Laparoscopic living donor right hepatectomy

Abstract

Objective: Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has evolved as a treatment option for patients with end stage liver disease (ESLD) because of an inadequate number of deceased donor organs available. Initially best described for adult to pediatric LDLT in 1989, laparoscopic living donor hepatectomy provides an option for living donation in adults that may result in decreased morbidity for the donor as compared to an open operation. A minimally invasive approach remains somewhat controversial as patient safety and graft integrity are primary concerns during transplantation, however, laparoscopic donor hepatectomy can achieve adequate graft outcomes as well as result in reduced complications and an improved recovery in the donor as compared to an open hepatectomy. Methods: Here, we present a 33-year-old female living donor who underwent a laparoscopic living donor right hepatectomy. The graft-to-recipient body weight ratio (GRWR) was 0.78 and functional liver remnant (FLR) in the donor was 41%. Results: The operation was completed laparoscopically and graft was successfully removed through pfannenstiel incision. Conclusion: A fully laparoscopic living donor right hepatectomy is a feasible option for adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation.