Liver transplantation in patients with situs inversus

Br J Surg. 1995 Feb;82(2):242-5. doi: 10.1002/bjs.1800820236.

Abstract

Seven patients with situs inversus abdominis and one with situs inversus totalis underwent liver transplantation; all are alive at follow-up of between 7 months and 5 years. Two patients required retransplantation within the first 3 weeks (for primary non-function and thrombotic infarction). Seven had additional abnormalities associated with the polysplenia-biliary atresia syndrome. Liver transplantation in these patients involved selection of relatively small donor organs or use of reduced-size grafts. Delayed abdominal wall closure was necessary in two patients and all required a modification of the 'piggy-back' technique of suprahepatic vena caval anastomosis to overcome recipient venous anomalies. Biliary drainage by Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy was the preferred technique. Although technically challenging, situs inversus is not a contraindication to liver transplantation and patients should expect full recovery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y
  • Anastomosis, Surgical / methods
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Contraindications
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver Transplantation* / methods
  • Situs Inversus / complications*