In situ splitting of the liver in the heart-beating cadaveric organ donor for transplantation in two recipients

Abstract

SLT presents an interesting concept to alleviate the organ shortage for children with end-stage liver disease. The procedure has, however, not gained wide acceptance. This is not only related to the complexity of the procedure, but also to the poorer results and the complications reported on the right side graft. We report on a first case in which we applied a new concept for splitting. The liver was split in situ in the heart-beating cadaveric donor with the aim of reducing the problems with the right side graft. This procedure makes splitting of the liver possible without submitting the recipient of the right side to increased risk. Therefore, in situ splitting of the liver has the potential of making splitting of liver grafts the rule rather than the exception, thus increasing the organ pool for small children presently carrying a high risk of dying on the waiting list.