Graft size assessment and analysis of donors for living donor liver transplantation using right lobe

BACKGROUND

Modality of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has been expanded to adult cases. However, the safety of right lobectomy from living donors has not yet been proven.

METHODS

A total of 62 cases of LDLT, using the right lobe, were reviewed. Study 1: Discrepancy between estimated graft volume and actual graft weight was evaluated. Study 2: Postoperative liver functions were analyzed in relation to residual liver volume (RLV) or age. Residual liver volume of donors was defined using two indices, (RLV = estimated whole liver volume - estimated graft volume and %RLV = RLV/estimated whole liver volumex100). Donors were divided into two groups on the basis of either %RLV (<40%; 40%< or =) or age (<50 years old; 50 years old < or =). Study 3: Right lobe donors were compared with left lobe donors (35 cases) in terms of their postoperative liver functions.

RESULTS

Study 1: The relationship between estimated graft volume and actual graft weight was linear (y=159.136+0.735x, R2=0.571, P<0.001). Study 2: %RLV ranged from 23.5% to 55.8% (mean +/- SD: 43.2+/-6.0). Fifteen cases showed %RLV less than 40%. Postoperative bilirubin clearance was delayed in that group (%RLV<40%). Serum total bilirubin values on postoperative day 7 in the older group (age > or =50) were significantly higher than those in the younger group (age<50). Study 3: Postoperative liver functions of right lobe donors were significantly higher than those of left-lobe donors. Eleven donors (17.7%) had surgical complications, all of which were cured with proper treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Right lobectomy from living donors is a safe procedure with acceptable morbidity, but some care should be taken early after the operation for donors with small residual liver and aged donors.

Living-related liver transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure in children

Liver transplantation is increasingly accepted as a choice of treatment for fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) since it has been proved to significantly improve the survival rate in these patients compared with other therapeutic modalities. We have successfully performed a total of 76 living related liver transplantations (LRLT) three of which were for FHF. The first case was an 11-year-old boy with FHF due to an unidentified cause. He had required plasmapheresis a total of 24 times and haemofiltration to save his life before LRLT. He was transplanted with a left lobe (420 g) graft, calculated as 1.05% of his weight (40 kg). He recovered hepatic function uneventfully and was discharged from hospital after 7 weeks. The second case was a 13-year-old girl who developed FHF with grade III encephalopathy due to acute Wilson's disease, and was referred to us. She underwent LRLT with a left lobe graft (440 g), estimated as 0.95% of her weight (47 kg), which functioned well after surgery. The third case was a 13-year-old girl with grade II encephalopathy due to acute Wilson's disease. She was 27% obese with a body weight of 58 kg. She underwent LRLT with ABO blood group incompatibility with a left lobe (352 g), estimated as 0.80% of her weight (modified 44 kg). She was discharged with sensorimotor neuropathy due to vitamin B deficiency. The present results suggest that LRLT is feasible for FHF both clinically and ethically, and that a partial liver graft weighing around 1% of the recipient's weight can maintain the recipient's life. We limit the diagnostic indication for LRLT to chronic liver disease, since an urgent situation may affect a voluntary decision for the patient's parents to donate the partial liver. However, LRLT is thought to be an acceptable choice of treatment provided it is requested by the patient and family. Furthermore, it is a potential option for resolving the graft shortage in paediatric liver transplantation, being independent of cadaver donor availability.

The anxiolytic-like effect of MCI-225, a selective NA reuptake inhibitor with 5-HT3 receptor antagonism

We have previously reported that MCI-225, a selective noradrenaline (NA) reuptake inhibitor with serotonin (5-HT)3 receptor antagonism, shows antidepressant-like properties in experiments using rodents. In this study, we investigated the effect of MCI-225 in anxiety models in comparison with diazepam, ondansetron, maprotiline, imipramine, and trazodone. In social interaction (SI) test in rats, MCI-225 (10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.), diazepam (1-10 mg/kg, p.o.), and a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron (1 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly increas

Hepatic grafts from live donors: donor morbidity for 470 cases of live donation

Living donor-morbidity was evaluated in 470 consecutive cases of living donor liver transplantation carried out from June 1990 to May 1999 at Kyoto University. Grafting was categorized into 4 groups according to the resection lines; left lateral segmentectomy (S2 + 3, n = 282, R1), extended left lateral segmentectomy without middle hepatic vein (MHV) (S2 + 3 + part4, n = 45, R2), left lobectomy with MHV (S2 + 3 + 4, n = 99, R3) and right lobectomy without MHV (S5 + 6 + 7 + 8, n = 43, R4). Intraoperative blood loss and operation duration were less for left lateral segmentectomy, but no significant difference was observed between left lobectomy and right lobectomy. The length of postoperative hospital stays was comparable among all groups except for the group with right lobe grafting. The AST values at the peak and at POD 7 were significantly elevated for right lobectomy, but the AST value normalized within one month in the majority of the cases. The close follow-up of donors with more than 1,000 ml intraoperative bleeding, and of those donors who stayed in hospital for more than 30 days, the close follow-up, furthermore, of those donors with AST values higher than 100 IU/ L AST after one month, revealed complete recovery. Biliary leakage was the most common and annoying complication after donor operations, especially in for right lobe grafting, but all donors recovered completely with conservative or minimal invasive therapy. The two cases of re-operation due to adhesive mechanical ileus we encountered were resolved completely. Finally, no donor-operation related death was noted. In conclusion, the morbidity of living donors is low or minimal even for right lobectomy, the most extended procedure, and complete recovery can be expected in all cases.

Liver transplantation for biliary atresia associated with malignant hepatic tumors

The authors report 3 cases of liver transplantations in children between 4 and 10 years of age, complicated with malignant hepatic tumors after biliary atresia. The preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans of all 3 cases showed hepatic masses. The serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were elevated highly in 2 cases. After living-related liver transplantation (LRLT), the pathologic findings of the masses in the resected livers showed hepatocellular carcinoma in 2 cases and hepatoblastoma in the other. All cases were associated with biliary cirrhosis. The stage of the liver tumor in the 3 cases using the TNM system was IVA (T4, N0, M0), II (T2, N0, M0) and IVA (T4, N0, M0). Chemotherapy was used in all cases after liver transplantation, and all patients survived with no recurrence. The results suggest that even though malignant liver tumors rarely are complicated with biliary atresia in childhood, one should be alert to the occurrence of hepatic malignancy and perform routine screening of alpha-fetoprotein levels, abdominal CT scans, and magnetic resonance imagings.

Hepatic grafts from live donors: donor morbidity for 470 cases of live donation

Living donor-morbidity was evaluated in 470 consecutive cases of living donor liver transplantation carried out from June 1990 to May 1999 at Kyoto University. Grafting was categorized into 4 groups according to the resection lines; left lateral segmentectomy (S2 + 3, n = 282, R1), extended left lateral segmentectomy without middle hepatic vein (MHV) (S2 + 3 + part4, n = 45, R2), left lobectomy with MHV (S2 + 3 + 4, n = 99, R3) and right lobectomy without MHV (S5 + 6 + 7 + 8, n = 43, R4). Intraoperative blood loss and operation duration were less for left lateral segmentectomy, but no significant difference was observed between left lobectomy and right lobectomy. The length of postoperative hospital stays was comparable among all groups except for the group with right lobe grafting. The AST values at the peak and at POD 7 were significantly elevated for right lobectomy, but the AST value normalized within one month in the majority of the cases. The close follow-up of donors with more than 1,000 ml intraoperative bleeding, and of those donors who stayed in hospital for more than 30 days, the close follow-up, furthermore, of those donors with AST values higher than 100 IU/ L AST after one month, revealed complete recovery. Biliary leakage was the most common and annoying complication after donor operations, especially in for right lobe grafting, but all donors recovered completely with conservative or minimal invasive therapy. The two cases of re-operation due to adhesive mechanical ileus we encountered were resolved completely. Finally, no donor-operation related death was noted. In conclusion, the morbidity of living donors is low or minimal even for right lobectomy, the most extended procedure, and complete recovery can be expected in all cases.

Domino split-liver transplantation from a living donor: case reports of in situ and ex situ splitting

The liver from a patient with familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) scheduled for living donor liver transplantation can be split and transplanted into 2 adult patients with end-stage liver disease. We have performed this procedure, called domino split transplantation, twice. The native liver was split in situ in 1 patient with FAP and ex situ in the other patient with FAP. The recipients of the livers from the patients with FAP and their living donors are doing well without serious complications. Of the 4 secondary recipients, 3 patients survived. Domino split-liver transplantation from a living donor thus appears to be a promising procedure for expansion of the donor pool.

Analysis of alloreactivity and intragraft cytokine profiles in living donor liver transplant recipients with graft acceptance

Although some previous studies have indicated the possibility of immunosuppression withdrawal in clinical liver transplantation, the mechanism of graft acceptance is not clear. The aim of this study is to elucidate the alloreactivity against the donor and intragraft cytokine profiles in living donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients with graft acceptance. In October 1999, we had 23 patients who survived without immunosuppression after LDLT with a median drug-free period of 25 months (range: 3-69 months). They consisted of six patients who were electively weaned by an elective weaning protocol and 17 either forcibly or accidentally weaned patients due to various causes but mainly due to infection. We evaluated the alloreactivity against the donor in these patients by a mixed lymphocyte reaction and intragraft cytokine profiles by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The development of donor-specific hyporeactivity was observed in the patients with graft acceptance. The cytokine pattern in the supernatant of the culture medium revealed a down regulation of T helper (Th) 1 cytokine INF gamma against the donor while no significant difference was seen in Th2 cytokine IL-10. Regarding the intragraft cytokine profiles, we could find no amplification of Thl cytokines (IL-2, INF y) and IL-4 while some of the patients revealed a gene expression of IL-10 with no significant difference from that of the normal, untransplanted liver specimen. In addition, no difference was observed in any other cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-8, IL-15, TNFalpha) compared with those of the normal controls. We propose that the down regulation of Th1 cytokine is one possible mechanism of graft acceptance in LDLT recipients.

Portal blood flow and liver regeneration in auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation in a canine model

Functional competition has been shown to lead to a detrimental outcome in auxiliary liver transplantation. We evaluated the interaction in auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation between the native liver and the graft in terms of portal flow and regeneration. The need for diversion of the portal flow to the graft was also assessed. Reduced-size liver grafts were transplanted orthotopically after partial hepatectomy in beagles. There were two groups: the preserved group, where portal inflow to the native liver was preserved, and the ligated group, where it was interrupted. Portal flow was measured serially and liver regeneration was evaluated on postoperative day 5. Functional competition was not observed in the preserved group. On the other hand, ligation of the native liver portal vein had no obviously detrimental effects on the remnant native liver. This leads to the conclusion that the portal vein to the native liver can be safely ligated to prevent functional competition.

Living donor liver transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure

BACKGROUND

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was originally indicated only for elective cases of pediatric patients with end-stage liver disease. In Japan, however, where liver transplantation from brain-dead donor is performed very rarely, this indication has been expanded to emergency cases such as fulminant hepatic failure (FHF).

METHODS

Thirty-eight patients with FHF were treated between May 1992 and April 1999. Causes of acute liver failure were non-A, non-B hepatitis in 27 patients, hepatitis B virus in seven, and hepatitis A virus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, and chrome poisoning in one each.

RESULTS

Four patients did not undergo LDLT because of severe brain damage or combined multiple organ failure. The remaining 34 patients underwent a total of 36 LDLTs, including two retransplantations; 16 children received transplants of 17 lateral segments, three children and eight adults transplants of 11 left lobes, and seven adults transplants of eight right lobes. A total of 15 recipients died, four of primary graft dysfunction, three of refractory acute rejection, two of pneumonia, and one each of ductopenic rejection, sepsis, aplastic anemis, recurrence of Epstein-Barr virus hepatitis, multiple organ failure by chrome poisoning, and unknown hepatic failure. Primary graft dysfunction developed in adult recipients with small-for-size graft transplants, whereas refractory acute rejection and ductopenic rejection occurred in six grafts each of children with non-A, non-B FHF.

CONCLUSIONS

LDLT can be safely expanded to cases of FHF in adult patients. Primary graft dysfunction in adult recipients with small-for-size left lobe grafts can be overcome by using right lobes. However, refractory acute rejection and ductopenic rejection in children remain a major problem.

Effect of intestinal P-glycoprotein on daily tacrolimus trough level in a living-donor small bowel recipient

We have examined whether the expression levels of the intestinal absorptive barriers, MDR1 gene product P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 IIIA4 (CYP3A4), correlate with the trough levels of orally administered tacrolimus in a recipient of small bowel transplant for 4 months. By using a competitive polymerase chain reaction, the expression of MDR1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and CYP3A4 mRNA by intestinal cells in a part of the mucosa biopsy specimen was evaluated. The average mRNA expression levels of MDR1 and CYP3A4 were 8.6 and 39.6 amol/microg total RNA, respectively. Both the MDR1 and CYP3A4 mRNA levels changed markedly throughout this period. The tacrolimus concentration/dose ratio correlated well with the mRNA expression level of MDR1, but not CYP3A4. These results suggested that intestinal P-glycoprotein rather than CYP3A4 is a good probe to predict the intraindividual variation in the tacrolimus pharmacokinetics during immunosuppressant therapy after small bowel transplantation.

Tacrolimus and myocardial hypertrophy

Tacrolimus has been used as an immunosuppressive agent in the transplantation of all solid organs. Tacrolimus-induced hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been reported to be an unusual but serious complication. To elucidate the effects of tacrolimus on myocardial hypertrophy, we studied the relationship between the blood levels of tacrolimus and cardiac wall thickening. Our findings demonstrated that tacrolimus-induced myocardial hypertrophy correlated with tacrolimus blood levels, and that myocardial hypertrophy induced by tacrolimus was reversible. However, no patients developed clinically significant symptoms related to myocardial hypertrophy.

Right lobe graft in living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

For the sake of donor safety in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), the left lobe is currently being used most often for the graft. However, size mismatch has been a major obstacle for an expansion of the indication for LDLT to larger-size recipients, because a left lobe graft is not safe enough for them.

METHODS

In 1998, LDLT using a right lobe graft was introduced and performed on 26 recipients to overcome the small-for-size problem. The right lobe, which does not include the middle hepatic vein of the donor, was used. Initially, indication for right lobe LDLT was basically defined as an estimated left lobe graft volume/recipient body weight ratio (GRWR) of <0.8%, which was later raised to <1.0%.

RESULTS

All the donors recovered from the operation without persistent complications. Two donors with transient bile leakage were successfully treated with a conservative approach. A right lobectomy resulted in more blood loss (337+/-175 ml), and a longer operative time (6.67+/-0.85 hr) than a lateral segmentectomy, but not a left lobectomy. Grafts with a GRWR >0.8% were implanted in all recipients, except for two, who received relatively smaller right lobes (GRWR of 0.68% and 0.66%). In one of these two, the right lobe from the donor was used as the orthotopic auxiliary graft. Postoperative transitory increases in total bilirubin and aspartate transaminoferase for right lobe donors were higher than those for the left lateral segmentectomy. Nineteen recipients (73.1%) were successfully treated with this procedure. The causes of death were not specific for right lobe LDLT, except for one patient with a graft that had multiple hepatic venous orifices. These multiple and separate anastomoses of the hepatic veins caused an outflow block as a result of a positional shift of the graft, which finally led to graft loss.

CONCLUSION

Our experience suggests that right lobe grafting is a safe and effective procedure, resulting in the expansion of the indication for LDLT to large-size recipients. How to deal with the possible variation in the anatomy of the right lobe graft should be given attention throughout the procedure.

Simultaneous measurement of volatile sulfur compounds using ascorbic acid for oxidant removal and gas chromatography-flame photometric detection

A method for the simultaneous measurement of volatile sulfur compounds (COS, H2S, CS2, CH3SH, DMS) is established with preconcentration and GC-flame photometric detection (FPD). Prior to preconcentration of ambient air, it was necessary to remove SO2, water vapor and atmospheric oxidant. SO2 and water vapor were removed using a glass fiber filter and a cooled PTFE water trap loop, respectively. In order to remove atmospheric oxidant, the efficiency of an ascorbic acid scrubber was examined. It was found that an ascorbic acid scrubber enabled measurement of volatile sulfur compounds without adsorption and reaction loss. The detection limits for COS, H2S, CS2, CH3SH and DMS were 20, 34, 35, 263 and 44 pg of S, respectively.

Living related liver transplantation: histopathologic analysis of graft dysfunction in 304 patients

Between June 1990 and August 1997, 304 mainly pediatric patients underwent a total of 311 orthotopic living related liver transplantations (LRLTs) under tacrolimus immunosuppression at Kyoto University Hospital. Congenital biliary atresia was the most common underlying disease. The donor was a parent, and the left lateral segments were used as grafts in most cases. The average number of loci of HLA-A, -B, and -DR mismatches between the donor and the recipient were 2.1. Forty-three transplants were ABO-incompatible. Liver histology at the time of abnormal liver function after transplantation was analyzed. Preservation injury was rare and mild. Acute cellular rejection (ACR) occurred in 36% of transplants during the first 6 months. Average rejection activity index (the Banff schema) was 4.2 and severe rejection was rarely seen. The number of mismatching HLA loci and immunosuppression regimens affected the incidence of ACR. Chronic rejection (CR) occurred in 2% of transplants. Concerning humoral rejection, no hyperacute rejection was seen. However, hepatic artery thrombosis (delayed hyperacute rejection) was seen in an ABO-incompatible transplant. Acute hepatitis, including those related to cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus, occurred in 17% of transplants. Chronic hepatitis, including hepatitis B and C, developed in 3%. Acute or chronic cholangitis occurred in 16%, and a significantly higher incidence of cholangitis was found in ABO-incompatible transplants. Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease developed in 2%. In LRLT, milder preservation injury and less frequent ACR and CR were suggested, probably because of the short cold-ischemia time and the advantages of HLA histocompatibility, respectively.

[Weaning of immunosuppression in living-related liver transplantation]

In our experience of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), some recipients could be successfully weaned from any immunosuppressant in case of various situations like severe infectious complications, posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder, and noncompliance. Based on such unexpected experiences, we started the intentional weaning of immunosupressants after LDLT. The patients were selected among the recipients who had been followed up longer than two years with stable normal graft function, and without any rejection episodes in the latest one year. So far, 26 cases were enrolled into this program, and 6 cases could be intentionally weaned from any immunosuppressants. Four recipients unfortunately had a rejection episode during the weaning. Immunosuppressants were again returned to the pre-weaning level in these recipients, and the rejection could be treated without any persistent dysfunction of the graft. Clear discrimination of the recipients who will be or will not be able to be weaned from immunosuppression is still impossible. Mixed lymphocyte reaction showed tendency of low response to the donor, but the result is not stationary in all recipients. Identification of suitable parameters to promise the possibility of weaning is a big problem to be solved in the future.

Living related liver transplantation from donors with the left-sided gallbladder/portal vein anomaly

The presence of a left-sided gallbladder poses a unique challenge for living related liver donation. Associated anomalies include segment IV atrophy, absence of portal vein bifurcation, and abnormal intrahepatic portal branches to segments II and III. The complex is rare, but is more frequent in Japan. Of 379 living related liver transplants from our institution, the complex has been encountered on four occasions (incidence: 1.1%), and we herein review our experience. Anomalies were identified preoperatively (by computed tomography and ultrasound) in all instances. One donor was turned down because there was no common portal trunk to segment II and III branches. Three donors underwent successful retrieval using a modified technique. There were no complications in the donors or recipients relating to the complex. Thus, living related liver retrieval can be achieved safely in the presence of the left-sided gallbladder/portal anomaly complex, but technical modifications are required.

Native hepatectomy after auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation

In countries where a living donor is the only source of the graft, the limited size of the graft is of serious concern when considering extending the procedure to adult recipients. In order to overcome this problem, auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT) was applied to the concept that the residual native liver would support the graft function until the graft expanded enough to work by itself. We herein report on a 20-year-old woman with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), who received a small-size liver graft by APOLT. Computed tomography and scintigraphy showed that the graft had regenerated sufficiently 1 month after the operation. The diseased residual native liver is potentially carcinogenetic. Therefore, second-stage native hepatectomy was done 35 days after the first operation. Histopathologic examination of the resected native liver revealed biliary cirrhosis with PSC but no evidence of cholangiocarcinoma. Second-stage native hepatectomy after APOLT seems to be a curative treatment for chronic end-stage liver disease with graft size mismatch that may be as good as orthotopic liver transplantation.

Intrapulmonary shunting in biliary atresia before and after living-related liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Intrapulmonary shunting (IPS) is frequently observed and causes hypoxaemia in liver cirrhosis. This study investigated the prevalence, predictors of reversibility and the effect of living-related liver transplantation (LRLT) on IPS using contrast echocardiography in patients with end-stage biliary atresia.

METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients with biliary atresia were examined for IPS using contrast echocardiography before and after LRLT until IPS disappeared. The severity of IPS was classified into five grades according to the extent of contrast in the left ventricle (0, none; 1, trivial; 2, apparent; 3, complete but less than in right ventricle; 4, as dense as in right ventricle).

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients (grade 1, n = 15; grade 2, n = 7; grade 3, n = 4; grade 4, n = 6) had IPS before LRLT. Forty-four patients have survived for 9-26 months after LRLT. Among patients with grade 3 or 4 IPS (n = 8), there was a significant correlation between age at LRLT and the duration of IPS persistence after LRLT (P = 0.044).

CONCLUSION

IPS takes longer to disappear in older children than in younger ones, but always disappears eventually. LRLT is an effective treatment for biliary atresia with IPS. Presented to the 31st annual meeting of the Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Maui, Hawaii, June 1998

Severe late acute allograft rejection in a child after living-related auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency

Auxiliary liver transplantation (ALT) is known to correct liver-based metabolic disorders. However, it remains unclear whether the presence of a native liver influences the long-term prognosis of ALT for metabolic diseases. We reported on a 4-yr-old girl who had undergone living-related auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT) for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency and experienced severe late acute rejection 18 months after liver transplantation, during weaning of immunosuppressive agents. Results of histological analysis of the graft indicated very severe acute rejection (rejection activity index, 9/9), and computed tomography revealed graft liver atrophy. These observations suggest the possibility that severe rejection might occur in APOLT, especially during weaning of immunosuppression.

Living related liver transplantation from heterozygote genetic carriers to children with Wilson's disease

We reviewed the outcome of children undergoing living related liver transplantation (LRLT) for Wilson's disease (WD), and specifically addressed the potential risk associated with the use of donors who were heterozygous for the Wilson genetic defect. LRLTs were carried out in 11 children with WD, nine of whom presented with fulminant hepatic failure and two with end-stage hepatic insufficiency. The age of the patients ranged from 6 to 16 yr. Eight patients had hepatic encephalopathy and were plasmapheresed preoperatively. The donors (all parents: six fathers and five mothers) were all one-haplotype matched with their respective recipients, and were all therefore heterozygote carriers of the WD genetic defect. The serum ceruloplasmin levels were within normal limits in all donors (mean: 20.0 +/- 2.85 mg/dL). All recipients but one had low serum ceruloplasmin levels with a mean value of 11.6 +/- 7.36 mg/dL before transplantation. The serum ceruloplasmin levels had increased to an average of 21.0 +/- 3.76 mg/dL after LRLT at the latest evaluation, which ranged between 7 and 75 months after transplantation. A marked reduction in urinary copper excretion was observed in all recipients after transplantation. Of eight recipients presenting preoperatively with Kayser-Fleischer (K-F) rings, this abnormality resolved completely after LRLT in five patients and partially in three. All recipients are alive and remain well, and none have developed signs of recurrent WD after a mean follow-up period of 31 months (range 7-75 months). In conclusion, LRLT is an excellent choice for effective treatment of WD, and grafts chosen from heterozygote carriers of the condition do not appear to confer any risk of recurrence in the recipients.