kept above 30%, complication rates were similar between the groups. The results of this study show that right hepatectomy including the MHV neither affects morbidity nor impairs early liver function in donors when remnant volume is kept above 30%. The decision, therefore, of the extent of right lobe donor hepatectomy should be tailored to the particular conditions considering the graft quality and metabolic demand of the recipient.

[Adult living-donor liver transplantation]

Living donor liver transplantation in adults continues to be controversial. Viewed as an alternative to prevent deaths on the waiting list, this type of transplant is the only possibility in Asian countries (Japan, Korea, China, etc) but is not widely applied in the west. This intervention is associated with significant donor morbidity (depending on the scale of the intervention) and mortality which, although sporadic, reduces its acceptance, especially in a context with high cadaveric donation. Outcomes in recipients are similar to those in cadaveric transplant recipients, although the high incidence of biliary complications could compromise long-term results. We describe the experience of Hospital Clínic in a total of 67 transplant recipients. Graft and patient survival at 1 and 5 years was 90.7%, 70.3%, 90.7% and 77.6%, respectively. Although the frequency of biliary complications was high (37.3%), death from sepsis and retransplantation only occurred in two patients.

[Controversies in living donor liver transplants]

Adult liver transplants from a living donor are a valid and effective alternative as a treatment in terminal liver disease. However, in the context of a donation from a brain dead donor, as in western countries (Spain), it is very high, and there are still controversial aspects that should be continuously assessed in order to ensure good results. Live donations are currently stable and represent about 5% of the total liver transplants performed in Europe. Morbidity and mortality is around 35% and 0.1%, respectively, probably reasonable figures given the characteristics of the intervention. The 1 and 5 year survival rates of the recipients of a living donor are currently 95% and 75%, which are similar to those coming from brain dead donors. However the level of biliary complications in this patient group is higher, with an incidence of around 35-40%. However, this incidence has not had any effect on the long-term results up until now.

Graft selection algorithm based on congestion volume for adult living donor liver transplantation

A major concern in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation is the selection of graft type; that is, is it is better to use the right lobe with or without the middle hepatic vein (MHV)? This choice has a considerable impact on donor safety, vascular reconstruction and graft function in the recipient. To facilitate making an appropriate choice, on the basis of a preliminary study (n = 17), we herein propose a graft selection algorithm using three parameters: graft-to-recipient body weight ratio (GRWR), percentage remnant liver volume (%RLV) and estimated congestion ratio (ECR). The algorithm was evaluated with 50 consecutive cases with respect to postoperative liver function of donors and recipients and survival of recipients. Postoperative recovery was comparable between the two groups (p = NS). The overall cumulative 18-month survival rate was 86.7% for the 'with MHV graft group', and 76.1% for the gwithout MHV graft grouph (p = NS). For 41 cases (82%), graft types were chosen according to the algorithm, whereas the remaining 9 cases (18%) needed detailed discussion of donor, recipient and operative factors. In conclusion, we constructed a graft selection algorithm based on congestion volume, which will contribute to objective graft-type selection in adult-to-adult LDLT.

Adult living donor liver transplantation: living donation of the right liver lobe

BACKGROUND

Adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has become a routine treatment option for patients waiting for liver transplantation. In European and North American countries, LDLT for adult recipients is mainly performed with right lobe grafts. Indications, when compared to deceased donor liver transplantation, are controversial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In our institution, patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhosis, non-resectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma, viral hepatitis associated cirrhosis, as well as cholestatic liver and biliary disease are considered good candidates for LDLT.

RESULTS

In this overview, donor evaluation, graft selection, and the donor operation with special regard to operative techniques and strategies are discussed. For visualization, a 5-min video sequence of the standard donor operation as performed in our institution is attached.

CONCLUSION

Given the ongoing shortage of donor organs, adult LDLT has become a routine treatment option for patients waiting for liver transplantation. The associated inevitable risk for the healthy donor, however, remains ethically controversial.

Reduced mortality with right-lobe living donor compared to deceased-donor liver transplantation when analyzed from the time of listing

Right lobe living donor liver transplantation (RLDLT) is not yet a fully accepted therapy for patients with end-stage liver failure in the Western hemisphere because of concerns about donor safety and inferior recipient outcomes. An outcome analysis from the time of listing for all adult patients who were listed for liver transplantation (LT) at our center was performed. From 2000 to 2006, 1091 patients were listed for LT. One hundred fifty-four patients (LRD; 14%) had suitable live donors and 153 (99%) underwent RLDLT. Of the remaining patients (DD/Waiting List; n = 937), 350 underwent deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT); 312 died or dropped off the waiting list; and 275 were still waiting at the time of this analysis. The LRD group had shorter mean waiting times (6.0 months vs. 9.8 months; p < 0.001). Although medical model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores were similar at the time of listing, MELD scores at LT were significantly higher in the DD/Waiting List group (15.4 vs. 19.5; p = 0.002). Patients in Group 1 had a survival advantage with RLDLT from the time of listing (1-year survival 90% vs. 80%; p < 0.001). To our knowledge, this is the first report to document a survival advantage at time of listing for RLDLT over DDLT.

The Impact of Virtual Operation Planning on Liver Surgery

The increasing complexity of hepato‐biliary surgery, including major hepatic resections and living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), has lead to an increasing demand for sophisticated imaging modalities. Standard operation planning for hepatic resections and preoperative donor and recipient work‐up for LDLT is based on two‐dimensional computed tomography (CT) images and magnetic resonance imaging. However, even modern multidetector CT scanners are not able to perform routinely three‐dimensional (3D) visualization needed for operation planning in liver surgery or LDLT. As a consequence, special‐purpose computer‐based operation planning systems have been developed that leverage the possibilities of modern image processing to improve surgical planning. The advances in technology enable surgeons to analyse and to visualize the anatomy of the human liver including the vascular structures within the human liver and define the exact volumetric data of the liver tissue to be resected or preserved. Furthermore, 3D visualization of the vessel architecture within the human liver allows a reliable estimation of the amount of liver tissue that could be at risk after resection because of inadequate hepatovenous drainage. Because of its clinical usefulness and real‐time visualization capabilities we already use an operation planning system in selected patients prior to liver resection and before donor hepatectomy for LDLT as a standard.

Selective use of older adults in right lobe living donor liver transplantation

Many centers are reluctant to use older donors (>44 years) for adult right-lobe living donor liver transplantation (RLDLT) due to concerns about possible increased morbidity in donors and poorer outcomes in recipients. Since 2000, 130 adult RLDLTs have been performed at our institution. Recipients were divided into those who received a right lobe graft from a donor </=age 44 (n = 89, 68%; median age 30) and those who received a liver graft from a donor age >44 (n = 41, 32%; mean age 52). The two donor and recipient populations had similar demographic and operative profiles. With a median follow-up of 29 months, the severity and number of complications in older donors were similar to those in younger donors. No living donor died. Older donor allografts had initial allograft dysfunction compared to younger donors. Complication rates were similar among recipients in both groups but there was a higher bile duct stricture rate with older donor grafts (27% vs. 12%; p = 0.04). One-year recipient graft survival was 86% for older donors and 85% for younger donors (p = 0.95). Early experience with the use of selected older adults (>44 years) for RLDLT is encouraging, but may be associated with a higher rate of biliary complications in the recipient.

Biliary strictures in 130 consecutive right lobe living donor liver transplant recipients: results of a Western center

Biliary strictures remain the most challenging aspect of adult right lobe living donor liver transplantation (RLDLT). Between 04/2000 and 10/2005, 130 consecutive RLDLTs were performed in our center and followed prospectively. Median follow-up was 23 months (range 3-67) and 1-year graft and patient survival was 85% and 87%, respectively. Overall incidence of biliary leaks (n = 19) or strictures (n = 22) was 32% (41/128) in 33 patients (26%). A duct-to-duct (D-D) or Roux-en-Y (R-Y) anastomosis were performed equally (n = 64 each) with no difference in stricture rate (p = 0.31). The use of ductoplasty increased the number of grafts with a single duct for anastomosis and reduced the biliary complication rate compared to grafts >/=2 ducts (17% vs. 46%; p = 0.02). Independent risk factors for strictures included older donor age and previous history of a bile leak. All strictures were managed nonsurgically initially but four patients ultimately required conversion from D-D to R-Y. Ninety-six percent (123/128) of patients are currently free of any biliary complications. D-D anastomosis is safe after RLDLT and provides access for future endoscopic therapy in cases of leak or stricture. When presented with multiple bile ducts, ductoplasty should be considered to reduce the potential chance of stricture.

Live donor liver transplantation in adults

Live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was initiated in 1988 for children recipients. Its application to adult recipients was limited by graft size until the first right liver LDLT was performed in Hong Kong in 1996. Since then, right liver graft has become the major graft type. Despite rapid adoption of LDLT by many centers, many controversies on donor selection, indications, techniques, and ethics exist. With the recent known 11 donor deaths around the world, transplant surgeons are even more cautious than the past in the evaluation and selection of donors. The need for routine liver biopsy in donor evaluation is arguable but more and more centers opt for a policy of liberal liver biopsy. Donation of the middle hepatic vein (MHV) in the right liver graft was considered unsafe but now data indicate that the outcome of donors with or without MHV donation is about equal. Right liver LDLT has been shown to improve the overall survival rate of patients with chronic liver disease, acute or acute-on-chronic liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma waiting for liver transplantation. The outcome of LDLT is equivalent to deceased donor liver transplantation despite a smaller graft size and higher technical complexity.

Adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation

The present review outlines the principles of living donor liver transplantation, donor workup, procedure and outcomes. Living donation offers a solution to the growing gap between the need for liver transplants and the limited availability of deceased donor organs. With a multidisciplinary team focused on donor safety and experienced surgeons capable of performing complex resection/reconstruction procedures, donor morbidity is low and recipient outcomes are comparable with results of deceased donor transplantation.

Adult-to-adult live-donor liver transplantation: the current status

Adult-to-adult live-donor liver transplantation (ALDLT) has emerged successfully to partially relieve the refractory shortage of deceased donor grafts caused by the increasing demands of patients with endstage liver diseases. Following the first successful live-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for a child with biliary atresia in 1989, further extension of the technique, using left-lobe liver grafts for LDLT for large adolescents and adults, has resulted in satisfactory graft and patient survival outcomes. However, small-for-size syndrome may occur in some patients with large body size, and in those with acute-on-chronic liver failure or severe portal hypertension. To overcome the problem of graft-to-body-size mismatch, ALDLT, using a right-lobe liver graft was developed. Although routine inclusion of the middle hepatic vein (MHV) in the right-lobe liver graft is still controversial, the importance of providing good venous drainage for the right anterior sector to ensure better early graft function has gained wide recognition. Preservation of the MHV in the donor is intuitively considered important in reducing the donor risk. However, there are scarce data supporting the contention that postoperative complication is related to the absence of the MHV in the left-liver remnant. Duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction has potential advantages over hepaticojejunostomy, and has become the preferred technique in ALDLT. However, biliary complications, especially biliary strictures on long-term follow-up, occur in about 30% of the recipients. The potential beneficial effect of internal or external biliary drainage in reducing the biliary complication rate after duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction in ALDLT also remains controversial. Dual-liver grafts and right-posterior sector grafts have been used in ALDLT, and are reported to result in satisfactory survival outcomes at selected transplant centers. There is no strong evidence supporting the postulate that patients with hepatitis C infection have an inferior survival outcome after ALDLT when compared with recipients of a deceased-donor liver transplant. ALDLT has contributed to satisfactory survival outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It allows early surgery for the patients and eliminates the uncertainty of prolonged waiting for a deceased-donor liver graft, and the risks of dropout related to disease progression. The exact selection criteria of patients with HCC for ALDLT have yet to be defined.

Impact of venous drainage on regeneration of the anterior segment of right living-related liver grafts

The effect of additional venous reconstruction on morphologic and functional regeneration of the anterior segment of right-lobe liver grafts was compared among three groups according to graft type: right liver graft without the middle hepatic vein (MHV) or MHV tributaries (n=7), with MHV tributaries (n=25) and with the MHV (n=10). Whole graft volume (GV) and anterior segment volume (ASV) were estimated from CT scans and post-operative laboratory data and daily ascitic fluid volume were examined. Peak GV in each group was reached two or three wk after surgery. The ASV/GV ratios of the grafts with the MHV or MHV tributaries were higher than those of grafts without additional venous reconstruction. However, the asparate aminotransferase and ascitic fluid volume values in the group that received grafts with MHV tributaries were higher than in the group that received grafts with the MHV in the same period. Although rapid enlargement of the anterior segment of right-lobe grafts with MHV tributaries occurred in the early post-operative period, complete functional liver regeneration may not occur even after additional tributary reconstruction. These results suggest that the selection of right-lobe grafts with the MHV is more beneficial for recipients, as long as donor safety is protected and that as many MHV tributaries as possible should be reconstructed in right-lobe grafts without MHV.

Biliary complications after living donor adult liver transplantation

The highest rate of complications characterizing the adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT) are due to biliary problems with a reported negative incidence of 22-64%. We performed 23 ALDLT grafting segments V-VIII without the middle hepatic vein from March 2001 to September 2005. Biliary anatomy was investigated using intraoperative cholangiography alone in the first five cases and magnetic resonance cholangiography in the remaining 18 cases. In 13 cases we found a single right biliary duct (56.5%) and in 10 we found multiple biliary ducts (43.7%). We performed single biliary anastomosis in 17 cases (73.91%) and double anastomosis in the remaining six (26%) cases. With a mean follow up of 644 days (8-1598 days), patient and graft survivals are 86.95% and 78.26%, respectively. The following biliary complications were observed: biliary leak from the cutting surface: three, anastomotic leak: two, late anastomotic strictures: five, early kinking of the choledochus: one. These 11 biliary complications (47.82%) occurred in eight patients (34.78%). Three of these patients developed two consecutive and different biliary complications. Biliary complications affected our series of ALDLT with a high percentage, but none of the grafts transplanted was lost because of biliary problems. Multiple biliary reconstructions are strongly related with a high risk of complication.

Branching patterns and drainage territories of the middle hepatic vein in computer-simulated right living-donor hepatectomies

Full right hepatic grafts are most frequently used for adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). One of the major problems is venous drainage of segments 5 and 8. Thus, this study was designed to provide information on venous drainage of right liver lobes for operation-planning. Fifty-six CT data sets from routine clinical imaging were evaluated retrospectively using a liver operation-planning system. We defined and analyzed venous drainage segments and the impact of anatomic variations of the middle hepatic vein (MHV) on venous outflow from segments 5 and 8. MHV variations led to significant shifts of segment 5 drainage between the middle and right hepatic vein. In cases with the most frequent MHV branching pattern (n = 33), a virtual hepatectomy closely right to the MHV intersected drainage vessels that provided drainage for 30% of the potential graft, not taking into account potential veno-venous shunts. In individuals with inferior MHV branches that extend far into segments 5 and 6 (n = 10), the overall graft volume at risk of impaired venous drainage increased by 5% (p < 0.001). If this is confirmed in clinical trials and correlated with intraoperative findings, the use of liver operation-planning systems would be beneficial to improve overall outcome after right lobe LDLT.

Gene expression profiling of acute liver stress during living donor liver transplantation

During liver transplantation, the donor graft is subjected to a number of acute stresses whose molecular basis is not well-understood. The effects of surgical stress, preservation and reperfusion injury were studied in 24 consecutive living donor liver transplant (LDLT) operations. Liver biopsies were taken early in the donor operation (OPENING), after transection of the donor liver (PRECLAMP) and following implantation of the graft (post hepatic artery, [PHA]); these were evaluated for histology, tissue glutathione content and gene expression using a 19K-human cDNA microarray. LDLT was associated with an ischemia/reperfusion injury, with accumulation of small numbers of neutrophils and decreased glutathione in the PHA biopsies. Following reperfusion, the expression of 129 genes increased and 106 genes decreased when compared to OPENING levels (> or <2-fold, p < 0.01). By real-time PCR a subset of 25 genes was verified (15 increased, 10 decreased). These genes were similarly altered in another condition of acute liver stress (the response to brain-death), but not in three chronic liver disease states (HCV, HBV and PBC). This study has identified a set of genes whose expression is altered in acute, but not chronic, liver stress, likely to play a central role in the pathogenesis of acute liver injury of liver transplantation.

Adult live donor liver transplantation

The increasing awareness of liver diseases and their early detection have led to an increase in the number of transplant waiting list candidates over the past decade. This need has not been matched by the actual number of orthotopic liver transplantations performed. Live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an innovative surgical technique intended to expand the available organ donor pool. Although LDLT offers definite advantages to the recipient, it offers none to the donor except for the possibility of psychological well-being. Clinical research studies aimed at the prospective collection of data for donors and recipients need to be conducted.

Analysis and outcomes of right lobe hepatectomy in 101 consecutive living donors

The shortage of deceased organ donors has created a need for right lobe living donor liver transplantation (RLDLT) in adults. Concerns regarding donor safety, however, necessitate continuous assessment of donor acceptance criteria and documentation of donor morbidity. We report the outcomes of our first 101 donors who underwent right lobectomy between April 2000 and November 2004. The cohort comprised 58 men and 43 women with a median age of 37.8 years (range: 18.6-55 years); median follow-up is 24 months. The middle hepatic vein (MHV) was taken with the graft in 55 donors. All complications were recorded prospectively and stratified by grade according to Clavien's classification. Overall morbidity rate was 37%; all complications were either grade 1 or 2, and the majority occurred during the first 30 days after surgery. Removal of the MHV did not affect morbidity rate. There were significantly fewer complications in the later half of our experience. All donors are well and have returned to full activities. With careful donor selection and specialized patient care, low morbidity rates can be achieved after right hepatectomy for living donor liver transplantation.

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The 'small for size' liver syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) is a clinical syndrome described following liver transplantation (LT) and extended hepatectomy. New evidence has emerged documenting the importance of preoperative evaluation of functional liver mass, liver quality, influence of portal hypertension, and variations in surgical technique to improve outcome.

RECENT FINDINGS

SFSS is characterized by postoperative coagulopathy and liver dysfunction due to insufficient functional liver mass. Recent radiologic advances allow accurate preoperative estimation of total, graft, and remnant liver volume (RLV). In adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), a graft-to-recipient body weight ratio > or = 0.8% or graft weight ratio > or = 30% are important to avoid SFSS. Minimal functional RLV following extended hepatectomy is > or = 25% in a normal liver, and > or = 40% with preoperative liver dysfunction. Preoperative portal vein or hepatic artery embolization to increase RLV and function after extended hepatectomy, and the increasing use of parenchymal-sparing segmental resections have improved outcome. In LT, the evolving use of split livers, LDLT and marginal grafts has resulted in increased recognition of SFSS. This has led to a renewed interest in defining the pathophysiology, and the development of new surgical techniques to reduce its incidence.

SUMMARY

Current radiologic imaging techniques can be used to evaluate liver volume and the risk of SFSS following LT and extended hepatectomy. Intraoperative techniques to predict postoperative dysfunction are emerging, and may be helpful in directing the use of pre-emptive surgical interventions. The future lies in the development of perioperative liver protection and support in predicted SFSS, and enhancement of healthy liver regeneration.

Role of magnetic resonance cholangiography in assessing biliary anatomy in right lobe living donors

BACKGROUND

The value of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in assessing potential adult-to-adult living liver transplant (ALDLT) donors remains poorly defined. The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy of MRC in assessing biliary anatomy with intraoperative confirmation.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of 30 ALDLT donors who underwent right hepatectomy from October 2000 to July 2003 was evaluated. MRC was performed using a heavily T2 weighted radial slab technique. MRC was interpreted preoperatively by a radiologist and a surgeon and compared with the intraoperative biliary findings in all patients derived from cholangiography (IOC) and bile duct exploration. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of MRC for aberrant biliary anatomy were calculated.

RESULTS

MRC suggested normal, aberrant, and indeterminate biliary anatomy in 16, 12, and 2 donors, respectively. IOC revealed normal and aberrant biliary anatomy in 17 and 13 patients, respectively. MRC demonstrated biliary anatomy accurately in 27 of 30 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and negative predictive values of MRC in detecting aberrant biliary anatomy were 92%, 100%, 100%, and 94%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative MRC accurately depicts biliary anatomy in potential ALDLT donors and may guide the intraoperative management of the biliary tract.