Using the Clavien grading system to classify the complications of right hepatectomy in living donors

Abstract

Introduction: The ratios of complications for living related liver donors after right hepatectomy differ widely among numerous single institutions. This study sought to use the Clavien classification system to define and graded the severity of these complications.

Materials and methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 160 consecutive living donor right hepatectomies performed between July 2002 and February 2008. Complications among living donors for liver transplantation after right hepatectomy were stratified according to the Clavien classification of postoperative surgical complications.

Results: Fifty-two living donors displayed one or more perioperative complications Grade 1 complications were recorded in 18.1%; grade 2 in 6.3%; grade 3a in 5%; and grade 3b in 3.1%. Biliary complications were the most frequent. No donor mortality was present in this series.

Conclusions: The Clavien grading system is useful to comparise surgical outcomes. This study demonstrated that donor right hepatectomy was a relatively safe procedure, but reducing donor complications after right hepatectomy has to be the first priority during the entire process of living related transplantation.