Liver transplant using a severely lacerated graft treated by arterial embolization

Exp Clin Transplant. 2013 Aug;11(4):364-6. doi: 10.6002/ect.2012.0185. Epub 2013 Feb 21.

Abstract

Organ shortages present a problem for liver transplant. Use of traumatized livers could be a way of expanding the donor pool. We report the case of a liver transplant we did in which we used a deeply lacerated liver obtained from a donor, previously treated with a super-selective embolization of segment VI-VII arterial branches to control bleeding. At the back table, the lacerations were repaired using fibrin sealant and stitches. Organ reperfusion was homogeneous, without signs of bleeding. The recipient's postoperative course was uneventful. Injured livers, if well selected, may not be considered an absolute contraindication for liver transplant. However, in these cases, arterial embolization must not routinely be used for a graft for a liver transplant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain Death
  • Donor Selection*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic*
  • Female
  • Hepatectomy
  • Hepatitis C / complications
  • Humans
  • Liver / blood supply
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver / injuries*
  • Liver / surgery*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / diagnosis
  • Liver Cirrhosis / surgery*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / virology
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Tissue Donors / supply & distribution*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome