Hepatic artery reconstruction in living-donor liver transplantation: a review of its techniques and complications

Abstract

Background: Hepatic arterial reconstruction is one of the most difficult procedures in living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) because the artery used is generally small in diameter and has a short stalk. If hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) occurs, the recipient clinical course will be unstable. The introduction of microvascular hepatic arterial reconstruction has significantly decreased the incidence of HAT.

Methods: Fifty-two cases of LDLT were performed from October 1995 to May 2001 in our institution. Hepatic arterial reconstruction was performed under microscopic guidance.

Results: HATs were recognized in 2 cases (3.8%), both of which needed reoperation.

Conclusions: Surgeons who perform hepatic arterial reconstruction in LDLT should be highly trained in microvascular techniques to decrease the incidence of HAT. This commentary reviews the surgical techniques of hepatic arterial reconstruction and possible complications that may arise in a reconstructed hepatic artery.