Hepatic artery thrombosis in living related liver transplantation

Donor-recipient human leukocyte antigen A mismatching is associated with hepatic artery thrombosis, sepsis, graft loss, and reduced survival after liver transplant

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching is not routinely performed for liver transplantation as there is no consistent evidence of benefit; however, the impact of HLA mismatching remains uncertain. We explored the effect of class I and II HLA mismatching on graft failure and mortality. A total of 1042 liver transplants performed at a single center between 1999 and 2016 with available HLA typing data were included. The median follow-up period was 9.38 years (interquartile range 4.9-14) and 350/1042 (33.6%) transplants resulted in graft loss and 280/1042 (26.9%) in death. Graft loss and mortality were not associated with the overall number of mismatches at HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DR, and HLA-DQ loci. However, graft failure and mortality were both increased in HLA mismatching on graft failure and mortality the presence of one (p = 0.004 and p = 0.01, respectively) and two (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively) HLA-A mismatches. Elevated hazard ratios for graft failure and death were observed with HLA-A mismatches in univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. Excess graft loss with HLA-A mismatch (138/940 [14.7%] mismatched compared with 6/102 [5.9%] matched transplants) occurred within the first year following transplantation (odds ratio 2.75; p = 0.02). Strikingly, transplants performed at a single all grafts lost due to hepatic artery thrombosis were in HLA-A-mismatched transplants (31/940 vs. 0/102), as were those lost due to sepsis (35/940 vs. 0/102). In conclusion, HLA-A mismatching was associated with increased graft loss and mortality. The poorer outcome for the HLA-mismatched group was due to hepatic artery thrombosis and sepsis, and these complications occurred exclusively with HLA-A-mismatched transplants. These data suggest that HLA-A mismatching is important for outcomes following liver transplant. Therefore, knowledge of HLA-A matching status may potentially allow for enhanced surveillance, clinical interventions in high-risk transplants or stratified HLA-A matching in high-risk recipients.

Management of difficult hepatic artery reconstructions to reduce complications through continual technical refinements in living donor liver transplantations

BACKGROUND

Hepatic artery reconstruction (HAR) for liver transplantation is crucial for successful outcomes. We evaluated transplantation outcome improvement through continual technical refinements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HAR was performed in 1448 living donor liver transplants by a single plastic surgeon from 2008 to 2020. Difficult HARs were defined as graft or recipient hepatic artery ≤2 mm, size discrepancy (≥2 to 1), multiple hepatic arteries, suboptimal quality, intimal dissection of graft or recipient hepatic artery (HA), and immediate redo during transplantation. Technique refinements include early vessel injury recognition, precise HA dissection, the use of clips to ligate branches, an oblique cut for all HARs, a modified funneling method for size discrepancy, liberal use of an alternative artery to replace a pathologic HA, and reconstruction of a second HA for grafts with dual hepatic arteries in the graft.

RESULTS

Difficult HARs were small HA (21.35%), size discrepancy (12.57%), multiple hepatic arteries (11.28%), suboptimal quality (31.1%), intimal dissection (20.5%), and immediate redo (5.18%). The overall hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) rate was 3.04% in this series. The average HAT rate during the last 4 years (2017-2020) was 1.46% (6/408), which was significantly lower than the average HAT rate from 2008 to 2016 (39/1040, 3.8%) with a statistical significance (p = 0.025). Treatment for posttransplant HAT included anastomosis after trim back (9), reconstruction using alternatives (19), and nonsurgical treatment with urokinase (9).

CONCLUSION

Careful examination of the HA under surgical microscope and selection of the appropriate recipient HA are key to successful reconstruction. Through continual technical refinements, we can reduce HA complications to the lowest degree.

The "W" Technique: A Safe and Reproducible Technique for Hepatic Artery Reconstruction in Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Background

Reconstruction of the hepatic arterial inflow can be technically demanding in living donor liver transplantation, and thrombosis can result in graft loss and mortality. We describe the safe and reproducible “W” technique to reconstruct the hepatic artery and outcomes before and after adoption of the technique in a consecutive series of liver transplants at 2 high-volume living donor liver transplant centers.

Material/Methods

Prospectively collected data were analyzed to compare the outcomes before and after introduction of a standardized “W” technique for reconstruction of the hepatic artery in 2 high-volume living donor liver transplant programs.

Results

In a consecutive series of 675 liver transplants, of which 27 were deceased donor transplants and 648 were living donor transplants, 443 transplants were performed with a standard interrupted reconstruction of the hepatic artery under loupes. These transplants were performed by a single surgeon, with an incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis of 2%. After introduction of the “W” technique, despite the arterial reconstruction being done by several surgeons in the early part of their learning curve, the incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis decreased to 0.86% in the next 232 transplants.

Conclusions

The “W” technique is a simple, easy to learn and teach technique for reconstruction of the hepatic artery without the use of the operating microscope in living donor liver transplantation.

Hepatic Artery Microvascular Anastomosis in Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

The operating microscope is used in many centers for microvascular hepatic arterial reconstruction in living as well as deceased donor liver transplantation in adult and pediatric recipients. To date, a systematic review of the literature examining this topic is lacking.

METHODS

This systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Three different electronic databases (PubMed, Embase OVID, and Cochrane CENTRAL) were queried.

RESULTS

A total of 34 studies were included. The rate of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) in noncomparative studies (28) ranged from 0% to 10%, with 8 studies reporting patient deaths resulting from HAT. Within comparative studies, the rate of HAT in patients who underwent arterial reconstruction using the operating microscope ranged from 0% to 5.3%, whereas the rate of HAT in patients who underwent arterial reconstruction using loupe magnification ranged from 0% up to 28.6%, and 2 studies reported patient deaths resulting from HAT. Two comparative studies did not find statistically significant differences between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our comprehensive systematic review of the literature seems to suggest that overall, rates of HAT may be lower when the operating microscope is used for hepatic arterial reconstruction in liver transplantation. However, matched comparisons are lacking and surgical teams need to be mindful of the learning curve associated with the use of the operating microscope as compared with loupe magnification, as well as the logistical and time constraints associated with setup of the operating microscope.

Perioperative management of antithrombotic treatment

End-stage liver disease is characterized by multiple and complex alterations of hemostasis that are associated with an increased risk of both bleeding and thrombosis. Liver transplantation further challenges the feeble hemostatic balance of patients with decompensated cirrhosis, and the management of antithrombotic treatment during and after transplant surgery, which is particularly difficult. Bleeding was traditionally considered the major concern during and early after surgery, but it is increasingly recognized that transplant recipients may also develop thrombotic complications. Pathophysiology of hemostatic complications during and after transplantation is multifactorial and includes pre-, intra-, and postoperative risk factors. Risk stratification is important, as it helps the identification of high-risk recipients in whom antithrombotic prophylaxis should be considered. In recipients who develop thrombosis during or after surgery, prompt treatment is indicated to prevent graft failure, retransplantation, and death.

Microvascular Hepatic Artery Anastomosis in Pediatric Living Donor Liver Transplantation: 73 Consecutive Cases Performed by a Single Surgeon

BACKGROUND

Living donor liver transplantation is an important strategy of procuring segmental liver allografts for pediatric patients with liver failure, as suitably sized whole donor organs are scarce. The early pediatric living donor liver transplantation experience was associated with high rates of hepatic artery thrombosis, graft loss, and mortality. Collaboration with microsurgeons for hepatic artery anastomosis in pediatric living donor liver transplantation has decreased rates of arterial complications; however, reported outcomes are limited.

METHODS

A 14-year retrospective review was undertaken of children at the authors' institution who underwent living donor liver transplantation with hepatic artery anastomosis performed by a single microsurgeon using an operating microscope. Data were collected on demographics, cause of liver failure, graft donor, vessel caliber, vessel anastomosis, arterial complications, and long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

Seventy-three children with end-stage liver failure underwent living donor liver transplantation with microvascular hepatic artery anastomosis. The commonest cause for liver failure was biliary atresia (63 percent). A total of 83 end-to-end hepatic artery anastomoses were completed using an operating microscope. Hepatic artery complications occurred in five patients, consisting of three cases of kinked anastomoses that were revised without complications and two cases of hepatic artery thrombosis (3 percent), of which one resulted in graft loss and patient death. Patient survival was 94 percent at 1 year and 90 percent at 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Microvascular hepatic artery anastomosis in pediatric patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation is associated with a low hepatic artery complication rate and excellent long-term liver graft function. Collaboration between microsurgeons and transplant surgeons can significantly reduce technical complications and improve patient outcomes.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

What happened in 133 consecutive hepatic artery reconstruction in liver transplantation in 1 year?

Background

The immediate challenges during microvascular reconstruction of hepatic artery (HAR) during liver transplantation (LT) can be many. Hence, in order to give a cross sectional view of these problems this study over a period of 1 year, showing our routine practice, was taken up.

Methods

From January 2015 to December 2015, a total of 133 LTs were performed in Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. All hepatic artery (HA) reconstructions were performed by a microvascular surgeon under an operating microscope.

Results

In the 133 patients, one artery was anastomosed in 123 (92.5%) patients, two in 9 (6.8%) patients and three in 1 (0.7%) of the patient. Eleven (8.3%) arteries were less than 2 mm in size (1-1.9 mm). There were intimal dissections (IDs) involving either the donor or the recipient arteries of mild to severe nature in 9 (6.8%) patients. Immediately following graft arterial anastomosis, either there was no flow or an intraoperative hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) was found in nine (7.1%-8 LDLT, 4.8%-1 DDLT) patients. Immediate re-do anastomosis was done in all of these patients who did well in the follow-up. The overall post-operative success rate was 99.2%. One patient (0.8%) developed postoperative HAT due to infection during follow up and died due to sepsis.

Conclusions

Small vessels or HA injury are the frequently encountered problems by a micro vascular surgeon. The other problems could be ID, need to do multiple reconstructions, immediate HAT and ability to re-do the HAR immediately.

Fibrinolysis in Living Donor Liver Transplantation Recipients Evaluated Using Thromboelastometry: Impact on Mortality

BACKGROUND

Inadequate hemostasis during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is mainly due to coagulopathy but may also include fibrinolysis. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of fibrinolysis and assess its relevance to mortality in LDLT.

METHODS

The incidence and prognosis of fibrinolysis were retrospectively studied in 76 patients who underwent LDLT between April 2010 and February 2013. Fibrinolysis was evaluated and defined by maximum lysis (ML) >15% within a 60-minute run time using thromboelastometry (ROTEM).

RESULTS

Fibrinolysis was observed in 19 of the 76 (25%) patients before the anhepatic (pre-anhepatic) phase and was developed in 24 (32%) patients during and after the anhepatic (post-anhepatic) phase. In these 43 patients who had fibrinolysis, spontaneous recovery occurred in 29 patients (73%) within 3 hours after reperfusion of the liver graft. Recovery with tranexamic acid was noted in 2 patients with fibrinolysis in the post-anhepatic phase. Thrombosis in the portal vein and liver artery was noted in 14 patients, and the incidence was significantly greater in patients with post-anhepatic fibrinolysis than in those with pre-anhepatic fibrinolysis (P = .0017). Fibrinolysis that developed in the pre-anhepatic phase was associated with increased 30-day and 6-month mortalities (P = .0003 and .0026, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Fibrinolysis existed and developed in a large percentage of patients during LDLT. Thrombosis in the portal vein and hepatic artery was more common in patients with fibrinolysis in the post-anhepatic phase. Fibrinolysis that developed in the pre-anhepatic phase was associated with increased 30-day and 6-month mortalities.

Effects of plasma transfusions on antithrombin levels after paediatric liver transplantation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Thrombotic complications affect 3-10% of patients after liver transplantation (LT), leading to potentially life-threatening complications. In the days following LT, antithrombin (AT) is decreased longer than pro-coagulant factors, thus favouring a pro-thrombotic profile. Plasma transfusions are given empirically in some centres to correct AT levels following LT. We assessed the effect of plasma transfusion on AT levels after paediatric LT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective single-centre observational study in 20 consecutive paediatric LT recipients over a 24-month period. Plasma was administered twice daily (10 ml/kg/dose) according to an existing protocol. AT levels were measured once daily, immediately prior to and one hour after the morning plasma transfusion. Sample size was calculated based on a non-inferiority hypothesis.

RESULTS

The median age and weight were 11.6 years (IQR 2.8; 14.7) and 40 kg (IQR 12.75; 44.8), respectively. We collected 85-paired blood samples. The median AT level prior to plasma transfusion was 58%. The median difference in AT levels before and after plasma transfusion was 4.2% (P = 0.001). Changes in AT levels after plasma transfusion were not correlated with baseline AT levels (R = 0.19) or patient weight (R = 0.18).

CONCLUSION

Plasma transfusions only marginally increase AT levels in children after LT. Therefore, prophylactic plasma transfusions probably do not seem to confer an advantage in the routine management of paediatric LT patients. Randomized controlled trials are needed to identify the optimal anticoagulation strategy in this specific population.

Bleeding and thrombotic complications of pediatric liver transplant

BACKGROUND

Pediatric patients undergoing liver transplant are at significant risk for bleeding and thrombotic complications due to the complex nature of rebalanced hemostasis in patients with liver disease.

METHODS/OBJECTIVES

We reviewed records of 92 pediatric liver and multivisceral transplant cases at Duke University Medical Center between January 2009 and December 2015. The goal was to define the nature and incidence of bleeding and thrombotic complications in this cohort and define potential risk factors.

RESULTS

There were 24 major bleeding events in 19 transplants (incidence 20.7%) and 30 thrombotic events in 23 transplants (incidence 25%). Five of the 10 retransplantations were for vascular thrombotic complications. Thirty-day mortality was 4.9%, and three of these four deaths were due to vascular thrombosis. No bleeding events led to retransplantation or mortality. Prophylactic aspirin was associated with decreased risk of thrombosis without increased bleeding. Prophylactic heparin did not increase bleeding risk. Laboratory assays predicted events poorly, apparently failing to capture the nuanced and dynamic interplay between pro- and anticoagulant factors in the posttransplant patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Both bleeding and thrombosis are frequent in this population, but only thrombotic complications contributed to retransplantation and mortality. A standardized approach to coagulation testing and antithrombotic therapy may be useful in predicting and reducing adverse outcomes. Alternative approaches to monitoring hemostasis need to be prospectively investigated in this complex patient population.

The extra-anatomical jump graft reconstruction of the right hepatic artery after resection of a biliary tract malignancy with a common hepatic artery aneurysm: a case report

Performing resection of a biliary tract malignancy with a hepatic artery aneurysm is very challenging. Resection of the extrahepatic bile duct and extra‐anatomical reconstruction can be successfully performed using free radial artery autografts from the aorta to the right hepatic artery. Hepatic artery thrombosis can be prevented with intimal preservation.

Coagulopathy Before and After Liver Transplantation: From the Hepatic to the Systemic Circulatory Systems

The hemostatic environment in patients with cirrhosis is a delicate balance between prohemostatic and antihemostatic factors. There is a lack of effective laboratory measures of the hemostatic system in patients with cirrhosis. Many are predisposed to pulmonary embolus, deep vein thrombosis, and portal vein thrombosis in the pretransplantation setting. This pretransplantation hypercoagulable milieu seems to extend for at least several months post-transplantation. Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, inherited thrombophilia, portal hypertension in the absence of cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma often require individualized approach to anticoagulation. Early reports suggest a potential role for low-molecular-weight heparins and direct-acting anticoagulants.

Pathologic Analysis of Right-Lobe Graft Failure in Adult-to-Adult Live Donor Liver Transplantation

Live donor adult liver transplantation (LDALT) utilizing right-lobe grafts is now acceptable as an alternative to cadaveric orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). However, some LDALTs fail and require urgent OLT or result in recipient death. Our aim was to determine the basis of LDALT failure. Liver specimens from 49 LDALT recipients were evaluated and the findings correlated with clinical outcome. Ten patients (20.4%) had either early (< 1 month) or late (> 1 month) graft failure. Eight early failures, 7 of which occurred among our first 25 cases, were due to extensive liver parenchymal necrosis as a result of hepatic artery thrombosis (n=3), portal vein thrombosis (n= 1), hyperperfusion syndrome (n= 1), complete graft thrombosis (n= 1) with Factor V Leiden on a regimen of therapeutic heparin (n=1), sepsis and concomitant graft dysfunction with venous outflow tract injury (n=I), and venous outflow tract thrombosis and parenchymal thermal injury with sepsis (n=1). Preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative severe vessel wall injury was evident in 6/8 early failures. TWo patients had late graft failure, 1 from recurrent hepatitis C and 1 with sepsis/multisystem organ failure. There were no significant differences in graft size, rejection episodes, or operative or ischemic times between patients with and without graft failure. In conclusion, LDALT failed in 10/49 (20%) of our patients, with 8/10 occurring within 1 month post-LDALT owing to vascular/thrombotic complications experienced during the early phase of our institutional experience. Perioperative vessel wall injury appeared to be a major factor in predicting early graft loss.

Delicate balance of bleeding and thrombosis in end-stage liver disease and liver transplantation

Liver transplantation in cirrhotic patients is accompanied by severe bleeding. Indeed, the first 100 recipients of liver allografts transplanted by Thomas E. Starzl died mainly by uncontrolled bleeding. Since then, much progress has been made as to the understanding of the pathophysiology and the treatment of hemostatic disorders in cirrhotic patients. The aim of this review is to provide a state-of-the-art overview on recent developments and treatment options for hemostatic disorder in cirrhotic patients. Patients with end-stage-liver disease (ESLD) do not suffer only from procoagulant deficiency; there is also a lack of natural anticoagulants (i.e. proteins C and S) and profibrinolytics. Conventional laboratory methods such as the determination of the international normalized ratio or the activated partial thromboplastin time cannot predict bleeding complications in these patients. Progressive diagnostic techniques reveal that cirrhotic patients have the same capacity to produce thrombin like healthy volunteers. Moreover, cirrhotic patients--and particularly those with primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis-- are at a higher risk for developing thrombosis as compared with healthy controls. Hemostatic alterations are common in cirrhotic patients; they involve both the pro- and the anticoagulant pathways. However, this is a very delicate balance, which may be shifted to either of these pathways by different treatments thereby causing bleeding or thrombosis, respectively.

Experiences of microsurgical reconstruction for variant hepatic artery in living donor liver transplantation

There is an emergent need for improving the microsurgical technique of variant arterial anastomosis to reduce the often seen surgery-related complications. We describe in this article our experience in improving this technique, in 73 living donor liver grafts (64 right lobes, 9 left lobes) in patients with end-stage liver disease during living donor liver transplantation. The hepatic arteries were evaluated preoperatively with computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography. In this series, 13 grafts (17.80 %) with variant hepatic artery were conducted arterioplasty on a back-table under a loupe or a high-power microscope, which included one recipient in situ interposition vessel graft of recipient proper hepatic artery for artery reconstruction. The back-table reconstruction time was 16 ± 5.6 min. No arterial thrombosis was found in these cases during the 6-month postoperative follow-up. On the basis of our experience, we suggest that back-table microsurgical plasty for graft with arterial variation should be applied to minimize operative difficulties and to avoid arterial complications in living donor liver transplantation.

Hepatic artery reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation: running suture under surgical loupes by cardiovascular surgeons in 180 recipients

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study was to retrospectively investigate the outcomes of hepatic artery (HA) reconstruction by cardiovascular surgeons in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (A-A LDLT).

METHODS

From April 2007 to April 2011, 187 recipients underwent A-A LDLT. After excluding seven ABO-incompatible transplant recipients, we reviewed the courses of 180 patients including 125 men and 55 women of mean age 52.5±9.2 years (range=23-71). One hundred seventy-seven patients received right-lobe grafts with inclusion of middle hepatic vein (MHV); two, right-lobe grafts without MHV; and one, left-lobe graft. A continuous, single-stitch, running suture with the parachute technique was used for HA reconstruction. The anastomosis was performed by cardiovascular surgeons employing surgical loupes with 4.5× magnification.

RESULTS

The mean time for an arterial reconstruction was 10.7±4.0 minutes (median=10, range=4-30). Hepatic arterial thrombosis (HAT) was encountered in 3 (1.66%) patients. One HAT that developed on postoperative day 1 was successfully rescued by the intra-arterial infusion of urokinase. Another patient required reoperation due to a redundant kinked HA. A third HAT patient underwent successful retransplantation with a cadaveric graft on postoperative day 6. In our series, no delayed HAT was detected and no recipient deaths were related to HAT.

CONCLUSION

HA reconstruction with a running suture under surgical loupes is a feasible technique in A-A LDLT. A speedy reconstruction can be performed by an experienced cardiovascular surgeon with a low incidence of HAT.

Surgical rationalization of living donor liver transplantation by abolition of hepatic artery reconstruction under a fixed microscope

The small diameter of the hepatic artery is one of the complexities of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We analyzed whether the direct suture technique using surgical loupes can simplify the operative process for LDLT compared with fixed microscopic reconstruction. We applied the direct technique to rationalize the operative process and abolished routine microsurgery from 2004. Two hundred and nine LDLT with a postoperative period over 34 months were carried out from 1996 to 2008. The patients were divided into two groups: the micro group (children: 20, adults: 72) and the non-micro group (children: 12, adults: 97). Running anastomosis was undertaken in the non-micro group. The anastomotic size of the children was significantly smaller than that of the adults, but larger than 2 mm (2.38±0.4 vs. 2.7±0.47 mm, p=0.0005). By appropriate choice of the proximal artery, direct anastomosis is possible even in children. Early complications occurred in seven cases in the micro group, but none occurred in the non-micro group (p<0.05). Significant reductions were observed in operation time (p<0.0001), blood loss (p<0.05), and hospital stay (p<0.01) in the non-micro group. Non-microscopic anastomosis is useful for the rationalization of LDLT.

Hepatic artery reconstruction with the jejunal artery of the Roux-en-Y limb in pediatric living donor liver re-transplantation

When re-anastomosis and re-transplantation becomes necessary after LDLT, arterial reconstruction can be extremely difficult because of severe inflammation and lack of an adequate artery for reconstruction. Frequently, the recipient's HA is not in good condition, necessitating an alternative to the HA. In such cases, the recipient's splenic artery, right gastroepiploic artery or another vessel can be safely used for arterial reconstruction. There have, however, been few reports on using the jejunal artery. Herein, we report our experience with arterial reconstruction using the jejunal artery of the Roux-en-Y limb as an alternative to the HA. A three-yr-old girl who had developed graft failure due to early HA thrombosis after LDLT required re-transplantation. At re-transplantation, an adequate artery for reconstruction was lacking. We reconstructed the artery by using the jejunal artery of the Roux-en-Y limb, as we judged it to be the most appropriate alternative. After surgery, stent was deployed because hepatic blood flow had reduced due to kinking of the anastomosed site, and a favorable outcome was obtained. In conclusion, when an alternative to the HA is required, using the jejunal artery is a feasible alternative.

Interventional radiology for hepatic artery complications soon after living donor liver transplantation in a neonate

Early hepatic artery complications after liver transplantation in children, having undergone LDLT, can directly affect graft and recipient outcomes, making early diagnosis and treatment essential. In the past, laparotomy (thrombectomy or reanastomosis) was generally employed to treat early hepatic artery complications. Recently, favorable outcomes of IR have been reported. In children, however, the number of such reports is small. To the best of our knowledge, there is no published report on IR applied to neonates with early hepatic artery complications. We recently succeeded in safely using IR for a neonate with early hepatic artery complications after LDLT and obtained a favorable outcome. This case is presented herein.

Biliary complications after living donor liver transplantation

Biliary complications occur more frequently after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) versus deceased donor liver transplantation, and they remain the most common and intractable problems after LDLT. The anatomical limitations of multiple tiny bile ducts and the differential blood supplies of the graft ducts may be significant factors in the pathophysiological mechanisms of biliary complications in patients undergoing LDLT. A clear understanding of the biliary blood supply, the Glissonian sheath, and the hilar plate has contributed to new techniques for preparing bile ducts for anastomosis, and these techniques have resulted in a dramatic drop in the incidence of biliary complications. Most biliary complications after LDLT can be successfully treated with nonsurgical approaches, although the management of multiple biliary anastomoses and nonanastomotic strictures continues to be a challenge.

Factors predicting persistent thrombocytopenia after living donor liver transplantation in pediatric patients

Thrombocytopenia is common after LT for pediatric end-stage liver diseases. Seventy-six pediatric patients (≤15 yr old) who underwent LDLT were evaluated for the incidence and predictive factors of post-transplant thrombocytopenia (PLT <100, 000/mm(3) ). The prevalence of thrombocytopenia at two wk and at 12 months post-transplant was 22/76 (28.9%) and 11/62 (17.7%), respectively. Thrombocytopenia at two wk after LDLT was significantly associated with age at transplant, preoperative PLT, GRWR, acute rejection, and CMV infection in univariate analysis. Moreover, preoperative PLT, GRWR, and acute rejection had a strong correlation in multivariate analysis. Thrombocytopenia at 12 months after LDLT was associated only with preoperative PLT. We also demonstrated that vascular complications caused thrombocytopenia and that successful treatment recovered the PLT. These results showed that, in addition to considering the preoperative PLT, post-operative monitoring of platelets is very helpful for the early detection of adverse events related to the graft liver in pediatric liver transplant patients.

Vascular complications after living donor liver transplantation: a Brazilian, single-center experience

BACKGROUND

In living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), vascular complications are more frequently seen than in deceased donor transplantation. Early arterial, portal vein, or hepatic vein thromboses are complications that can lead to graft loss and patient death. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, treatment, and outcome of vascular complications after LDLT in a single Brazilian center.

METHODS

Between December 2001 and December 2010, we performed 130 LDLT. Sixty-four recipients were children (27 weighing <10 kg).

RESULTS

Nine recipients had vascular complications. Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) occurred in 4 (3.1%), portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in 3 (2.3%), and hepatic vein thrombosis (HVT) and hepatic arterial stenosis (HAS) in 1 (0.8%) patient each. Complications were identified by Doppler and confirmed by angiography or angiotomography. Patients with HAT were listed for retransplantation. One died before retransplant. Two children were submitted to retransplantation; one is still alive, with neurologic sequelae. One adult with HAT was retransplanted with a deceased donor graft and is doing well 58 months after surgery. Two patients with PVT died as a consequence of graft malfunction. In the other case, portal vein arterialization was performed, but patient died 11 months posttransplant. HVT was detected after cardiac reanimation and was treated with an endovascular stent. This patient died 3 months after LDLT. HAS was diagnosed after liver abscess development and was successfully treated by endovascular angioplasty. No recurrence was observed after 22 months. Follow-up ranged from 9 to 117 months.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric patients are more prone to develop vascular complications after LDLT. Long-term survival was statistically lower for recipients with vascular complications (33.3% vs 77.7%; P = .008).

Thrombotic events after pediatric liver transplantation

TE may contribute to morbidity and mortality after LT. The objectives were to determine the incidence of early TE post-pediatric LT and compare differences between children with and without TE. A retrospective review of 88 transplanted children (January 2002-October 2007) was performed to determine the incidence of Doppler-confirmed DVT and ATE in the first month post-LT. Fourteen (16%) patients developed TE: DVT in seven (8%) and ATE in seven (8%) patients. Six of 88 (6.8%) developed symptomatic CVL-related DVT. Median (range) time post-LT to DVT and ATE were 7 (4-18) and 8 (1-31) days, respectively. There was no significant difference in age/body weight at LT between patients with or without DVT and ATE. There was no significant difference between patients with or without HAT in age and weight at LT, cold ischemic time, duration of surgery, hematocrit levels, whole-organ graft type, intraoperative FFP, high-risk CMV status, or early acute cellular rejection. In conclusion, the incidence of early TE post-pediatric LT was 16%, including DVT in 8%. Prospective studies are necessary to evaluate the role of prophylactic anticoagulation and potential modifiable risk factors post-pediatric LT.

Acute paranoid psychosis as sole clinical presentation of hepatic artery thrombosis after living donor liver transplantation

Background

Hepatic artery thrombosis is a devastating complication after orthotopic liver transplantation often requiring revascularization or re-transplantation. It is associated with considerably increased morbidity and mortality. Acute cognitive dysfunction such as delirium or acute psychosis may occur after major surgery and may be associated with the advent of surgical complications.

Case presentation

Here we describe a case of hepatic artery thrombosis after living-donor liver transplantation which was not preceded by signs of liver failure but rather by an episode of acute psychosis. After re-transplantation the patient recovered without sequelae.

Conclusion

This case highlights the need to remain cautious when psychiatric disorders occur in patients after liver transplantation. The diagnostic procedures should not be restricted to medical or neurological causes of psychosis alone but should also focus vascular complications related to orthotopic liver transplantation.

Hepatic artery reconstruction in pediatric living donor liver transplantation under 10 kg, without microscope use

Arterial reconstructions are pivotal, particularly in pediatric LDLT. We describe microsurgical reconstruction technique with 6x loupes and the clinical course of the first 23 less than 10 kg recipients in an initial LDLT program at a developing country. From March 2002 to October 2008, 286 liver transplantation were performed in 279 patients at our unit. There were 73 children and 206 adults. Among the children, 23 weighing less than 10 kg were recipients from living donors. Arterial reconstructions were with end-to-end interrupted suture using a 6x magnification loupe, according to the untied suture technique. All patients were prospectively followed by color Doppler ultrasound protocol. In our initial experience there were no arterial complications. With mean 24 months of follow-up, 19 patients (82%) are alive with good graft function. Hepatic artery in LDLT can be safely reconstructed with microsurgical techniques without microscope using, with 6x loupe magnification, and can achieve good results in patients under 10 kg.

Surgical complications after living donor liver transplantation in patients with biliary atresia: a relatively high incidence of portal vein complications

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to present the surgical complications in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for biliary atresia (BA) as a treatment for end stage liver disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-nine LDLTs were performed in patients with BA between October 1996 and April 2008 in Department of Pediatric Surgery at Kyushu University Hospital. The initial immunosuppression was a combination of tacrolimus and steroids.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight of 29 cases with BA, who previously underwent Kasai's operation and LDLT was performed at a median age of 9.1 years (range 7 months to 28 years). Only one case was performed primary LDLT. Post-transplant complications included portal vein complications (n = 5), three of which successfully treated by Rex-shunt or ballooning. Others were bile leakage (n = 4), intestinal perforation (n = 4), and so on. The overall survival rate was 86.2% (25/29). One patient died of chronic rejection, surgical complications after LDLT in BA while others died of sepsis, multi-organ failure, and brain hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of portal vein complications and intestinal perforations was relatively high in LDLT for BA, possibly due to inflammation of the hepatoduodenal ligament and colonic adhesion to the liver. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis at an early stage and provide appropriate treatment.

The impact of meticulous management for hepatic artery thrombosis on long-term outcome after pediatric living donor liver transplantation

To analyze the risk factors in the development of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) and assess the impact of our perioperative management for HAT on the long-term outcome after pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), we reviewed 382 patients under 12 yr of age who underwent 403 LDLT from January 1996 to December 2005. One- and 10-yr patient survival rates were 78% and 78% in the patients with HAT (27 patients; 6.7%), and 84% and 76% in the patients without HAT, respectively (p = n.s.). Univariate analysis showed gender (female), body weight (lower), and graft-to-recipient weight ratio (higher) were significant risk factors in the patients with HAT (p < 0.05). Patients with Doppler ultrasound signal loss of the hepatic artery (HA) accompanied by an increase of liver enzymes underwent thrombectomy and reanastomosis (S-group, n = 13), and patients with a weak HA signal underwent anticoagulant therapy (M-group, n = 13). One patient underwent re-LDLT. One- and five-yr patient survival rates were 83% and 83% in the S-group, and 77% and 77% in the M-group (p = n.s.). The incidence of biliary complications in the S-group (58%) was significantly higher than that of the M-group (15%). For a successful long-term outcome, the early detection of HAT and prompt medical and surgical intervention are crucial to minimize the insult of HAT.

Biliary strictures following liver transplantation: past, present and preventive strategies

Biliary complications are still the major source of morbidity for liver transplant recipients. The reported incidence of biliary strictures is 5%-15% after deceased donor liver transplantation and 28%-32% after right-lobe live donor surgery. Presentation is usually within the first year, but the incidence is known to increase with longer follow-up. The anastomotic variant is due to technical factors, whereas the nonanastomotic form is due to immunological and ischemic events, which later may lead to graft loss. Endoscopic management of anastomotic strictures achieves a success rate of 70%-100%; it drops to 50%-75% for nonanastomotic strictures with a higher recurrence rate. Results of endoscopic maneuvers are disappointing for biliary strictures after live donor liver transplantation, and the success rate is 60%-75% for anastomotic strictures and 25%-33% for the nonanastomotic variant. Preventive strategies in the cadaveric donor include the standardization of the type of anastomosis and maintenance of a vascularized ductal stump. In right-lobe live donor livers, donor liver duct harvesting also involves a major risk. The concept of high hilar intrahepatic Glissonian dissection, dissecting the artery and the duct as one unit, use of microsurgical techniques for smaller ducts, use of ductoplasty, and flexibility in the performance of double ductal anastomosis are the critical components of the preventive strategies in the recipient. In the case of live donors, judicious use of intraoperative cholangiograms, minimal dissection of the hilar plate, and perpendicular transection of the duct constitute the underlying principals for obtaining a vascularized duct.

Review of nonimmunological causes for deteriorated graft function and graft loss after transplantation

Various factors determine the graft- and patient survival after transplantation. HLA-matching and immunological factors are of importance for the short- and long-term survival. Apart from these obvious determinants, nonimmunological factors play an important role in defining the baseline organ quality as well as the recipients' status. The influence of these parameters on graft- and patient survival is still underestimated and is a topic of debate. On account of the increasing acceptance of marginal-donor organs these events are of increasing importance for graft survival and long-term function. We review nonimmunological causes for deteriorated graft function and graft loss after solid organ transplantation.

Bridging hyperacute liver failure by ABO-incompatible auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation

Uncontrollable intracranial pressure elevation in hyperacute liver failure often proves fatal if no suitable liver for transplantation is found in due time. Both ABO-compatible and auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation have been described to control such scenario. However, each method is associated with downsides in terms of immunobiology, organ availability and effects on the overall waiting list.

Introduction of Microsurgical Technique to Biliary Reconstruction in Living Donor Liver Transplantation

OBJECTIVE

High rates of biliary complications continue to be a major concern associated with living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In this article, we report our experience of applying a microsurgical technique to biliary reconstruction in LDLT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2001 to December 2005, 32 patients underwent LDLTs (8 children and 24 adults). Biliary reconstruction for 43 hepatic duct orifices in the 32 donor grafts 21 duct-to-duct anastomoses, and 22 cholangiojejunostomies. Nine cholangiojejunostomies in 4 donors used a microsurgical technique under an operative microscope.

RESULTS

Biliary complications weren't observed among the cases of cholangiojejunostomy using a microsurgical technique. An anastomotic biliary leakage was found in a recipient with cholangiojejunostomy performed using a surgical loupe and a biliary stricture in another recipient who underwent duct-to-duct anastomoses using a surgical loupe.

CONCLUSION

Introduction of a microsurgical technique for biliary reconstruction in LDLT, especially using an operating microscope in the setting of hepatico-jejunostomy for small hepatic duct (< or =2 mm in diameter), showed good results. We believe that using the operative microscope for biliary reconstruction could reduce the incidence of biliary complications associated with LDLT.

ABO-incompatible liver transplantation for critically ill adult patients

ABO incompatible (ABO-In) liver transplant remains a controversial solution to acute liver failure in adults. Adult liver recipients with acute liver failure or severely decompensated end-stage disease, intubated and/or in the intensive care unit, were grouped as ABO-In (n = 14), ABO-compatible (n = 29, ABO-C) and ABO-identical (n = 65, ABO-Id). ABO-In received quadruple immunosuppression with antibody-depleting induction agents (except two), calcineurin inhibitors, antimetabolites and steroids. No significant difference of patient and graft survivals was observed among ABO-In, ABO-C and ABO-Id: graft survivals were 64%, 62% and 67%, respectively, in 1 year and 56%, 54% and 60%, respectively, in 5 years; patient survivals 86%, 69% and 67%, respectively, in 1 year and 77%, 61% and 62%, respectively, in 5 years. Three ABO-In grafts were lost (one hyper-acute rejection and two hepatic artery thrombosis). Surgical and infectious complications were similarly distributed between groups, except the hepatic artery thrombosis, more frequent in ABO-In (2, 14%) than ABO-I (1, 1.5%, P < 0.05). In contrast to previous studies, no significant difference of patient and graft survivals could be observed among all ABO-compatibility settings. Our results suggest that ABO-incompatible transplants should be viewed as an important therapeutic option in adult patients with acute liver failure awaiting an emergency procedure.

Vascular complications in living-related and deceased donation pediatric liver transplantation: single center's experience from Turkey

The aim of the study was to assess early and long-term incidence of venous complications, in both deceased donation (DD) and living-related (LR) liver transplantation (LT) in a pediatric population. Seventy-five liver transplants performed in 69 (39 boys, 30 girls) children at Ege University Hospital between 1997 and 2004 were prospectively monitored and reviewed. Age, sex, primary diagnosis, graft type, vascular complications and their management were evaluated. All patients received Doppler ultrasonographic examination both during operation and daily for the first three postoperative days and when necessary thereafter. The complications were classified as early and late presented. Thirty-three grafts (47.8%) were from DD and 36 (52.2%) were from LR donors. Recipients of DD were older than LR donors (mean age 10.5 +/- 5.1 and 5.0 +/- 0.7, respectively) (p < 0.05). Vascular complication occurrence was not statistically different between DDLT and LRLT recipients (p = 0.2), and between infants and children (p = 0.9). Overall, stenosis was more common than thrombosis. We observed hepatic artery (HA) thrombosis, in five of 75 (6.7%) transplants within 30 days post-transplant. Portal vein (PV) thrombosis and hepatic vein (HV) thrombosis were detected in six and one patients (8.7% and 1.3%), respectively. Six PV stenosis were identified (8.7%), while HA and HV-VC (vena cava) stenosis occurred in one and six patients (1.4% and 8.7%), respectively. All PV stenosis (6/33, 18.2%) and one PV aneurysm occurred in DDLT recipients while HV-VC stenosis were detected almost equally in LRLT and DDLT recipients (4/36 vs. 2/33). Except one, all PV stenosis were detected as a late complication and no intervention were needed. Stenosis of HV-VC was more common in girls (5/30 vs. 1/39) (p < 0.05) and the incidence was not different in DDLT and LRLT recipients (p = 0.8). In conclusion, overall incidences of thrombosis and stenosis formation after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) were 17.4% and 18.8%, respectively in our center. We suggest that in the cases with HA thrombosis manifested intra-operatively or within the early postoperative period, graft salvage was successful. Thrombosis of HA causes significant mortality. Thrombosis of PV was among the causes of mortality and morbidity. Stenosis of HV-VC could be managed by angioplasty and endovascular stenting with no significant effect to mortality.

Complications of arterial reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation: a single-center experience

PURPOSE

Microsurgical reconstruction of the fine hepatic arteries (HA) reduces the chance of complications in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We reviewed HA reconstructions and analyzed their complications and treatment in a single center.

METHODS

Between August 1996 and September 2004, we performed LDLT on 71 adults and 19 children. Patients received a lateral segment graft (n = 16), a left lobe graft (n = 11), an extended left lobe graft (n = 12), or a right lobe graft (n = 51).

RESULTS

Hepatic artery reconstruction was performed by end-to-end anastomosis under an operating microscope in all except five adults who received right lobe grafts with loupe magnification. Arterial complications developed in 5 (5.6%) of the 90 patients. Three patients required reanastomosis during their primary operation because of HA thrombosis, anastomotic kinking, and stenosis, respectively. There were three postoperative complications: an anastomotic stenosis, revised by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty; rupture of an HA pseudoaneurysm, treated by embolization; and anastomotic kinking, revised by reanastomosis. The patient with the pseudoaneurysm died of arterial complications. Multivariate analysis of cases before (4/13, 30.8%) and after 2000 (1/77, 1.3%) revealed that surgical experience was the only significant factor in reducing the incidence of HA complications (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Case number-dependent anastomotic reliability using microsurgical techniques is important for safer arterial reconstruction.

Vascular Complications After Pediatric Liver Transplantation From the Living Donors

Early arterial or portal vein thrombosis is a complications that can lead to graft loss and patient death or need of immediate retransplantation. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence, causes, treatment, and outcome of vascular thrombosis after living related donor liver transplantation (LRdLTx). Between 1999 and 2004 71 LRdLTx were performed in children aged from 6 months to 10 years. Vascular thrombosis was found in 12 recipients. Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) occurred in 4 (5.6%), portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in 8 (11.2%) cases. HAT occurred 5 to 8 days, PVT 1 to 22 days after LTx. Diagnosis of vascular thrombosis was confirmed by routine Doppler ultrasound examination. Thrombectomy was successful in one patient with HAT and in three patients with PVT. Venous conduit was performed in one patient with PVT after second thrombosis. Two children developed biliary strictures as a late complication of HAT and required additional surgical interventions. Two children with PVT developed portal hypertension with esophageal bleeding, which required surgical intervention; one another underwent endoscopic variceal ligation for grade III varices. Follow-up ranged from 7 to 60 months. One patient died as a result of HAT after retransplantation due to multiple intrahepatic abscesses 2 months after first transplant. Any risk factors of vascular thrombosis that can be controlled should be avoided after transplantation. Routine posttransplant Doppler examination should be performed at least twice a day within 7 to 14 posttransplant days. Immediate thrombectomy should be always carried out to avoid late complications and even mortality.

Coagulation and fibrinolytic profiles and appropriate use of heparin after living-donor liver transplantation

Heparin is widely used to reduce the incidence of vascular thrombosis after liver transplantation. Appropriate use of heparin based on changes in coagulation and fibrinolytic profiles, however, has not yet been discussed in detail. We performed living-donor liver transplantation for 128 adult patients. In this series, dalteparin (25 IU/kg/d) was administered until post-operative day (POD) 2. On POD 3, the anticoagulant drug was changed to heparin (unfractionated heparin sodium, 5000 U/d), the dose of which was changed according to the level of activated clotting time (ACT) targeted between 130 and 160 s. The plasma level of plasmin-alpha2 plasmin inhibitor complex, thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT), and fibrin degradation product D-dimer (FDP-DD) were monitored in the 21 patients. Predictors for heparin doses were analyzed among clinical parameters (n = 128). Four patients (3%) were complicated with thrombosis despite the above-mentioned anticoagulation protocol. Transfusion and/or relaparotomy for hemostasis were necessary for bleeding in 19 patients (15%). The TAT level markedly elevated until POD 3 and FDP-DD peaked later. The required heparin dose to maintain adequate ACT levels increased linearly until POD 8, and kept constant thereafter, which correlated with the weight of the liver graft (p = 0.01). Thus, frequent monitoring of the heparin dosage is necessary to keep the ACT level in the target range in the first post-operative week. High hemorrhage complications in our series indicate that the lower target ACT range may be preferable in the second post-operative week.

Collaboration with microsurgery prevents arterial complications and provides superior success in partial liver transplantation

Hepatic artery thrombosis is the most common technical complication in liver transplantation. The objective of this study was to investigate the arterial complications of partial liver transplantation using microsurgical technique. At a period of 31-months, we participated in a total of 42 right lobes, 7 left lobes, and 1 whole-liver liver transplantations from cadaveric (n = 20) or living (n = 30) donors. Hepatic artery anastomosis was performed using microsurgical techniques. All anastomoses were accomplished successfully. Fifteen patients expired postoperatively and 35 hepatic artery anastomoses remained patent at a mean follow-up period of 10.6 +/- 8.4 months. The mean diameters of the donor and recipient hepatic arteries were 2.9 +/- 1.2 mm and 3.2 +/- 1.1 mm, respectively. Specific technical challenges were encountered during operation in eight cases (16%). We have found that microsurgical techniques are not only useful for a superior anastomosis but also reliable to adapt to vascular anomalies with less arterial complications. complications.

Hepatic artery reconstruction with double-needle microsuture in living-donor liver transplantation

In living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT), reconstruction of the hepatic artery is challenging because the recipient artery is located deep in the abdominal cavity and the operating field is limited. Also, the hepatic artery of the graft is short and the recipient artery is occasionally damaged. To overcome these difficulties, we developed a double-needle microsuture technique for artery reconstruction. A total of 161 adult patients received 163 LDLTs using this new technique. The first suture was placed at the most difficult point in the artery to be visualized through the microscope. Each stitch was placed from the inner side of the arterial wall to the outer side. The posterior stitch was tied pulling toward the back. The subsequent sutures were advanced anteriorly on either side adjacent to the previous suture. Hepatic artery thrombosis occurred in 4 patients (2.5%), only 2 (1.2%) of which were associated with arterial reconstruction. Intimal dissection developed in the recipient artery in 2 patients (1.2%). Three (50%) of these 6 complications occurred more than 10 days after LDLT. In conclusion, this suturing technique allows for safe intimal adaptation even when the arterial tunica intima is separated from the tunica media, because all stitches are carried from inside of the vessel to the outside, contributing to more satisfactory results.

Low incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis after pediatric liver transplantation without the use of intraoperative microscope or parenteral anticoagulation

The risk of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) after pediatric liver transplantation (PLT) has been reported to range from 0 to 25%. We report our experience focusing on the interrelationships between risk factors, surgical technique and the incidence of HAT after liver transplantation in the pediatric age group. From February 18, 1997 to December 31, 2003, 150 consecutive liver transplants were performed in 132 pediatric patients. There were similar numbers of whole grafts when compared with partial grafts, 80 (53.3%) vs. 70 (46.7%), p = 0.30. Four grafts (2.7%) developed HAT. Of the grafts with HAT, three were successfully revascularized within the first 24 h. Only one graft (0.66%) was lost to HAT. A single surgeon utilizing 3.5-6.0 magnification loupes performed all but one hepatic arterial anastomoses. All patients were followed postoperatively by a daily ultrasound protocol and with anticoagulation of aspirin and alprostadil only. Living and deceased donor left lateral segment grafts had an increased rate of HAT when compared with whole liver grafts. HAT with subsequent graft loss may be minimized in PLT with the use of surgical loupes only, anticoagulation utilizing aspirin, alprostadil, and daily ultrasounds.

Percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation of portal venous stenosis in patients with living donor liver transplantation

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate the long-term effectiveness of percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation of portal venous stenosis in patients who have undergone living donor liver transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Institutional review board approval and informed consent were not required. From June 1996 to August 2003, obstructed portal venous blood flow was diagnosed in 45 patients (21 male, 24 female) with a history of living donor liver transplantation; patients ranged in age from 9 months to 61 years (mean, 9.2 years). All stenoses occurred in the extrahepatic portal vein near the anastomosis of the portal vein. All dilation procedures were performed with percutaneous transhepatic puncture of the intrahepatic portal vein and subsequent balloon dilation of the stenosis. Patients who experienced recurrent stenosis underwent another balloon dilation session. Intravascular metallic stents were not deployed because of the possible need for repeated transplantation. The authors used paired t tests to compare patients successfully treated with one venoplasty procedure and those requiring repeated venoplasty, with regard to age and stenosis diameter percentages before and after the initial procedure.

RESULTS

Percutaneous balloon dilation was technically successful in 35 of 45 patients. In the remaining 10 patients, portal venous thrombotic occlusion precluded access to the mesenteric side of the portal vein. Twenty-five patients were successfully treated with a single session of balloon dilation (group 1). Results at follow-up ultrasonography revealed restenosis in 10 of 35 patients. Recurrent stenosis was resolved by means of repeated balloon dilation in nine patients (group 2). There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 in age (P = .87) or in stenosis diameter percentages before (P = .053) or after (P = .95) the initial procedure.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation seems to be an effective method for treatment of portal venous stenosis after living donor liver transplantation.

Microsurgical reconstruction of hepatic artery during living donor liver transplantation

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has become a well-recognized treatment modality for patients with end-stage liver disease. Arterial reconstruction during LDLT is perhaps the most important aspect of the grafting procedure. Although microsurgical hepatic artery reconstruction has become the essential technique in LDLT, it poses significant challenges even to experienced microsurgeons. In this report, the experiences of 155 microsurgical reconstructions of the hepatic artery in 150 LDLTs were reviewed, and the problems that were encountered and the solutions are discussed. From June 1999-March 2004 150 LDLTs were performed on 148 recipients at Ege University Organ Transplantation and Research Center. Hepatic arterial thrombosis was encountered in 3 patients. Microsurgical technique has overcome the difficulties in LDLT. This has increased liver transplantations in the presence of limited cadaver grafts and has decreased the patient mortality in the waiting list.