A complication associated with the use of neonatal liver in orthotopic liver transplantation

Int J Surg Investig. 2000;2(3):237-41.

Abstract

Background: Neonatal livers have been associated with a higher incidence of vascular complications but are nevertheless used because of donor shortage.

Aims: We report a complication of hepatic venous outflow obstruction because we retained the neonatal retrohepatic cava from the first transplant for retransplantation using a left lateral segment.

Methods: Technical and post-operative complications associated with a small "native" inferior cava and transplantation are described.

Results: Successful treatment with balloon angioplasty resulted in re-establishing the flow in the hepatic venous outflow tract. The child is well 3 years on with stable graft function.

Conclusion: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is an effective non-surgical therapy for post liver transplant hepatic venous outflow obstruction. Replacement of the inferior venacava rather than retaining neonatal venacava may be a better option during retransplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angioplasty, Balloon
  • Ascites / etiology*
  • Biliary Atresia / surgery*
  • Constriction, Pathologic / therapy
  • Female
  • Hepatic Veins / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Liver Circulation
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Postoperative Complications* / therapy
  • Radiography
  • Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / pathology*