Abdominal multi-organ transplantation in dogs

Abdominal multi-organ transplantation including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands and gastrointestinal tract was attempted in 8 dogs. Each experiment was discontinued when the recipient deteriorated. Immersion hypothermia was introduced in both the donor and recipient until the esophageal temperature reached 27-30 degrees C. Whole abdominal organs of the donor were removed in an en-bloc fashion at 20 degrees C of the graft temperature after additional cooling by ice slush scattering into the abdominal cavity. Transplantation was carried out orthotopically in the following sequence: (1) the proximal aorta, (2) suprahepatic vena cava, (3) distal aorta, (4) infrahepatic vena cava. The alimentary tract was reconstructed by gastro-gastrostomy and colo-colostomy. The ureters were implanted in the bladder. Cold ischemic time of the graft was about 40 minutes. Heparin was not used throughout the procedure. Five out of eight dogs were alive for more than 24 hours and two of them survived for 60 hours with good recovery. No immunosuppressant was given. Though the result in the present study was far from satisfaction, the experiment may provide a possibility of a new experimental model for transplantation, especially regarding pathophysiology and interrelationship of the transplanted complex organs.     

Interpostion vein graft in living donor liver transplantation

In adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), right lobe grafts without a middle hepatic vein can cause hepatic congestion and disturbance of venous drainage. To solve this problem, various types of interposition vein graft have been used. OBJECTIVES: We used various types of interposition vein grafts for drainage of the paramedian portion of the right lobe in living donor liver transplantation. METHODS: From June 1996 to June 2003, 37 of 176 patients (128 adults, 48 pediatric) who underwent LDLT received vein grafts for drainage of segments V, VIII, or the inferior portion of the right lobe. RESULTS: In 36 adult cases the reconstruction included the inferior mesenteric vein of the donor (n = 14); cadaveric iliac vein stored at cold (4 degrees C) temperature (n = 5); cryopreserved (-180 degrees C) cadaveric iliac vein (n = 10); cryopreserved cadaveric iliac artery (n = 1 case); donor ovarian vein (n = 1); recipient umbilical vein (n = 3); recipient saphenous vein (n = 1); recipient left portal vein (n = 1); recipient left hepatic vein (n = 1). In a pediatric case with malignant hemangioendothelioma that encased and compressed the inferior vena cava, we used an interposition vein graft to replace the inferior vena cava. CONCLUSION: Various types of interposition vein grafts can be used in living donor liver transplantation. Cryopreserved cadaveric iliac vein and artery are useful to solve these drainage problems.     

Could the use of interposition grafts for arterial reconstruction be avoided by more caudate graft placement in living donor liver transplantation?

One of the major challenges in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is short and small vessels (particularly the hepatic artery), particularly in segmental liver grafts from living donors. In the present study we report an alternative surgical technique that avoids interpositional vessel grafts or tension on the connection by anastomizing the allograft hepatic vein to the recipient inferior vena cava in a more caudate location. From March 2000 to January 2003, 28 patients (11 women/17 men) underwent 28 LDLT. Until June 2001, the preferred technique for hepatic vein anastomosis was end-to-end anastomosis between the allograft hepatic vein and the recipient hepatic vein (HV-HV) (n = 10). Thereafter an end-to-side anastomosis was performed between allograft hepatic vein and recipient inferior vena cava (HV-IVC) (n = 18). The level of venotomy on the recipient vena cava was decided according to the pre-anastomotic placement of the allograft in the recipient hepatectomy site with sufficient width to have an hepatic artery anastomosis without tension or need for an interposition graft during hepatic artery and portal vein anastomoses. Except the right lobe allograft with anterior and posterior portal branches, all portal and hepatic artery anastomoses were constructed without an interposition graft or tension in the HV-IVC group. Only one hepatic artery thrombosis developed in the HV-IVC group. As a result, this technique may avoid both hepatic artery thrombosis and the use of interposition grafts in living donor liver transplantation.     

门静脉-下腔静脉吻合术预防活体肝移植术后小肝综合征3例报道

目的探讨门静脉-下腔静脉吻合术用于预防活体肝移植术后小肝综合征(small-for-size liver syndrome,SFSS)的效果。方法 3例活体肝移植均采用不含肝中静脉的右半肝作为移植物。术中发现实测移植物(肝)重量/受体的体质量(体重)的比值(graft to recipient weight ratio,GRWR)为0.58%、0.77%及0.71%,均<0.8%,符合小移植物的诊断。处理:首先吻合肝静脉流出道,其次吻合门静脉,将受体门静脉右支与移植肝门静脉右支端端吻合,将受体门静脉左支与下腔静脉行端侧吻合达到门腔分流的作用,之后按顺序吻合动脉和胆道。术中均未行脾静脉结扎或脾切除等处理。术后定期随访。结果 3例患者术后均未发生SFSS并顺利出院,出院时间分别为术后25d、34d及56d。移植肝功能逐步好转,术后1d门静脉流速理想。移植肝增长良好。门静脉-下腔静脉短路通畅时间:除1例通畅持续仅104d,其余2例持续通畅。结论 LDLT术中进行门静脉-下腔静脉吻合术可以及时有效预防小移植物背景下的SFSS,受体门静脉左支与下腔静脉行端侧吻合的分流技术安全可靠。     

Orthotopic transplantation of segmental hepatic graft from living donors in the dog. Technic and results

The authors describe new technic of non-auxiliary orthotopic transplantation of segmental liver harvested from living dogs. 32 dogs were utilized. In the donor dogs, the left medial and lateral lobes were mibilized. The left portal branch, left hepatic artery, left biliary branch and the left hepatic vein were dissected free. The segmental liver graft was perfused and cooled in-situ through the left portal vein. The recipient dogs underwent two steps total hepatectomy: First the segments I, II, III, IV and V were resected. The segments VI and VII were maintained as well as the right portal vein and the retro-hepatic inferior vena cava order to keep the splanchnic and caval flux and to avoid the spleno-cavo-jugular by-pass. The segmental liver graft was then transplanted in an orthotopic position. Termino-lateral hepatico-caval anastomosis and left porto-portal anastomosis as well as arterial and biliary reconstruction were executed. All the donors survived more than 30 days. Nine recipient dogs died during the first three post-operative days from hemorrhage (3 dogs), fibrinolysis (2 dogs), primary non function of the graft (2 dogs) and hepatic artery thrombosis (1 dog). Seven recipients survived more than 30 days.     

A rare case of complex vascular reconstruction in liver transplantation.

Abnormalities of recipient or donor vascular structures are associated with reconstructive difficulties in liver transplantation. A patient with thrombosis of the right hepatic vein and associated stricture of the inferior vena cava (IVC), portal vein thrombosis and multiple aberrant arteries underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. The donor's suprahepatic IVC was anastomosed to the recipient's intrathoracic IVC. The portal vein flow was restored by venous graft interposition, while the arterial flow was ensured by interposing an iliac arterial graft anastomosed to the infrarenal aorta. In conclusion, graft function remains excellent more than 5 years postoperatively.     

Simplified technique of orthotopic liver transplantation in pigs

BACKGROUND: Pig models have become common in transplantation immunological research. However, in pigs, clamping of the venous splanchnic system during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates; therefore, the use of venovenous bypass (VVB) is advocated. Because venous bypass can also cause specific complications, a simplified method for OLT in pigs has been developed and evaluated in terms of morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Twenty-three OLTs were performed between pairs of inbred miniature swine. Donor and recipient pairs (weighing 20-35 kg) were selected at 3-6 months of age. In the donor, the portal vein, infrahepatic vena cava, and suprahepatic vena cava were dissected, whereas the hepatic artery was preserved in continuity with the coeliac trunk and the abdominal aorta up to the iliac bifurcation. In situ cold perfusion was then performed. The recipient was prepared simultaneously by another surgical team. After total hepatectomy and complete portal and caval clamping, the suprahepatic vena cava and portal vein were sutured; VVB was not used. After completion of both venous sutures, the liver graft was reperfused. The infrahepatic vena cava was then anastomosed and unclamped. The donor aorta conduit was implanted end-to-side to the recipient infrarenal aorta, and the biliary reconstruction consisted of a cholecystojejunostomy with a Roux-Y loop. RESULTS: Twenty of 23 (87%) animals survived more than 1 week (7-483 days). The mean anhepatic time was 29.6+/-4.12 min. Although severe hypotension was noted during the anhepatic phase, the hemodynamic status rapidly recovered and stabilized after graft reperfusion. CONCLUSION: Simplified technique without VVB is appropriate for successfully achieving OLT in pigs.     

Replacement of the vena cava with aortic graft for living donor liver transplantation in budd-Chiari syndrome associated with hydatid cyst surgery: a case report

A 12-year-old girl, operated because of a hydatid cyst of the liver, with Budd-Chiari syndrome was evaluated for postoperative development of ascites and paraumbilical varicose veins. A vena caval stent was placed for the relief of inferior vena caval obstruction. The patient was admitted because of progressive deterioration in ascites and liver functions. Imaging techniques showed degeneration adjacent to the right hepatic vein in liver segments 7 to 8, a partially calcified 5-cm hydatid cyst, and a thrombosis in the inferior vena cava was that addressed with a 10-cm metal stent. A living donor segments 2 to 3 liver transplantation was obtained from the patient's mother. After completion of the donor operation without complications, the vena caval stent was removed following the recipient hepatectomy. Suprarenal flow continued after resection of the fibrotic vena cava and placement of a cadaveric cryopreserved aortic graft for the vena cava, anastomosed between the suprarenal and subdiaphragmatic segments of the vena cava. An end-to-side anastomosis was performed between the left hepatic vein of the donor liver and the aortic graft. There was no complication and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 19. Follow-up Doppler ultrasonography showed the aortic vena caval graft to be open, along with the hepatic/portal vein and hepatic artery. This case demonstrated that operations for liver hydatid cyst surgeries can iatrogenically induce Budd-Chiari syndrome; a cryopreserved aortic graft can be an alternative to ensure the continuity of the vena cava in living donor liver transplantation.     

Auxiliary liver transplantation in acute liver failure in the rat – an illustrated description of a new surgical approach

INTRODUCTION: To investigate auxiliary liver transplantation successfully in rats suffering from acute liver failure, we developed a new surgical approach. METHODS: A 70% hepatectomized liver graft was implanted into the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. The donor portal vein was anastomosed with the recipient's right renal artery using the splint technique. The donor infrahepatic vena cava was attached onto the recipient vena cava end to side. The bile duct was implanted into the duodenum.     

袖套法制作大鼠胰腺移植模型

目的:建立一种改进的大鼠胰腺移植模型.方法:共完成80例大鼠胰腺移植,术中不阻断受体下腔静脉,用袖套法完成供体门静脉与受体左肾静脉断端的吻合,动脉用缝合法吻合.结果:受体平均手术时间50 min,静脉袖套吻合时间3 min,腹主动脉阻断时间10 min,冷缺血时间50 min.手术成功率达90%.移植术后胰腺功能恢复正常,组织病理学改变轻微.结论:袖套法制作大鼠胰腺移植模型操作简单,成功率高,结果稳定.     

Orthotopic transplantation of a partial hepatic autograft in dogs

The purpose of this study was to investigate the availability of an orthotopic transplantation of partial hepatic autograft in dogs as a means of surgical training. Male momgrel dogs weighting 10–15kg were used. The left lobe of the liver was harvested while preserving the left branches of the portal vein, hepatic artery and bile duct, and the left hepatic vein. The remnant liver was removed while preserving the inferior vena cava using a veno-venous bypass. Orthotopic transplantation of the autograft was performed while anastomosing the left hepativ vein to the inferior vena cava, portal and arterial reconstruction, and external biliary drainage. Thirteen out of 29 dogs survived more than 48 h after transplantation. However, 6 out of 13 dogs were sacrificed after developing bile peritonitis due to a dislodgement of the biliary catheter, and only two dogs were able to survive for 7 days after transplantation. The arterial ketone body ratio recovered to 1.0 within 1 h after reperfusion, and the ratio of the dogs that survived for more than 48 h remained above 1.0 until sacrifice. Orthotopic transplantation of a partial hepatic autograft is a useful and simple procedure to train surgeons for partial liver transplantation.     

Retransplantation of the liver in the rat

A successful technique of liver retransplantation in the rat is described. Heterotopic nonauxiliary liver engraftment of a whole liver using cuffed anastomoses is the primary transplant procedure. The graft is implanted in the right hypochondrium and is revascularized by a portal end-to-end anastomosis. Venous drainage is via an end-to-side anastomosis between the donor infrahepatic vena cava and recipient right renal vein. The graft suprahepatic vena cava is ligated. Biliary drainage is achieved by a double stent anastomosis of the biliary ducts. Total parenchymectomy of the recipient's liver is completed leaving intact the intrahepatic and suprahepatic vena cava. Retransplantation in the orthotopic position can thus be attempted, after removal of the first graft, by cuffed anastomoses between the donor and recipient portal veins, infrahepatic vena cava and a double stent anastomosis of the common bile ducts. Anastomosis between the donor and recipient suprahepatic vena cava is completed with a 7/0 Prolene running suture. In the first group of operations (n = 6), a three week survival rate of 50% after retransplantation was obtained. Using the technical lessons of these preliminary cases, 80% of the second group of operations (n = 5), were successful in the long term. Utilization of this new technique may allow further investigations in different fields of research dealing with liver surgery and transplantation. © 1993 Wiley-Liss Inc.     

Evaluation, operative management, and outcome after liver transplantation in children with biliary atresia and situs inversus.

INTRODUCTION: Biliary atresia, a common indication for liver transplantation, can be associated with situs inversus. Our experience with liver transplantation in children (n = 6) was reviewed retrospectively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Preoperative duplex sonography, computerized tomography, and visceral angiography were obtained. Vascular anomalies identified included preduodenal portal vein (6/6), interrupted inferior vena cava (5/6), and aberrant hepatic artery (4/6). RESULTS: The liver graft was placed in a midline position. Venous continuity was achieved by donor suprahepatic inferior vena cava to recipient hepatic cloaca and direct end-to-end portal anastomosis. The donor infrahepatic inferior vena cava was oversewn. Arterial continuity was restored using either a direct branch-patch anastomosis (3/6) or a supraceliac aortic interposition graft (3/6). In retrospect, preoperative diagnostic work-up was noncontributory and outcome was not complicated by pre-existing situs inversus. CONCLUSION: Situs inversus in liver recipients requires operative technical modifications, but does not change outcome. Furthermore, extensive preoperative work-up should be avoided.     

受体肝两步切除法在犬活体肝移植模型建立中的应用

目的：观察犬肝脏解剖学特点,探索建立犬同种活体肝脏肝移植模型的新方法。方法：对10只杂交犬的肝脏进行活体解剖观察,根据肝脏解剖学特点,建立犬活体肝脏移植模型,其中受体手术首先切除门静脉左支供血的肝叶,将供肝植入后,再切除剩余的肝叶,应用受体肝脏两步切除方法,建立犬活体肝脏移植模型。结果：犬肝共分7叶,门静脉分左右支进入肝脏,单纯阻断门静脉左支,会引起门静脉压力一过性增高,不会引起胃肠道静脉淤血。受体组犬肝脏采取两步切除方法,免除了受体犬体外转流或门体分流的建立,可成功建立活体肝脏移植模型,且受体犬术中血流动力学稳定,无胃肠淤血发生。结论：犬是理想的部分肝移植动物模型,受体肝脏分两步切除,新肝植入期,可有效维持受体血循环稳定,避免了无肝期,免除了体外转流或门腔分流的操作。     

Successful Urgent Transplantation of an Adult Kidney into a Child with Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis

Poor venous drainage options following inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis have been considered to complicate or preclude renal transplantation of adult kidneys into pediatric patients. We describe urgent renal transplantation in a 5-year-old (15.3 kg) male with IVC thrombosis using an adult living donor. Preoperative magnetic resonance venography revealed a patent infrahepatic/suprarenal vena cava and portal system. In surgery, the right liver lobe was mobilized sufficiently to anastomose the graft renal vein to the native IVC at the confluence of the native left renal vein and proximal vena cava. Graft function has remained excellent with serum creatinine of 0.5 mg/dL at 36 months. IVC thrombosis need not preclude successful transplantation of adult-sized kidneys into children.     

First case of cadaveric liver transplantation in Japan

The first case of liver transplantation from a brain-dead donor in Japan is described. The recipient was a 43-year-old man with familial amyloid polyneuropathy who manifested various neuropathic symptoms and autonomic dysfunction at the time of transplantation. The graft had three arteries, for which a single trunk was created at the back table. A side-to-side cavacaval anastomosis was performed as an outflow reconstruction. To avoid portal congestion, a temporary shunt between the right posterior branch of the portal vein and the vena cava was constructed, instead of a venovenous bypass. The graft preservation time was 7.2 h and the operation time was 12.2 h. Although sufficient blood flow in the hepatic artery, portal vein, and hepatic vein was confirmed intra- and postoperatively, using Doppler ultrasound, transient graft dysfunction was observed immediately after surgery, but there was spontaneous improvement. The patient was discharged 100 days after transplantation. Received for publication on July 31, 1999; accepted on Sept. 8, 1999     

Alternatives to the double vena cava method in partial liver transplantation.

Minimizing graft congestion in partial liver transplantation is important, especially when the graft weight is marginal for the recipient metabolic demand. We prefer the double vena cava technique for reconstructing middle hepatic vein tributaries with thick, short hepatic veins because the technique can reduce the warm ischemic time of the graft and make a wide anastomosis. This technique requires a cryopreserved superior or inferior vena cava. We devised an alternative double vena cava method using iliac or femoral vein grafts and applied it to two right liver transplantation patients. There was no postoperative hepatic venous outflow block in either patient. In conclusion, application of this technique, even in the absence of a suitable vena cava, can help to minimize graft congestion.     

小型猪原位肝移植模型的建立与评价

目的 探讨建立放弃静脉转流的小型猪原位肝移植模型的可行性。方法 选用广西巴马小型猪(3-6月龄,8-11kg)为实验动物,共实施原位肝移植10例次。供体肝脏游离、冷灌注、切取、修整以及UW保存按常规方法进行。受体术中肝脏游离后夹闭肝上、肝下下腔静脉和门静脉并切除受体肝脏,各血管断端与供肝相应血管进行端端吻合,肝上下腔静脉和门静脉吻合完毕即开放肝脏血流,在此过程中未使用静脉转流,此后吻合肝动脉、胆管。结果 本组10例次肝移植手术后一周存活率90％(9/10),无肝期时间31.3±2.67min,无肝期血压显著下降(MAP4.5±1.58kPa)但肝血流开放后能较快恢复并渐趋平稳。结论 本组结果表明,非静脉转流条件下的小型猪肝移植模型是一操作方便、易于复制同时又具有较好重复性和稳定性的大动物肝移植模型,能应用于肝移植的系列实验研究。     

Right liver adult-to-adult live donor liver transplantation in Hong Kong

The extension of live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) from children to adults went in parallel with the shift from using the left-liver graft to the right. Donor right hepatectomy, being a more major procedure, only intensifies the ethical controversy, which is central to LDLT. Since its debut in 1996, right-liver adult-to-adult LDLT has gone through a number of technical innovations and refinements based on constant review of outcomes and study of the relevant pathophysiology. To achieve unimpeded graft venous outflow, the middle hepatic vein was universally included and underwent venoplasty with the right hepatic vein before anastomosis with the recipient inferior vena cava. Donor safety was never compromised and was acquired by preservation of segment 4b hepatic vein in the remnant left lobe. Venovenous bypass, which was associated with adverse outcomes, is no longer used. Early restoration of the circulation through the inferior vena cava was made possible by release of the clamps to the latter before portal vein anastomosis. Through judicious use of the procedure, which was executed with a high degree of precision, using right-liver grafts more than 35% of the estimated liver mass, a 1-year recipient survival of more than 90% is achievable in our series.     

The measurement of hepatic circulation before and after orthotopic liver transplantation in dog--by using transit-time blood flow meter and H2 clearance method

Orthotopic liver transplantation was successfully carried out in 40 mongrel dogs, in which hepatic circulation was investigated before and after grafting. Blood flows in hepatic artery, portal vein and intrahepatic inferior vena cava were measured by using transit-time ultrasonic blood flow meter and regional tissue blood flow was determined by hydrogen gas clearance method. Before transplantation the mean blood flows were 234 +/- 95mg/min in portal vein, 118 +/- 76ml/min in hepatic artery and 291 +/- 103ml/min in inferior vena cava in 40 recipients. The blood flow ratio of portal vein and hepatic artery was 2.9 +/- 2.2. The mean regional blood flow of the liver was 63 +/- 24ml/min/100g. After transplantation, the mean blood flows decreased to 189 +/- 86ml/min in portal vein, 77 +/- 51ml/min in hepatic artery and 179 +/- 111ml/min in inferior vena cava and the regional tissue blood flow was 57 +/- 25ml/min/100g. Hepatic arterial flow decreased by 37 percent after transplantation, however, portal venous flow decreased by 24 percent and the regional blood flow decreased by 9 percent after transplantation of the liver. These data suggested that the microcirculation of the liver was slightly disturbed after liver transplantation in dog, which was in part due to the decreased blood flows of the hepatic artery and portal vein.