Living-Donor Right Hepatectomy with or without Inclusion of Middle Hepatic Vein: Comparison of Morbidity and Outcome in 56 Patients

Mark S. Cattral, Michele Molinari, Charles M. Vollmer, Ian McGilvray, Alice Wei, Mark Walsh, Lesley Adcock, Nikki Marks, Les Lilly, Nigel Girgrah, Gary Levy, Paul D. Greig, David R. Grant

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

78 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Venous congestion of segments V and VIII is observed frequently in living-donor right lobe liver transplants without middle hepatic vein (MHV) drainage, and can be a cause of graft dysfunction and failure. Inclusion of the MHV with the graft is controversial, however, because of the perceived potential for increased donor morbidity. We compared the outcome of living liver donors in whom the MHV was either left intact in the donor (group 1; n = 28) or was removed with the graft (group 2; n = 28). All prospective donors completed an extensive multidisciplinary evaluation to determine suitability for surgery and to ensure that the MHV could be removed safely without compromising venous outflow from the remaining liver. Patient demographics including age, weight, body-mass index, and liver volumetry as determined by computerized tomography were similar in both groups. Operative time in group 2 was significantly shorter than in group 1. There was no difference in estimated blood loss, transfusion requirements, peak serum liver tests, time interval from surgery to complete normalization of liver tests, complications, and length of hospitalization. We conclude that including the MHV with living-donor right lobe grafts can be performed safely in most donors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)751-757
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation
Volume4
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2004
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Transplantation
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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