Liver transplantation with interposition saphenous vein conduits for arterial reconstruction: Impact of morbidity and arterial ischemia time

Abstract

BackgroundThe outcomes of liver transplantation with hepatic arterial reconstruction using interposition saphenous vein conduits are not widely reported. Here, we share our experience using great saphenous vein conduits for hepatic arterial reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation. MethodsThis was a single-center retrospective review of patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation (n = 950). The saphenous vein conduits were used in 39 patients. We compared hepatic artery thrombosis, graft dysfunction, and 30-day and 1-year survival in the early (2012–2017) and late (2017–2020) transplant periods. ResultsAmong 39 patients (of whom 30 [76.9%] were males, median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease was 24 [interquartile range, 17–27], median age was 50 [interquartile range, 43–54]), saphenous vein conduits were placed on supra celiac aorta in 7 (17.9%), infrarenal aorta in 25 (64.1%), and other arteries in 7 (17.9%) patients. The number of biliary and hepatic vein anastomoses, total arterial ischemia time, portal vein–hepatic artery reperfusion time, and duration of surgery was different in the 2 groups (P < .05). The 30-day mortality was 5/21 (23.8%) and 0 in the early and late periods (P = .05). The 30-day survival was >90% in patients with portal vein–hepatic artery reperfusion time <240 minutes, ≤2 grade 3 complications, no graft dysfunction, and later period of transplantation (P < .05). The 1-year survival with standard transplantation, transplantation with saphenous vein conduits in the early and late period was 87%, 62%, and 89% (P = .022). ConclusionLiver transplantation with saphenous vein conduits is associated with acceptable outcomes. Major complications and arterial ischemia times are major determinants of outcomes.