Hepatic venous congestion in living donor liver transplantation: preoperative quantitative prediction and follow-up using computed tomography.

Hepatic venous congestion (HVC) has not been assessed quantitatively prior to hepatectomy and its resolving mechanism has not been fully analyzed. We devised and verified a new method to predict HVC, in which HVC was estimated from delineation of middle hepatic vein (MHV) tributaries in computed tomography (CT) images. The predicted HVC was transferred to the right hepatic lobes of 20 living donors using a paper scale, and it was compared with the actual observed HVC that occurred after parenchymal transection and arterial clamping. The evolution of HVC from its emergence to resolution was followed up with CT. Volume proportions of the predicted and observed HVC were 31.7 +/- 6.3% and 31.3 +/- 9.4% of right lobe volume (RLV) (P =.74), respectively, which resulted in a prediction error of 3.8 +/- 3.7% of RLV. We observed the changes in the HVC area of the right lobes both in donors without MHV trunk and in recipients with MHV reconstruction. After 7 days, the HVC of 33.5 +/- 7.7% of RLV was changed to a computed tomography attenuation abnormality (CTAA) of 28.4 +/- 5.3% of RLV in 12 donor remnant right lobes, and the HVC of 29.1 +/- 11.5% of RLV was reduced to a CTAA of 9.3 +/- 3.2% of RLV in 7 recipient right lobe grafts with MHV reconstruction. There was no parenchymal regeneration of the HVC area in donor remnant livers during first 7 days. In conclusion, we believe that this CT-based method for HVC prediction deserves to be applied as an inevitable part of preoperative donor evaluation. The changes in CTAA observed in the right lobes of donors and recipients indicate that MHV reconstruction can effectively decrease the HVC area.     

Hepatic venous reconstruction of anterior sector using three-dimensional helical computed tomography in living donor liver transplantation

In right lobe living donor liver transplantation (RL-LDLT), venous reconstruction of large middle hepatic vein (MHV) tributaries is often necessary. However the standard for reconstruction is unclear. In two recent RL-LDLT cases, we reconstructed a MHV tributary after estimating the donor's liver volume by three-dimensional images using helical computed tomography (3D-CT). 3D-CT demonstrated that the expected donor right lobe volume was 437 ml, which represented 46.2% of graft volume/recipient's standard volume ratio (GV/SV ratio) in case 1, and 600 ml (46.4%) in case 2. Moreover, 3D-CT revealed a large MHV tributary, 8 mm in diameter, drained 190 ml in volume of segment 8 in case 1, and, 7 mm in diameter, drained 138 ml in case 2. In these cases, when the area drained by the MHV tributary was excluded, GV/SV ratio were 26.1% and 35.7%, respectively. Based on this data, we reconstructed a large MHV tributary in both cases.     

Advanced preoperative three-dimensional planning decreases the surgical complications of using large-for-size grafts in pediatric living donor liver transplantation

BackgroundUsing “large-for-size” liver graft, graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR) ≥4%, has been debated in pediatric liver transplantation due to possible graft compartment after abdomen closure. Meticulous preoperative evaluation with three-dimensional (3D) techniques may prevent these problems. This study compared the safety of large-for-size grafts in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (PLDLT) during the eras with or without 3D planning.MethodsWe defined the 3D era was after November 2017 due to our first implication of 3D printing for surgical planning and subsequently developing a 3D simulation implanting model. From November 2004 to July 2021, we enrolled 30 PLDLT patients with body weight (BW) < 10 kg and categorized them into conventional group: GRWR ≥4% before the 3D era (n = 9), 3D group: GRWR ≥4% in the 3D era (n = 8), and control group: GRWR <4% (n = 13). We followed and compared their clinical outcomes.ResultsThe 3D group had the lowest BW and the highest graft volume reduction rate, with all receiving modified left lateral segments (LLS), such as reduced LLS (n = 2), hyperreduced LLS (n = 5), and segment 2 monosegment (n = 1). Overall postoperative complications were similar in conventional and control groups but significantly lower in the 3D group (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.006?0.70, p = 0.025). However, all groups had similar graft and patient survival at 1, 2, and 4 years.ConclusionAdvanced preoperative 3D planning can decrease post-transplant complications and increase the safety of large-for-size grafts in PLDLT.Level of EvidenceType of study: Retrospective comparative study; Evidence level: Level III     

Stereological evaluation of liver volume in living donor liver transplantation using MDCT via the Cavalieri method.

In living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), obtaining the precise volume of the graft is very important to decrease volume-related postoperative complications, especially in cases with suspected small-for size grafts. We used stereology based on the Cavalieri method (CM), a new method to measure liver graft volume, and compared the results with those obtained through intraoperative measurement (IOM) and through multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) measurement. Liver volumes estimated using the 3 methods were well-correlated with each other (r(2) = 0.94 and P < 0.001 for IOM and CM; r(2) = 0.91 and P < 0.001 for IOM and MDCT, and r(2) = 0.95 and P < 0.001 for CM and MDCT); however, they were different from each other (in descending order, 908 +/- 124 cm(2), 861 +/- 121 cm(2), and 777 +/- 168 cm(2) for MDCT, CM, and IOM, respectively). Although MDCT and CM overestimated the volumes, the results of CM were almost similar to those obtained via IOM. In conclusion, our results suggest that CM measured the liver graft volume more reliably. Thus, its use, particularly in cases with suspected small-for-size graft, may prove useful.     

Accurate method for preoperative estimation of the right graft volume in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUNDS: Accurate estimation of graft volume is crucial to avoid small-for-size syndrome following adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation AALDLT). Herein, we combined radiological and mathematical approaches for preoperative assessment of right graft volume. METHODS: The right graft volume was preoperatively estimated in 31 live donors using two methods: first, the radiological graft volume (RGV) by computed tomography (CT) volumetry and second, a calculated graft volume (CGV) obtained by multiplying the standard liver volume by the percentage of the right graft volume (given by CT). Both methods were compared to the actual graft volume (AGV) measured during surgery. The graft recipient weight ratio (GRWR) was also calculated using all three volumes (RGV, CGV, and AGV). Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was used to assess the agreement between AGV and both RGV and CGV. This was repeated using the GRWR measurements. RESULTS: The mean percentage of right graft volume was 62.4% (range, 55%-68%; SD +/- 3.27%). The CCC between AGV and RGV versus CGV was 0.38 and 0.66, respectively. The CCC between GRWR using AGV and RGV versus CGV was 0.63 and 0.88, respectively (P < .05). According to the Landis and Kock benchmark, the CGV correlated better with AGV when compared to RGV. The better correlation became even more apparent when applied to GRWR. CONCLUSION: In our experience, CGV showed a better correlation with AGV compared with the RGV. Using CGV in conjunction with RGV may be of value for a more accurate estimation of right graft volume for AALDLT.     

Computed tomography volumetric follow-up of graft volume in living related liver recipients

AIM: Liver regeneration is a fascinating process that makes living related donor transplantation feasible for patients. In this study we evaluated the changes in graft volumes among living related liver transplantation (LRLT) patients using computerized tomography (CT)-assisted volumetry technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty three patients (17 adults, 16 children) who underwent liver transplantation were included in this study. Pediatric patients were referred to as group A, and adult patients were referred to as group B. The initial graft weight measured during operation was used as the initial graft volume. All patients' graft volumes were retrospectively calculated by CT volumetry technique. The data was compared with the initial graft volume in each patient. Paired samples Student t test was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The graft volume increased from 2.7% to 285.6% with the mean increase 78% in group A, and 10.5% to 150.8% with a mean increase of 89% in group B. These changes were significant (P<.0001) in both groups. DISCUSSION: The liver regeneration of recipient grafts is more complicated than that of the donors. There are a limited number of reports of complete volume recovery. We observed significant volume regeneration in liver grafts after transplantation, which was easily followed by CT-assisted volumetry.     

多层螺旋CT半自动法测量肝体积在成人活体肝移植中的应用

目的 探讨多层螺旋CT(MSCT)半自动法测量右半供肝体积的准确性,及该方法在活体肝移植(LDLT)中的应用价值.方法 对56例供者术前行MSCT四期增强扫描,然后分别根据MSCT图像手动绘图(简称:手动法)计算右半供肝体积(V手)和应用IQQA(R)-liver肝脏诊断辅助分析系统进行半自动化绘图(简称:半自动法)计算右半供肝体积(V半),将两种方法计算的右半供肝体积与术中经水置换法实测的右半供肝体积(V术)进行相关分析和Bland-Altman检查,得出其线性回归方程.结果 V半、V手和V术分别为(818.60±161.43)、(880.16±169.92)和(669.84±141.37)cm3;半自动法和手动法测量供肝体积与术中实测肝体积均显著相关(r值分别为0.778和0.746,P＜0.05),其线性回归方程分别为V术=V半×0.681+112.26,V术=V手×0.620+123.81.半自动法测量肝体积与术中实测肝体积的差值为148.76cm3,95%可信区间为121.57～175.95 cm3,吻合限为-354.135～56.62 cm3,手动法测量肝体积与术中实测肝体积的差值为210.33 cm3,95%可信区间为180.09～240.56 cm3,吻合限为-438.66～18.01cm3.结论 半自动法测量LDLT右半供肝体积比目前最常用的手动法更为准确.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of multi-detector spiral CT (MSCT) semiautomated volumetric measurement of right lobes and its value in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Methods Fifty-six donors underwent four phases MSCT. Pre-operative liver volumes of two measurements [IQQA(R)-liver semi-automated (Vs) and manual volume (Vm) measurements] in portal vein phase were compared with intra-operative measurement (Vio) by means of water displacement. Results Correlation analysis and Bland-Altman tests were used for statistical analysis.Results Pre-operative measurements of grafts resulted in a mean Vs, Vm, Vio of (818. 60 ± 161.43)cm3 , (880. 16 ± 169. 92) cm3 and (669. 84 ± 141.37) cm3 respectively. All corresponding pre-and intra-operative data were correlated significantly with each other. There was a good correlation between Vs and Vio(r= 0. 778, P＜0. 05), so did Vm and Vio(r= 0. 746, P＜0. 05). The equations of linear regression were Vio = Vs × 0. 681 + 112. 26, and Vio = Vm × 0. 620 + 123. 81 respectively. Exact 95 % CIs and the extent of concordance were 121.57-175. 95 cm3, -354. 135-56. 62 cm3 for semiautomated measurements, and 180. 09-240. 56 cm3 , - 438. 66-18. 01 cm3 for manual measurements,respectively. Conclusion Semi-automated method for the volumetric measurements of the right liver lobes in LDLT is more accurate than the manual method.     

Accurate preoperative estimation of liver-graft volumetry using three-dimensional computed tomography

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to clarify the value of three-dimensional computed-tomography (3D-CT) volumetry for size matching in living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). METHODS: 3D-CT volumetry was applied to 25 donors who underwent hepatectomy for a living relative needing an orthotopic liver transplantation. Fifteen patients underwent extended left lobectomy, one patient an extended left lateral lobectomy, and nine patients right lobectomy. 3D-CT imaging was performed with the workstation ZIO M900 (Zio Software Inc., Tokyo, Japan). The estimated volume of the grafts in two-dimensional (2D) and 3D images were compared, and an error ratio was calculated. RESULTS: 3D-CT imaging revealed the anatomy of the hepatic vein bifurcation and the shape of the graft. The error ratio was 12.8+/-2.3% in 3D, compared with 19.4+/-2.5% in 2D. As such, 3D-CT volumetry appears to be more exact than conventional 2D-CT volumetry, but volumetry by 3D-CT still produces an error ratio of approximately 13%. The weight transition of the rats' livers under preservation in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution indicated that the graft volume seems to decrease during perfusion with UW solution. Mismatch of the cutting line and volume reduction by dehydration (approximately 5% reduction 1 hour after perfusion) seems to cause the error in 3D-CT volumetry. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional CT volumetry is useful for size matching in cases of living-related orthotopic liver transplantation.     

活体部分肝移植受体围术期容量和循环变化及调控

目的总结和分析我院18例活体肝移植受体围术期体液和循环变化的麻醉管理的经验和体会。方法回顾性分析2007年5月至2008年10月我院18例活体肝移植的临床资料。其中男17例,女1例;肝癌9例,慢性重型肝炎肝硬化9例。所有受体均接受右半肝移植（Ⅴ—Ⅷ段）,采用背驮式术式。结果18例肝移植手术均成功。手术时间为（10．5±1．6）h,无肝期较长（100±15）min。术中出血量（3240±268）ml。活体肝移植新肝期血流动力学参数恢复较快;无肝期末和新肝期凝血功能明显改善。手术开始至新肝期出现低钾血症5例,与术前比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。肝脏恢复灌注后,3例出现高钾血症,手术开始至新肝期,6例出现低钙血症,明显低于术前水平（P〈0．05）。术中易出现代谢性酸中毒,无肝期末及新肝期1。5min更为明显,与术前比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论活体肝移植无肝期时间较长,水、电解质和血流动力学改变显著,新肝期要注意纠正长时间缺血后的再灌注损伤,要努力纠正血流动力学、内环境和凝血功能的紊乱。     

运用年龄校正公式的3D-CT测量活体肝移植供体肝体积

目的探讨运用年龄校正公式的3D-CT肝脏体积测量方法评估活体肝移植(LDLT)供体肝体积的准确性。方法回顾性分析LDLT供体135名,分为≤30岁组(48名)和>30岁组(87名),前瞻性分析LDLT供体45名,分为≤30岁组(19名)和>30岁组(26名)。回顾性分析中,比较不同年龄组间3D-CT测量右半肝体积误差率,通过对术中右半肝实际体积、3D-CT测量体积及年龄进行线性回归分析,获得年龄校正公式。将公式应用于前瞻性分析,计算不同年龄组中运用年龄校正公式前后3D-CT测量肝体积的误差率。结果回顾性研究中,≤30岁组3D-CT测量肝体积误差率[(15.48±8.76)%]高于>30岁组[(10.87±5.24)%,P<0.05];年龄校正公式为:V实际=72.576+0.715×VCT+1.282×年龄(r2=0.786,P<0.001)。前瞻性研究中,运用年龄校正公式3D-CT测量肝体积误差率为(9.32±6.13)%,低于与未运用年龄校正公式误差率[(13.16±7.69)%,P<0.05];运用与未运用年龄校正公式3D-CT测量肝体积误差率在≤30岁组中分别为(10.84±7.13)%和(15.93±8.94)%(P<0.05),在>30岁组中分别为(9.07±5.73)%和(11.01±6.05)%(P>0.05)。结论年龄校正公式能降低3D-CT测量LDLT年轻(≤30岁)供体肝体积的误差率,具有重要应用价值。     

Outcome analysis in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation using the left lobe

Graft size problems remain the greatest limiting factor for expansion of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) to the adult population. The result of adult-to-adult LDLT using the left lobe with special reference to graft size has not been fully evaluated to date. In this study, we evaluated the outcome of adult-to-adult LDLT using the left lobe and also analyze the impact of using small-for-size grafts on outcome. Thirty-six recipients who underwent adult-to-adult LDLT using the left lobe (n = 14) or left lobe plus caudate lobe (n = 22) were included in the study. Variables including preoperative and operative data, patient and graft survival, complications, and causes of graft loss were studied. Furthermore, the incidence of small-for-size syndrome and its impact on graft survival were studied. Mean graft volume (GV) was 420 ± 85 g (range, 260 to 620 g), which resulted in 38.2% ± 8.1% (range, 22.8% to 53.8%) of the recipient standard liver volume (SLV). Overall 1-year patient and graft survival rates were 85.7% and 82.9%, respectively. Seven grafts were lost. Small-for-size syndrome occurred in 7 of 16 patients (43.8%) with cirrhosis and only 1 of 20 patients (5.0%) without cirrhosis (P = .005). Recipients who developed small-for-size syndrome had inferior graft survival to those who did not (P = .07). In conclusion, adult-to-adult LDLTs were found to be feasible without affecting patient or graft survival. Small-for-size syndrome developed more frequently in patients with cirrhosis. Minimum GV in adult-to-adult LDLT should be 30% less than the recipient's SLV in patients without cirrhosis, whereas 45% less was required in patients with cirrhosis. (Liver Transpl 2003;9:581-586.)     

右半肝活体肝移植验证标准肝体积公式

目的 分析216例活体肝移植患者的临床资料,探讨适合中国成人活体肝移植肝体积评估标准.方法 华西医院移植中心2001年7月至今共实施216例活体肝移植,选取符合标准的成人间活体右半肝(不含肝中静脉)179例肝移植供体,将供体的术中实测右半肝体积与CT测量右半肝体积以及各公式计算的标准右半肝体积进行比较,评估哪种公式更适合中国成人.结果 CT测量右半肝体积大于实际右半肝体积(P＜0.01).德国Heinemann、美国Yoshizumi、日本Urata、美国Vauthey、韩国Lee公式计算的右半肝体积结果显著大于实际肝脏体积(P＜0.01).香港Sheung Tat 公式计算的右半肝体积结果小于实际肝脏体积,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).华西Lünan-yan公式计算的右半肝体积结果与实际肝脏体积比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 华西Lünan-yan 标准肝体积公式适合中国成人活体肝移植标准肝体积评估.     

Significance of positive cytotoxic cross-match in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation using small graft volume

A positive cross-match in cadaveric liver transplantation is relatively acceptable, but its role in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is less well known. The aim of this study is to examine the significance of cytotoxic cross-match in adult-to-adult LDLT using small-for-size grafts. Forty-three adult-to-adult LDLTs were performed at Seoul National University Hospital (Seoul, Korea) from January 1999 to July 2001. Subjects consisted of 27 men and 16 women with an average age of 45.4 years. Average liver graft weight was 565.3 ± 145.7 g, and average graft-recipient weight ratio (GRWR) was 0.89% ± 0.20%. HLA cross-match testing by lymphocytotoxicity and flow cytometry was performed routinely preoperatively. Factors that may influence survival, such as age; sex; blood group type A, type B, type O compatibility; cytotoxic cross-match; donor age; surgical time; cold ischemic time; and GRWR, were analyzed. Nine patients (20.9%) died in the hospital. There was a greater in-hospital mortality rate in women than men (37.5% v 11.1%; P = .049). The extra-small–graft group (0.54% ≤ GRWR < 0.8%; n = 14) showed greater in-hospital mortality rates than the small-graft group (0.8% ≤ GRWR ≤ 1.42%; n = 29; 42.9% v 10.3%; P = .022). A positive cross-match was detected in 4 women transplant recipients, and 3 of these patients belonged to the extra-small–graft group. All patients with a positive cross-match died of multiorgan failure after early postoperative acute rejection episodes. Positive cross-match was the only significant factor in multivariate analysis (P = .035). In conclusion, when lymphocytotoxic cross-match and flow cytometry are significantly positive, adult-to-adult LDLT using small-for-size grafts should not be performed. (Liver Transpl 2002;8:1109-1113.)     

Clinical value of preoperative coronary risk assessment by computed tomographic arteriography prior to adult living donor liver transplantation

Purpose

Patients with advanced liver diseases are at increased risk of cardiovascular events, resulting in a higher incidence of cardiac complications following liver transplantation (OLT). We assessed the clinical value of computed tomographic coronary arteriography (CTCAG) as a routine preoperative cardiac evaluation test in adult patients scheduled for living donor OLT (LDLT).

Methods

This single-center, prospective, observational study evaluated 247 adult patients being assessed for LDLT from April 2010 to March 2011. CTCAG was performed in patients with all-negative findings on routine cardiac workup, including thallium single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Results

Of the 247 patients evaluated, 27 (10.9%) showed abnormal findings on CTCAG, with 18 (7.3%) showing mild to moderate involvement of one vessel; 7 (2.8%), two-vessel; and 2 (0.8%), three-vessel involvement. Coronary artery calcification was identified in patients with significant coronary artery stenosis. No adverse events occurred after CTCAG. Noticeable hypotensive episodes during LDLT surgery occurred in 5% of patients, mostly related to massive bleeding or postperfusion syndrome. During the first 3 months after LDLT, 3% of patients showed stress cardiomyopathy, but all recovered with supportive care.

Conclusions

The poor general medical condition of LDLT candidates and the diagnostic accuracy of CTCAG suggest that this test should be included in the routine pretransplant cardiac workup, along with thallium SPECT, for these patients.     

Right lobe living donor liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The shortage of livers for transplantation has prompted transplant centers to seek alternatives to conventional cadaveric liver transplantation. Left lateral segmentectomy from living donors has proven to be a safe operation for the donor with excellent results in the pediatric population. Left lobectomy, conceived to supply more tissue, still provides insufficient liver mass for an average size adult patient. Right lobectomy could supply a graft of adequate size. METHODS: Donors were considered only after recipients were listed according to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) criteria. Donor evaluation included liver biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging, and celiac and mesenteric angiography. The donor operation consisted of a right lobectomy uniformly performed throughout the series as described herein. RESULTS: Twenty-five right lobe living donor liver transplants were performed between adults, with no significant complications in donors. Recipient and graft survival was 88%, with three recipient deaths secondary to uncontrolled sepsis in patients at high risk for liver transplant; all three had functioning grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Right lobe living donor liver transplantation poses challenges that require a meticulous surgical technique to minimize morbidity in the recipient. Right lobectomies for living donation can be performed safely with minimal risk to both donor and recipient although providing adequate liver mass for an average size adult patient.     

术前门静脉血栓对活体肝移植预后的影响

目的 探讨术前门静脉血栓对活体肝移植的影响.方法 回顾性分析天津市第一中心医院2007至2011年完成的99例成人间活体肝移植患者,根据术前是否有门静脉血栓分为2组,血栓组26例,无血栓组73例.比较2组的术前危险因素及门静脉血栓对活体肝移植手术和术后患者预后的影响.结果 26例门静脉血栓患者Ⅰ级血栓23例,Ⅱ级血栓3例.肝移植术前的脾切除是发生门静脉血栓的独立危险因素(x2 =10.211,P=0.001).术前门静脉血栓会延长手术的无肝期(Z=-2.430,P=0.015),但2组患者术后并发症发生率(x2=0.326,P=0.568)及死亡率均无统计学差异,而且对患者的1年生存率和3年生存率均无影响(x2=0.505,P =0.477).结论 对于活体肝移植合并Ⅰ级或Ⅱ级门静脉血栓的患者,通过合理的术中处理及术后预防,门静脉血栓不会影响患者的预后.但门静脉血栓增加了一定的手术难度,需要详尽的术前评估和仔细的术中操作.     

Adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation using extended right lobe grafts.

OBJECTIVE: The authors report their experience with living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using extended right lobe grafts for adult patients under high-urgency situations. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The efficacy of LDLT in the treatment of children has been established. The major limitation of adult-to-adult LDLT is the adequacy of the graft size. A left lobe graft from a relatively small volunteer donor will not meet the metabolic demand of a larger recipient. METHODS: From May 1996 to November 1996, seven LDLTs, using extended right lobe grafts, were performed under high-urgency situations. All recipients were in intensive care units before transplantation with five having acute renal failure, three on mechanical ventilation, and all with hepatic encephalopathy. The median body weight for the donors and recipients was 58 kg (range, 41-84 kg) and 65 kg (range, 53-90 kg), respectively. The body weights of four donors were less than those of the corresponding recipients, and the lowest donor-to-recipient body weight ratio was 0.62:1. The extended right lobe graft was chosen because the left lobe volume was <40% of the ideal liver mass of the recipient. RESULTS: Median blood loss for the donors was 900 mL (range, 700-1600 mL) and hospital stay was 19 days (range, 8-22 days). Homologous blood transfusion was not required. Two donors had complications (one incisional hernia and one bile duct stricture) requiring reoperation after discharge. All were well with normal liver function 5 to 10 months after surgery. The graft weight ranged from 490 g to 1140 g. All grafts showed immediate function with normalization of prothrombin time and recovery of conscious state of the recipients. There was no vascular complication, but six recipients required reoperation. One recipient died of systemic candidiasis 16 days after transplantation and 6 (86%) were alive with the original graft at a median follow-up of 6.5 months (range, 5-10 months). CONCLUSIONS: When performed by a team with experience in hepatectomy and transplantation, LDLT, using an extended right lobe graft, can achieve superior results. The technique extends the success of LDLT from pediatric recipients to adult recipients and opens a new donor pool for adults to receive a timely graft of adequate function.