Superior Vena Cava Graft for Right Liver and Right Lateral Sector Transplantation

Abstract

The usefulness of cryopreserved superior vena cava (SVC) grafts for venous reconstruction remains to be evaluated in right liver and right lateral sector transplantation. Reconstruction of the hepatic vein was performed when the congested area in the liver graft was significant. A vein graft with a suitable shape and length meeting the demands for the venoplasty was selected, and SVC grafts were used in 20 recipients. Surgical techniques were classified into five types according to the necessity of middle or short hepatic vein reconstruction in the liver graft. Surgical outcomes and vein graft patency were evaluated. All 20 recipients survived the operation without any complications caused by congestion. Liver functions were well recovered in the early postoperative period. The 1-year primary patency rates of cryopreserved vein grafts used for reconstructed right hepatic veins, inferior right hepatic veins, and middle hepatic vein tributaries were 100%, 94%, and 42%, respectively. SVC grafts were feasible for outflow tract reconstruction in right liver and right lateral sector transplantation, although the long-term patency of the grafts for middle hepatic vein reconstruction remains to be evaluated.