Evaluation of hepatic venous congestion: Proposed indication criteria for hepatic vein reconstruction

Objective To establish criteria for venous reconstruction of middle hepatic vein (MHV) tributaries of the right liver graft in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Summary Background Data In adult LDLT using the right hemiliver, the MHV is usually separated from the graft, which results in potential venous congestion in the major part of the right paramedian sector (segments 5 and 8). It is controversial whether MHV tributaries should be reconstructed. Methods Thirty-nine donors for LDLT were enrolled in the study. After liver transection, temporary arterial clamping was carried out to visualize congestion in the right paramedian sector by occlusion of MHV tributaries. Intra- and postoperative (on postoperative days 3 and 7) Doppler ultrasonography was performed to check the hepatic venous and portal flow in the veno-occlusive area. Results In 29 of 37 donors (78%), the liver surface of the veno-occlusive area was discolored with temporary arterial clamping. The discolored area was calculated to represent approximately two thirds of the right paramedian sector on computed tomography volumetry. All of the cases with discoloration exhibited absent venous flow and regurgitated portal flow in the discolored area by intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography. These ultrasonographic findings resolved by postoperative day 7 in 6 of 14 cases (43%). Conclusions The state of venous congestion in the right liver graft can be correctly assessed by the temporary arterial clamping method and intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography. If the venocongestive area is demonstrated to be so large that the graft volume excluding this area is thought to be insufficient for postoperative metabolic demand, venous reconstruction is recommended.