Three-dimensional computed tomography analysis of venous collaterals between the middle hepatic vein tributaries and the right hepatic vein in the donor remnant right lobe: report of a case

Abstract

We report how three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) showed the development of obvious venous collaterals between the middle hepatic vein (MHV) tributaries and the right hepatic vein (RHV) in the remnant right lobe of a donor liver. The donor was a healthy 34-year-old man who donated the left lobe of his liver with the MHV. The 3D-CT calculated that the total drainage of the MHV tributaries was 413 ml, corresponding to 59% of the total remnant liver. The congestion calculated by 3D-CT decreased from 286 ml on postoperative day (POD) 7 to 28 ml on POD 35, corresponding to 36% and 3% of the total remnant liver, respectively. The donor was discharged from hospital with almost normal liver function, and 3D-CT analysis on POD 35 detected obvious venous collaterals between the MHV tributaries and the RHV. These findings suggest that reconstruction of the MHV tributaries in the donor remnant right lobe may not be necessary.