Analysis of Hepatic Arterial Reconstruction Technique Using Surgical Loupes for Living-Donor Liver Transplantation: Results From a Single Center

Effect of Complex Venous Outflow Drainage Reconstruction on Postoperative Graft Function in Right-Lobe Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Background: Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is the predominant transplantation technique in regions with low rates of deceased donation. Right-lobe grafting is adopted in most clinical and radiological donor/recipient scenarios. Due to the considerable variations in right-lobe hepatic venous anatomy, many techniques have been used over the years for the purpose of appropriate venous outflow reconstruction during the recipient procedure. In this paper, we present the technical details and consequences of a complex venous outflow reconstruction model (CORM) based on experience, and the long-term patency results obtained using the model. Methods: Data of patients with end-stage liver disease who underwent LDLT between 21 December 2017 and 29 November 2022 were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. The nomenclature of CORM was assigned when three or more hepatic vein anastomoses were performed. Patients with CORM (CORM group; n = 69) were compared with non-CORM patients (non-CORM group; n = 130) in terms of demographic, pre- and postoperative clinical, and follow-up features. Results: Sixty-nine recipients had three or more separate outflow reconstructions (RHV, RIHV, and one or more anterior sectoral veins); these constituted the CORM group. The estimated graft volume of the CORM group was significantly lower than that of the non-CORM group (833 vs. 898; p = 0.022), and the mean GRWR was also significantly lower (1.1 vs. 1.2; p = 0.004). CORM cases showed longer anhepatic phases, as well as longer times for cold and warm ischemia, than non-CORM cases (63 vs. 51 min, 46 vs. 38 min, and 48 vs. 33 min, p < 0.001), though no difference was found with respect to total operative duration. There were no statistical differences between the two groups with respect to rates of in-hospital re-exploration, length of ICU stay, or length of total hospital stay. Graft survival rates at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years were 88.1%, 83.3%, and 83.3%, respectively, in the CORM group, and 82.9%, 80.2%, and 70.6%, respectively, in the non-CORM group (p = 0.167). Conclusions: Performing three or more CORMs in right-lobe LDLT is not associated with inferior outcomes, either with regard to perioperative variables or to patient and graft outcomes. Right-lobe graft with complex venous anatomy from a living donor should not be a determinant factor for donor exclusion.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Do We Still Need Microscope Surgery in Hepatic Artery Anastomosis to Decrease the Incidence of Complications in Living Donor Liver Transplantation?

Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) is the most serious vascular complication after liver transplantation (LT). Moreover, in comparison to deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT), hepatic artery (HA) anastomosis is more challenging in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with a lot of controversial topics about the use of microscopic surgery. We aimed to compare the use of microscopic and loupe surgery in HA anastomosis in adult and pediatric LDLT to decrease the incidence of vascular complications. We searched PubMed, Scopes, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for eligible studies from inception to April 2023 and a systematic review and a meta-analysis were done. According to our eligibility criteria, 10 studies with a total of 1939 patients were included. In comparison to microscopic surgery, loupe anastomosis has a similar incidence of HAT (thrombosis, risk ratio (RR) = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.26-3.48, P = 0.95). In addition to that, no significant difference was detected between the two types in terms of stenosis, decreased blood flow and hospital stay (decreased blood flow, RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.01-86.65, P = 0.88), (stenosis, RR = 1.81, 95% CI = 0.19-17.21, P = 0.60), (hospital stay, mean deviation (MD) = 1.16, 95% CI = -3.79-6.11, P = 0.65). However, the anastomotic time was longer in the case of microscopic surgery (anastomotic time, MD = 24.09, 95% CI = 7.79-40.39, P = 0.004). With an equal incidence of complications and longer anastomotic time, there is no added benefit of the routine use of microscopic surgery in HA anastomosis in LDLT.

Techniques of hepatic arterial reconstruction in liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Hepatic artery reconstruction is an essential part of liver transplantation. This difficult stage of the operation is even more demanding in living donor liver transplantation than in deceased donor liver transplantation. One of the most important advances in hepatic artery reconstruction for living liver grafts was the introduction of microsurgical techniques involving an operative microscope or surgical loupe. Many surgical reconstruction techniques have been used in this field.

PURPOSE

In this article, first, we will talk about the hepatic artery reconstruction techniques that are frequently used in deceased donor liver transplantation, and afterward, we will talk about the hepatic artery reconstruction techniques used in living donor liver transplantation, which include the hepatic artery reconstruction technique we use and call "one stay corner suture technique".

CONCLUSIONS

We think high-volume transplant centers should tend to develop a standardized technique for doing hepatic artery reconstruction with their teams. We think the "one stay corner suture technique" can be easily applied in centers that perform LDLT.