Reconstruction of the hepatic and portal veins using a patch graft from the right ovarian vein

We describe a patch-graft technique using the right ovarian vein for reconstruction of the right hepatic and portal veins after resection in hepatectomy and pancreatoduodenectomy in female patients. After partial resection of the right hepatic vein or portal vein for removing either hepatic or pancreatic tumors, the defects were covered by a patch graft from the right ovarian vein. The proximal part of the vein, 5 cm in length, was harvested, divided longitudinally, and then divided into two equal parts, which were sutured together to give a patch measuring 2.5 x 2.0 cm. This technique can be applied for reconstruction after partial resection of the hepatic or portal vein in hepatectomy and pancreatoduodenectomy. (C) 1998 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.