Reconstruction of the middle hepatic vein tributaries using the recipient's recanalized umbilical vein in right-lobe living-donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: Right-lobe grafts without the middle hepatic vein (MHV) can cause severe congestion of the anterior segment in living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). However, the indications and methods for reconstructing the MHV or its tributaries remain controversial. METHODS: We herein describe two cases of the successful use of the recipient's recanalized umbilical vein as an interposition graft to drain the major MHV tributaries in right-lobe LDLTs. RESULTS: After surgery, both right-lobe grafts are currently functioning well and all of the reconstructed venous tributaries have been confirmed to be patent by doppler ultrasonography. The histopathological features of the recanalized umbilical vein showed an intact intima with thickened media. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the recipient's recanalized umbilical vein is a good option for reconstructing MHV tributaries in right-lobe LDLTs.