Living donor liver transplantation using dual grafts from two donors: a feasible option to overcome small-for-size graft problems?

Am J Transplant. 2008 Apr;8(4):887-92. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2008.02153.x. Epub 2008 Feb 19.

Abstract

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) between adults inevitably implies two potential risks associated with a small-for-size graft for the recipient and small remnant liver for the donor. To overcome these problems, LDLT using dual grafts from two independent donors can be a solution, in which sufficient graft volume can be obtained while preserving donor safety. We present a case of LDLT that was managed successfully by using right and left lobe dual grafts from two donors. The recipient was a large-size male with hepatitis C cirrhosis complicated by multiple hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). The first donor donated a right lobe graft and the second donor donated a left lobe plus caudate lobe graft with the middle hepatic vein. Graft function was excellent throughout the course without evidence of small-for-size syndrome. In conclusion, LDLT using dual grafts can be justified in a selected case to avoid small-for-size graft problems without increasing independent donor risks.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / surgery
  • Hepatitis C / surgery
  • Humans
  • Liver / anatomy & histology*
  • Liver Failure / etiology
  • Liver Failure / surgery
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Living Donors*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Organ Size
  • Treatment Outcome