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The most important factor affecting the success rate of liver transplants is the preservation of the normal histologic and biochemical properties of the cells in the tissue taken. The study aimed to identify the possible increase in efficacy of ethyl pyruvate, which has a hepatoprotective effect, on the University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. Rats were randomly selected and divided into 4 groups. After a laparotomy, the small intestines were removed from the abdomen and the portal pedicle was identified. Arterial and venous circulation of the liver was interrupted. After the portal vein was cannulated (and the distal of the portal pedicle was ligated, the liver was perfused with a solution. Perfusion solution was selected as Ringer Lactate in Group 1. In group 2, UW solution was chosen as the perfusion solution. In Group 3, the perfusion solution was chosen as the UW solution, but ethyl pyruvate at a dose of 40 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally to the experimental animals 30 minutes before hepatectomy. In Group 4, as a perfusion solution, a UW solution with 40 mg/kg dose of ethyl pyruvate added to it was used. With TUNEL and Caspase-3 staining, a significant decrease was found in the apoptosis rates of Groups 2, 3, and 4 at the 12th hour post hepatectomy when compared with Group 1. When the morphometric liver sinusoid/parenchyma ratios and vena centralis diameters of the groups were examined, it was found that all preservation solutions containing the UW solution were more protective than the RL solution. Ethyl pyruvate is regarded as a promising agent that can increase the effect of the UW solution on organ preservation solutions. Because this study is the first in literature to apply ethyl pyruvate in preservation solutions, additional studies with larger series and different doses are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pediatric liver transplantation can be performed safely with technical variant grafts and whole liver grafts. • The pediatric end-stage liver disease score, hepatic artery thrombosis, and portal vein thrombosis are associated with overall mortality. • Reducing the vascular complication rates can provide superior results in pediatric liver transplantation. Liver transplantation (LT) is a treatment modality in the pediatric population for several diseases like biliary atresia, metabolic liver disease, hepatoblastoma, and so on. According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, 5-year survival was reported as 85.4% to 93.5% by age after pediatric liver transplantation (PLT). This study aimed to evaluate our single-center experience of PLT by analyzing long-term results, comparing the outcomes with the literature, and identifying predictors of patient survival. The data of 40 patients who underwent LT at <18 years of age between June 2015 and June 2021 were studied retrospectively. Recipient characteristics such as age, sex, etiology of liver disease follow-up time, postoperative vascular and biliary complications, and donor characteristics were evaluated. There were 20 (50%) girls and 20 (50%) boys, and the median age was 42 (IQR = 9-117) months. The most common indications of LT were biliary disorders (45%). A whole liver graft was used in 7 (17%), a right lobe graft in 9 (23%), a left lobe graft in 4 (10%), and a left lateral lobe graft in 20 (50%) of the recipients. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-year survival rates were 85%, 82.1%, 82.1%, and 82.1%, respectively. The multivariate survival analysis revealed that the pediatric end-stage liver disease score, hepatic artery thrombosis, and portal vein thrombosis are associated with overall mortality. In conclusion, our long-term survival is similar to the literature, with satisfactory results. However, reducing the vascular complication rates can provide superior results on PLT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has become an increasingly common surgical option because the number of cadaveric donors is insufficient to fulfill the organ needs of patients facing end-stage cirrhosis. Many centers are investigating different surgical techniques to achieve lower complication rates. We aimed to examine our complication rates in light of demographic data, graft data, and perioperative findings as a single-center experience. The study included one hundred and three patients who underwent LDLT for end-stage liver cirrhosis. Demographic data; sex; age; blood group; Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score; Child score; etiology; liver side; graft-to-recipient weight ratio; hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile anastomosis type rates; anhepatic phase; cold ischemia time; operation time; and blood product transfusion rates were analyzed. Biliary complications in patients with single or multiple biliary anastomoses, right or left liver transplants, and with or without hepatic artery thrombosis were analyzed statistically. There was no significant difference in biliary complications between patients who underwent single or multiple bile anastomosis (P =.231) or patients receiving right lobe and left lobe transplants (P =.315). Although there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of portal vein thrombosis between the regular and reconstructed portal vein anastomosis groups (P =.693), the postoperative portal vein thrombosis rate was statistically higher in patients with left lobe transplants (P =.044). Vascular and biliary complication rates can be reduced with increasing experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The right liver graft has sometimes been from the trifurcation portal vein (TPV) or independent right posterior portal vein (IRPPV). Managing these PV anatomies to increase the recipient's survival rate remains challenging. Many published techniques could overcome this problem, such as simple unification venoplasty (SUV), autologous portal Y-graft interposition, conjoined unification venoplasty (CUV) with a baseball-like conduit, and SUV plus circumferential fence-like vein extension. This study reviewed our strategy for managing the right liver grafts from TPV or IRPPV in adult living donor liver transplantation (aLDLT). We enrolled the study population who underwent aLDLT using the grafts with TPV or IRPPV at our institute from October 2004 to October 2022. We analyzed the reconstruction methods for these grafts and postoperative PV complications in donors and recipients. During the study period, of 528 aLDLT recipients, we identified 26 donors with TPV (n = 10) or IRPPV (n = 16). Eight grafts from TPV had a single PV orifice. The other 18 grafts had dual right PVs that underwent initial PV management, including SUV (n = 13), recipient's right and left portal veins to graft's dual PVs (n = 2), Y-graft interposition (n = 1), CUV (n = 1) and SUV with fence-like vein extension (n = 1). One SUV graft changed to fence venoplasty due to significant tension for PV anastomosis. The acute right posterior PV thrombus and anterior PV stenosis happened in 2 cases with Y-graft interposition and native PVs direct anastomosis. One donor with TPV had portal vein thrombosis and needed thrombectomy with vein patch repair. The graft from TPV should be carefully planned. A single PV orifice may be feasible but not always possible. An SUV could cover most IRPPVs, but if the distance between the right anterior and posterior PVs is a problem, CUV would be an alternative method. In addition, SUVs with fence venoplasty could relieve PV anastomosis tension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A conformational two-state mechanism for proton pumping complex I is proposed. • The mechanism relies on stabilization changes of anionic ubiquinone intermediates. • Electron transfer and protonation should be strictly controlled during turnover. • Fading a script alone does not foster domain-general strategy knowledge. • The performance of the strategy declines during the fading of a script. • Monitoring by a peer keeps the strategy's performance up during script fading. • Performance of a strategy after fading fosters domain-general strategy knowledge. • Fading and monitoring by a peer combined foster domain-general strategy knowledge. Studies have shown that lymphocytes support hepatic oval cell (HOC)-dependent liver regeneration and FK506（Tacrolimus） is known as an immunosuppressor. Therefore, we studied the role of FK506 in HOC activation and/or proliferation to guide the clinical use of FK506. Thirty male Lewis rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: (A) intervene in activation (n = 8), (B) intervene in proliferation (n = 8), (C) control HOC model (n = 8), and (D) pure partial hepatectomy (PH) (n = 6). The HOC model was established by 2AAF(2-acetylaminofluorene)/PH in groups A to C. FK506 (at a dose of 1 mg/kg/d) was given subcutaneously in group A except on operation day, and not until day 8 post-operation (PO) in group B. Half of the animals were euthanized on days 10 and 14 PO, respectively. The remnant liver was weighed and stained by hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and epithelial cell adhesion molecule enabled HOC proliferation analysis. FK506 intervention exacerbated liver damage and hindered the recovery of the HOC model rat. Weight gain was severely retarded or even negative. Liver weight and the liver body weight ratio were lower than control group. HE and immunohistochemistry showed pooer proliferation of hepatocytes and fewer HOC numbers in group A. FK506 inhibited HOC activation by affecting T and NK cells, ultimately blocking liver regeneration. Poor liver regeneration after auxiliary liver transplantation might be associated with the inhibition of HOC activation and proliferation caused by FK506 treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Portal vein pull through is a new technique that enables safely overcoming the difficulty of extremely thrombosed portal vein in liver transplant. • It is achieved by dissecting the soft tissue around the portal vein in cephalad and caudal directions to ensure adequate inflow control before thrombectomy. • In cases with extensive thrombosis involving the confluence of the portal vein and superior mesenteric vein, the gastrocolic ligament is taken down and then the superior mesenteric vein is dissected underneath the pancreas. Herein, a different technique is presented describing complete dissection of the entire portal vein (PV), superior mesenteric vein (SMV), and splenic vein, thus enabling a complete thrombectomy without the risk of uncontrolled hemorrhage due to blind thrombectomy. In cases where a thrombectomy would not be an option because of extensive thrombosis involving the confluence of the PV and SMV, small branches of the SMV, including the inferior mesenteric vein, were divided. Both the SMV and splenic vein were encircled separately. Then, the side branches of the PV above the pancreas, left gastric vein on the left side, and superior pancreatoduodenal vein on the right side were divided. The lateral and posterior part of the PV were dissected within the pancreas both from above and below, allowing the main PV completely free from attachments. At this point, the splenic vein and SMV were clamped, and the main PV was divided above the pancreas and then pulled back through the pancreatic tunnel. The thrombus was easily dissected of the vein under direct visualization, and afterward the PV was redirected to its original position. Then, the liver transplant was carried out in a regular fashion. This technique was applied to 2 patients. The first was a 43-year-old man who underwent a right lobe living donor liver transplant because of hepatitis B virus–related cirrhosis. The patient is still alive and well with stable liver function after 15 years of follow-up. The second was a 69-year-old woman who underwent a right lobe living donor liver transplant because of hepatitis C virus and hepatocellular carcinoma. She survived the procedure and her liver function was entirely normal afterward. She died of pneumonia and sepsis 5 months after transplant. This technique enables complete dissection of the entire PV, SMV, and splenic vein. Thus, complete thrombectomy under direct visualization without the risk of uncontrolled hemorrhage can be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portopulmonary hypertension, a type of pulmonary arterial hypertension in the setting of cirrhotic or noncirrhotic portal hypertension, is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality during and after transplantation. Uncontrolled portopulmonary hypertension may prevent or delay listing for transplant candidates, and the prognosis without treatment and ultimately transplant is extremely poor. We present a 29-year-old White woman, who had a post-liver transplant at infancy due to biliary atresia. Later on, she developed extensive portal vein thrombosis and portopulmonary hypertension and underwent a multivisceral transplant (liver, stomach, pancreaticoduodenal complex, and small and large intestine). Preoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure was <30 mm Hg with a pulmonary vascular resistance of <300 dynes.s/cm5 on oral sildenafil and intravenous epoprostenol. Intraoperatively, management required comprehensive transfusion protocols, a careful balance between correcting blood loss and preventing thrombosis. Intravenous epoprostenol, sildenafil, milrinone, and inhaled nitric oxide were used to reduce elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure and right ventricular strain associated with vascular clamping, reperfusion, and massive fluid shifts. Nitric oxide and epoprostenol use unleashed antiplatelet effects on a patient already susceptible to coagulopathy. A multimodal and multidisciplinary approach continued throughout the surgery and in the postoperative period, which led to a successful outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is often unresectable, because it includes crucial blood vessels in portal area. The prognosis of locally advanced unresectable cholangiocarcinomas is extremely poor. Recently, there have been several reports of the prognosis improving drastically with transplantation and combined chemoradiation therapy. However, liver transplantation for pCCA has 2 big problems. The first is that pCCA is located at a lethal position and its progress is sometimes rapid; therefore, the optimal timing of transplantation is sometimes lost. The second is vascular complications associated with neoadjuvant radiation, especially in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). To overcome these problems, we performed conversion surgery using LDLT with simultaneous resection of the hepatic artery and portal vein, instead of neoadjuvant radiation. Herein, we report our experience of interposition reconstruction. A 31-year-old man with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) was diagnosed with locally advanced unresectable pCCA. The patient underwent radical chemotherapy (gemcitabine/cisplatin/S-1) and avoided radiation because of PSC. After 6 months, positron emission tomography–computed tomography revealed no lymph node metastasis. There was no time to wait. We immediately performed LDLT with simultaneous resection of hepatic artery and portal vein, and microsurgical reconstruction using auto-vessel grafts. The recipient recovered and was discharged 31 days posttransplant. His liver function improved, and he has had no recurrence after LDLT. LDLT with neoadjuvant radiation is associated with high risk of vascular complications. In some cases, conversion surgery after radical chemotherapy using good timing LDLT without radiation may increase chances of transplantation for locally advanced pCCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study presents a liver transplantation (LT) in a patient with incidentally, intraoperatively detected complete portal vein thrombosis (PVT), classified as YERDEL stage 4, challenging traditional surgical boundaries. The patient's resilience and the innovative approach adopted by the surgical team exemplify the evolving complexities of LT in the context of advanced PVT. This report underscores the significance of detailed case documentation in medical literature, especially for complex transplant scenarios. It contributes to a broader understanding of surgical techniques and patient-centered approaches in LT. The narrative highlights the dynamic interplay between surgical advancements and vascular complications, advocating for the refinement of surgical methods and a reevaluation of conventional perspectives in transplantation. This case is pivotal in illustrating medical progress and the persistent pursuit of better outcomes in complex transplant situations., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Whereas chronic rejection, opportunistic infections, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, biliary tract issues, and cardiovascular side effects of immunosuppressive drugs are frequently reported as late complications in liver transplanted patients, intrahepatic portal venous aneurysm following liver transplantation remains exceptional and unusual. We report the case of a 25-year-old man who underwent a liver transplantation in 1997 because he had glycogen storage disease type 4. The patient developed a late postoperative complication, an intrahepatic portal aneurysm, and 2 episodes of acute cholangitis. By reviewing and scoping the literature, we tried to spotlight the best therapeutic attitude concerning the management of this rare complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portal vein (PV) reconstruction is an important surgical skill for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), especially for patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). However, this technique remains a critical problem in LDLT because of technical demands and requirements for appropriate venous graft harvesting. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical procedure used for PV reconstruction and outcomes in LDLT recipients with PVT. Between March 2002 and December 2018, 128 adult LDLTs were performed. Fourteen recipients (10.8%) had PVT at the time of LDLT, classified as grade I in 2, grade II in 5, grade III in 6, and grade IV in 1, according to the Yerdel classification. We retrospectively analyzed the surgical procedure and postoperative complications associated with PV reconstruction of recipients with PVT. Surgical treatments for 14 recipients with PVT were as follows: thrombectomies in 2 recipients, replacement of interpositional venous grafts using the internal jugular vein (IJV) in 3 recipients and the external iliac vein (EIV) in 6 recipients, mesoportal jump grafts using the IJV in 1 recipient and the IJV + EIV in 1 recipient, and renoportal anastomosis using the EIV in 1 recipient. Among interpositional venous grafts, 5 venous grafts (IJV: 2, EIV: 3) passed the dorsal side of the pancreas without using the jump graft. Postoperative complications associated with PV anastomosis occurred in 1 of 14 (7.1%) recipients, who developed anastomosis bleeding caused by coagulation disorders at 27 days after LDLT, without any strictures of PV anastomoses. The overall survival rate at 5 years posttransplant was not statistically different between recipients with and without PVT (50.0% vs 65.0%, P =.163). Our techniques of PV reconstruction, using the appropriate venous grafts and route, are feasible, resulting in a prognosis comparable to that of recipients without PVT. • Among 128 adult recipients of living donor liver transplantation, 14 (10.8%) recipients had portal vein thrombosis and were classified as grade I in 2 recipients, II in 5 recipients, III in 6 recipients, and IV in 1 recipient. • Portal vein reconstruction was successfully performed using several kinds of surgical techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the donor's left lobe volume is <30%, donor selection for the right posterior section graft (RPSG) is based on the type III portal vein (PV) anatomic variation. Herein, we validated the selection of a donor with a type III PV variation for RPSG to prevent biliary complications (BCs) after single-graft (SG) and dual-graft (DG) living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The clinical data of recipients and donors with a type III PV variation for LDLT using an RPSG performed between January 2004 and June 2018 were retrospectively collected and analyzed to determine the occurrence of BCs. The 26 LDLTs performed using an RPSG, including 20 DG LDLT cases, accounted for 0.6% of all LDLT cases (n=4292). BCs developed in 6 recipients (23.0%), including biliary stricture in 4 (15.3%) and bile leakage in 2 (7.6%). No vascular complications occurred. The RPSG volume was significantly smaller in recipients with BCs than in those without BCs (400.8±79.9 vs 504.1±96.5 mL, P =. 015). The bile duct types were A, B, C1, C2, and D in 6 (18.8%), 5 (15.6%), 3 (9.4%), 13 (40.6%), and 5 (15.6%) patients, respectively. All the RPSGs had a single-orifice bile duct. The bile duct size of the RPSG was relatively smaller in recipients with BCs than in those without BCs (2.8±1.0 vs 3.6±1.4 mm, P =. 237). When the left liver volume is disproportionately small, selection of a donor with a type III PV variation can prevent BCs after SG and DG LDLTs using an RPSG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our purpose is to present our experience in endovascular treatment of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) during orthotopic liver transplant (OLT), initial stages, and long-term follow-up. Between May 1994 and December 2019 we performed 1246 OLTs. A total of 170 (13.64%) had some grade of PVT at the time of OLT. Since May 2000 we have performed endovascular procedures during OLT in 52 patients with PVT grade III to IV Yerdel classification. Our research consists of the 49 patients with more than 1 year of follow-up. The initial surgical technique was eversion thromboendovenectomy when the portal flow was not adequate. Intraoperative portography and endovascular treatments were taken via the graft umbilical vein, one of the recipients' mesenteric veins, the recipient portal vein, or the graft portal vein. If the cause was an obstructive or incomplete thrombus removal, venoplasty and primary stent placement were performed. Primary stent placement was achieved in 47 of 49 patients (95.9%): adequate portal perfusion in the allograf and portal hypertension were achieved. None of the patients died during surgery or at 30 days. At long-term follow-up, 3 patients (6.1%) had a portal vein rethrombosis due to no related causes. Cumulative survival rates were 89.7%, 79.3%, and 65.5% at 1, 5, and 10 years. Stent placement in PVT during OLT is a safe and effective procedure to resolve liver graft perfusion. It is an anatomic and physiological derivation that guarantees appropriate hepatopetal portal flow to avoid rethrombosis and portal hypertension, with low mortality and morbility. • Extensive splachnic venous thrombosis has always been a drawback in liver transplant. • Our group systematically performs endovascular treatments after eversion trombectomy as first option during orthotopic liver transplant in portal vein thrombosis grade III and IV in Yerdel classification. • Anatomic and physiological derivations as stent placement in spleno-mesenteric-portal vein thrombosis and the close of porto-systemic competitive shunts have low mortality and morbility. • We have found a permeability rate of 100% with a mean follow-up of 73 months (range, 2-217 months). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraoperative temporary portocaval shunt (TPCS) has been performed during liver transplant to improve hemodynamics and renal function as well as to decrease bleeding during hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of TPCS on liver transplant in a long-term single-center study. From January 2006 to December 2018, all deceased donor transplants were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided in 2 groups: group 1, including those in whom intraoperative TPCS was performed and group 2, including those without TPCS. We analyzed recipient characteristics, survival, mortality, and complication rates in the intraoperative and postoperative periods. A total of 999 deceased donor liver transplants were studied, with 509 patients in group 1 and 490 in group 2. There were 156 cases (15.61%) of preoperative portal vein thrombosis in the whole series. Postoperative renal function (P =.029) as well as length of hospital and intensive care unit stay (P =.0001) were better in group 1. Surgery time and warm ischemia time was also shorter in group 1 (P =.0001). Complications with Clavien-Dindo score ≥ 3 were higher in group 2 (P =.006). Multivariate analysis showed important risk with fulminant hepatitis (odds ratio, 2.127; 95% CI, 1.408-3.213; P <.0001) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease > 29 (odds ratio, 2.492; 95% CI, 1.862-3.336; P <.0001). Overall survival in group 1 at 1, 5, and 10 years were 78%, 70%, and 68%, respectively. In group 2, they were 70%, 60%, and 58%, respectively (P =.027). Patients who underwent intraoperative TPCS presented better postoperative renal function, less intraoperative blending, shorter surgical and warm ischemia time, shorter length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, and better overall survival after transplant. Moreover, TPCS should be used patients with severe conditions, such as fulminant hepatitis and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score > 29. • Patients who underwent intraoperative temporary portocaval shunt presented better postoperative renal function, less intraoperative blending, shorter surgical and warm ischemia time, shorter length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, and better overall survival after transplant. • Temporary portocaval shunt should be used in patients with severe conditions, such as fulminant hepatitis and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score > 29. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A right liver graft with middle hepatic vein (MHV) reconstruction is the standard graft for adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The patency of reconstructed MHV affects the recovery and regeneration of graft. The aim of the study is to evaluate the patency rate of reconstructed MHV according to the reconstruction material in LDLT using the right liver. The data was collected retrospectively on 521 patients who underwent LDLT with right liver graft form August 2003 to December 2012 at the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in Seoul. Two serial comparisons were performed. At first, patients were divided into 2 groups: biologic graft group (n = 252) and synthetic graft group (n = 177). Second, patients were divided into 6 groups: No MHV reconstruction (n = 92); MHV was reconstructed by greater saphenous vein (GSV) (n = 20); recipient's portal vein (PV) (n = 219); cryopreserved iliac artery (CIA) (n = 2); cryopreserved iliac vein (CIV) (n = 11); polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft (n = 105); and polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) graft (n = 72). We compared the patency of reconstructed MHV among these groups by computed tomography angiography at 7 days, 20 days, 90 days, and 1 year. At the first comparison, the patency rate of the biologic graft group on the seventh postoperative day was 61.9%, and the synthetic graft group was 72.4% (P =.029). At postoperative 1 year, the patency rate of the biologic graft group was 42.9%, and the synthetic graft group was 24.1% (P =.001). At the second comparison, the MHV patency of GSV, PV, CIA, CIV, PTFE, and PETE was 65.0%, 62.5%, 50%, 63.6%, 75%, 72% on the seventh postoperative days (P =.318); 60%, 57.1%, 50%, 54.5%, 69%, 55.6% on the 20th postoperative days (P =.444); 40%, 48.8%, 50%, 27.3%, 47%, 34.1% on the 90th postoperative days (P =.294); and 30%, 45.2%, 50%, 27.3%, 27%, 26.4% at 1 postoperative year (P =.008). Although there was no statistical difference in comparison of each material, there were significant differences in MHV patency rates between the biologic and the synthetic group. Therefore, the synthetic graft could be considered in living donor liver transplantation with MHV reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reno-portal reconstruction is a surgical alternative to achieve enough portal flow in liver transplant when there is a complete portal thrombosis, provided there are collaterals or portosystemic shunt, with or without spleno-renal shunt., Methods: We present the case of a 58-year-old man with enolic cirrhosis and a history of gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to esophageal varices and portal thrombosis. The clinical case was discussed in the Transplant Committee, and the patient was included in the surgical waiting list with a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 17 and Child-Pugh score of A6. The preoperative computer tomography scan showed significant collateral circulation with esophageal varices, varices dependent on the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) and hypoplasic portal vein. During the operation, a large shunt from the IMV to the iliac territory and type II portal thrombosis were observed, which was managed with eversion thrombectomy. A temporary portocaval shunt was performed, showing minimal flow in the portal vein, which did not improve after ligation of the systemic shunt. It was decided to perform a reno-portal anastomosis, after which the portal flow measurement was 600 cc per minute; because of this, it was decided to supplement portal flow with an end-to-side portoportal anastomosis, obtaining a flow of 1300 cc per minute with low resistance (R0.5)., Results: The postoperative period was favorable, with good evolution of liver analytical parameters, with permeability of the porto-portal venous anastomoses, reno-portal, arterial, and suprahepatic anastomoses in the imaging tests., Conclusion: If the portal flow is insufficient with a hypoplasic portal vein, a double anastomosis, portoportal, and reno-portal would be a technical resource., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Small-for-size grafts have become more important, especially in living donor liver transplants. The Pringle maneuver, used to reduce blood loss, and the immunosuppressive medications used to prevent graft rejection in liver transplants have different side effects on liver regeneration. We researched the effect of situations where tacrolimus and the Pringle maneuver were applied or not on liver regeneration in rats with partial hepatectomy. This study was completed with 35 Wistar Albino rats. The subjects were randomly divided into 5 groups: Group 1 had the abdomen opened and no other procedure was performed; Group 2 underwent a 70% hepatectomy; Group 3 underwent a 15-minute Pringle maneuver + 70% hepatectomy; Group 4 underwent a 70% hepatectomy + 5 days of 1 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal tacrolimus; and Group 5 underwent a 150 minute Pringle maneuver + 0% hepatectomy + 5 days of 1 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal tacrolimus. All rats were sacrificed on the seventh postoperative day, remaining liver tissue was weighed, and weight indices created. The remaining liver tissue was stained with phosphohistone H3 and the mitotic index calculated. The groups that underwent the Pringle maneuver, 70% hepatectomy, and tacrolimus administration were compared with the control group in terms of mitotic index and weight index, but no statistically significant differences were identified. Suppression of regeneration forms a risk after liver transplantation with small-volume grafts. As a result, research on the effect of tacrolimus combined with the Pringle maneuver is important, especially for transplantations using segmented liver grafts. In our study, we showed that the use of tacrolimus had no negative effect on liver regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Double portal vein (PV) branches during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with right lobe grafts have been considered challenging both in terms of donor safety and the complexity of vascular reconstruction in the recipient. Herein, we describe our experience with 24 adult LDLT recipients during which we employed unification patch venoplasty to reconstruct right lobe grafts with double PV orifices. We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 195 adult LDLT recipients receiving right lobe grafts, including 24 cases of adult LDLT recipients in which unification patch venoplasty was used to treat double PVs from January 2010 to June 2015. The anomalous portal vein branches of the donors were of type II in 7 cases (29.2%), type III in 15 cases (62.5%), and type IV in 2 cases (8.3%). We used propensity score matching analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of these recipients with those of 59 recipients who underwent adult LDLT using right lobe grafts with normal PVs in the same period. Intraoperative PV stenting was necessary in 2 (8.3%) of the 24 recipients undergoing unification patch venoplasty. During the follow-up period, all PVs remained patent until death or censoring. No significant difference in terms of postoperative vascular complications was evident between the 2 groups. Moreover, no major complications requiring reoperation or endoscopic and/or radiologic intervention developed in any of the 24 living donors with double PVs. In conclusion, our simplified unification patch venoplasty could be safe and feasible when used to reconstruct double PV orifices in right lobe LDLT from donors with complex PV anomalies. Highlights • We analyzed outcomes on living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with our portal venoplasty for double portal vein (PV) in liver graft. • Outcomes are excellent and similar to those in single PV group. • No major complications developed in any of the living donors with double PVs. • Our venoplasty could be safe and feasible for double PV in right lobe LDLT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Portal vein (PV) reconstruction is a crucial factor in successful living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In LDLT using the right liver grafts with anatomic PV variations, we sometimes encounter dual PV anastomosis. In this study we describe PV variations of donor liver in detail as well as our experiences with PV reconstruction in right liver grafts with PV variations. Methods We performed LDLT in 149 recipients between 2002 and 2016. PV variations of donor liver were classified into 3 major anatomic patterns, and we retrospectively analyzed the procedure and postoperative complications of PV anastomosis. Results PV variations in donor livers were classified as type A (normal type) in 125 patients, type B (trifurcation type) in 7 (4.7%), and type C (caudal origin of the right posterior branch) in 17 (11.4%). Among 75 right liver grafts, 10 (13.3%) had anatomic PV variations. In 9 of 10 recipients, dual PV of the graft were anastomosed to dual PV branches of the recipient in direct end-to-end fashion. In the remaining recipient, the posterior portal branch of the graft was anastomosed to the recipient portal trunk through the interposed venous graft in end-to-end fashion and the anterior portal branch of the graft was anastomosed to the side wall of the interposed venous graft. These 10 recipients did not develop any postoperative complications associated with PV anastomosis, although 3 of the 149 recipients (2.0%) developed complications associated with PV anastomosis, such as thrombosis and necrosis. Conclusion Dual PV anastomosis of the right liver graft is safe and feasible in LDLT, even in anatomic PV variations. Highlights • Among 149 donor liver grafts, 24 (16.1%) grafts have portal vein variation. • Ten (13.3%) right liver grafts with dual portal vein were successfully performed dual portal vein anastomosis using direct end-to-end fashion in 9 recipients and complex anastomosis in 1 recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver transplant remains a surgical challenge in cases of portal vein thrombosis. Ten percent of patients listed for liver transplant have this diagnosis preoperatively. Although several techniques of portal revascularization are available, sometimes the best result is not achieved, depending on the extent of thrombosis. The aim of this article is to report our experience in 2 particular cases of liver transplant with portal vein thrombosis. We present the cases of 2 patients with partial portal thrombosis that extended to the porto-spleno-mesenteric system. The first case is a 36-year-old woman with recurrence of autoimmune liver disease requiring a second graft; the second case concerns a 64-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Both patients had a splenorenal shunt. A portal bypass with a Y venous graft was performed using the cavoiliac veins of the donor. The anastomosis was performed to the superior mesenteric and left renal veins. These clinical cases demonstrate that portal vein thrombosis is not an absolute contraindication for transplantation and that surgical alternatives exist in cases of grade III portal vein thrombosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It may be difficult for pediatric patients to evaluate the impact of liver transplantation (LT) on splenomegaly due to the natural growth course. The long-term dynamics of portal vein (PV) size and PV flow after LT in pediatric patients are unclear. We aimed to evaluate the long-term transition of the splenic size, PV size, and PV flow velocity in pediatric patients who underwent successful living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and survived >10 years., Methods: From October 2004 to December 2010, 39 pediatric patients (25 boys; 14 girls) underwent LDLT, received pre-LDLT and post-LDLT computed tomography scans and long-term ultrasound sonography follow-up, and survived >10 years without additional intervention at our institution. We analyzed the short- to mid-term and long-term impact of LDLT on splenic size, PV size, and PV flow velocity over time., Results: The PV diameter increased throughout the 10-year follow-up (P < .001). The PV flow velocity increased 1 day after LDLT (P< .001); proceeded to decrease 3 days after LDLT, reaching a low point 6 to 9 months after LDLT; and remained stable throughout the 10-year follow-up. Regression of the splenic volume at 6 to 9 months after LDLT (P < .001) was noted. However, the splenic size steadily increased on long-term follow-up., Conclusions: Although LDLT has a significant short-term reduction effect on splenomegaly, the long-term transitional trend of the splenic size and PV diameter may increase along with children's growth. The PV flow reached a stable status 6 to 9 months after LDLT and remained so until 10 years after LDLT., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All the authors declare no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in patients with cirrhosis complicated by portal hypertension, portosystemic shunts, and chronic portal vein thrombosis (PVT) has long been challenging. Spontaneous spleno-renal shunts (SRS) allow new surgical techniques to restore portal vein patency and hepatopetal flow. Renoportal anastomosis (RPA) has emerged as an accepted method for transplanting these patients, with good long-term patient and graft survival. Orthotopic liver transplantation with RPA is known to be complicated by recurrent PVT, with few details discussed in the literature., Case Report: We present a case of a 56-year-old woman with decompensated cirrhosis who underwent deceased donor whole graft OLT using RPA with iliac vein conduit. The postoperative course was complicated by occlusive thrombosis in the portal vein and iliac vein conduit. Venography revealed enlarged left gonadal and lumbar vein varices acting as reno-caval shunts with hepatofugal flow. Embolization of the varices re-established durable venous patency that was confirmed on post-transplant day 68 with no other hemodynamic complications., Discussion: This showcases an interesting mechanism by which recurrent PVT may occur in patients undergoing OLT with RPA. Because durable portal vein patency can be achieved with Interventional Radiology embolization of reno-caval varices, assessing these communications is an important preoperative consideration for planned OLT with RPA., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and portal vein stenosis (PVS) are rare complications after liver transplantation that can lead to graft failure and patient death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of interventional treatment for PVT and PVS occlusion after liver transplantation. Follow-up data of 7 patients who underwent stent replacement for PVT and/or PVS were analyzed. The clinical success, complications, and portal vein patency were analyzed. Clinical success was obtained in 6 of the 7 patients. No portal hypertension-related symptoms reoccurred in the 6 patients during the follow-up. Interventional radiologic treatment produced a high success rate and a favorable long-term outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Management of nonsplenorenal spontaneous portosystemic shunts (NSRSPSS) in liver transplant (LT) is controversial. Reports on the influence of its ligation suggest improvements in morbidity and survival., Methods: Retrospective study of a single-center series. The objective was to analyze the outcomes and post-LT survival after the closure of NSRSPSS., Results: Between January 2005 and April 2021 a total of 23 patients with NSRSPSS underwent LT. The shunt was superior mesenteric vein-vena cava in 12 (52.2%), inferior mesenteric vein-vena cava in 6 (26.1%), through the left gastric vein in 4 (17.4%), and portocava in 1 (4.3%). Seven patients presented portal vein thrombosis, with thrombectomy being performed in 5. Moreover, 21 patients had portoportal anastomosis, 1 patient required portal reconstruction at the splenomesenteric confluence, and 1 had a coronary-portal anastomosis. The NSRSPSS was closed in 22 cases (95.7%). The mean (SD) portal flow before and after the closure of NSRSPSS was 1395 (572) mL/min and 1773 (583) mL/min (104.4 [47.9] mL/min/100 g and 127.9 [4.9] mL/min/100 g, respectively). Six patients (26.1%) presented primary graft dysfunction, 13 (56.5%) acute kidney injury, and 9 (39%) ascites. Three arterial stenoses (13%), 2 biliary stenoses (8.6%), and 1 intrahepatic portal thrombosis (4.3%) occurred. Median intensive care unit and hospital stay was 5 days (range, 3-8 days) and 15 days (range, 13-21 days). After a mean follow-up of 5.18 (3.2) years, all patients except 1 are alive., Conclusions: The closure of the NSRSPSS during LT can optimize portal flow, with potential influence in morbidity and survival rates., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Renoportal anastomosis (RPA) is an effective technique in cases of complex portal vein thrombosis with the presence of a splenorenal shunt. The objective of this report is to describe the possible complications related to RPA., Case Report: A 50-year-old man with alcohol-related and hepatitis C-related cirrhosis and 2 hepatocellular carcinomas underwent liver transplant. He presented a portal vein thrombosis Yerdel IV, a splenorenal shunt, and another shunt between the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) and the perirectal plexus. During surgery, the flow of the left renal vein was 891 mL/min, and this rose to 1050 mL/min after IMV clamping. RPA was made through iliac vein graft interposition, and the IMV was ligated. Portal flow was 832 mL/min but drastically decreased because of mesenteric root compression. After finishing the liver transplant, a renoiliac graft percutaneous transhepatic stent was put in place. The patient presented graft dysfunction and acute kidney injury. On postoperative day +18, a second stent was put in place because of a thrombosis in the splenomesenteric confluence. The patient subsequently presented partial distal rethrombosis and a pancreaticoduodenal arteriovenous fistula, which required several embolizations. The patient developed ascites, recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding, and persistent bacterial peritonitis. Finally, a modified Sugiura procedure (without splenectomy) was performed, achieving a portal flow of 1800 mL/min. However, the patient developed sepsis and multiorgan failure, and died on postoperative day +70., Conclusions: Despite long-term patient and graft survival within accepted limits after LT, RPA is a challenging technique not exempt from complications., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

One of the crucial steps of liver transplantation is to provide the portal inflow. Portal vein thrombosis is the most challenging factor to achieve. Using a pericholedochal varix for portal inflow in a patient with complete portal vein thrombosis in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a rare technique. We present our experience of a LDLT with PVT., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Abstract: The category of chronic antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is not included in Banff schema for liver allograft rejection. In the present study, we examined the pathology of chronic rejection using rat liver transplantation. Orthotopic liver transplantation from Lewis to BN rats was performed without immunosuppression, and with or without HA reconstruction. We studied grafts at day 120 for arterialized and day 39 for nonarterialized transplants focusing on the immunoglobulin G (IgG) deposition and the pathologic characteristics of rejection. About 20% of arterialized grafts survived more than 120 days. Between day 7 and day 120, T-cell infiltration to arterialized grafts was accompanied by IgG deposition in portal veins, hepatic arteries, and bile ducts in portal areas, sinusoids and hepatocytes. At day 120, arterialized grafts were morphologically characterized by late chronic rejection with IgG deposition, intraluminal portal veins fibrosis, intimal fibrous thickening of hepatic arteries, diffuse sinusoidal fibrosis, as well as injury and loss of bile ducts due to fibrosis. The severities of T cell-mediated rejection and AMR were higher in nonarterialized than arterialized grafts. Nonarterialized Lewis liver grafts in BN rats were rejected by day 39, as characterized by late chronic rejection with IgG deposition and cellular infiltration. In conclusion, chronic AMR may be involved in chronic rejection of liver transplantations. When chronic AMR was involved in chronic liver graft rejection, typical late morphological changes emerged within a short period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Blood is shunted from the inferior vena cava and portal vein to the superior vena caval system to prevent congestion in the lower parts of the body during the anhepatic phase (AP) of liver transplantation. It leads to overload in the superior vena caval system retarding cranial outflow due to a nonphysiological blood redistribution. To overcome this problem, we developed a new bypass in dogs: blood is shunted from the inferior (caudal) vena cava and portal vein to the suprahepatic inferior (caudal) vena cava. This model was compared with traditional one with or without a pump. Blood pressure and flow parameters were estimated during 3 hours of AP in four groups of four dogs each. The current study showed that a nontraditional scheme of venous bypass reduced circulatory complications during AP, especially in the cranial vena caval system, although a low rate of congestion remains in the caudal vena cava and portal vein systems. Whereas the same scheme using a pump effectively prevented congestion in all of the systems: cranial, caudal, and portal. We concluded that application of a nontraditional bypass scheme, providing venous blood return into suprahepatic part of caudal vena cava, can be considered to be a method of choice for experimental liver transplantation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) is characterized by prolonged hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy, and/or encephalopathy caused by a small liver graft that cannot sustain the metabolic demands of the recipient after a partial liver transplant (PLT). Models of PLT in pigs are excellent for studying this syndrome. This review aimed to identify the different porcine models of SFSS in the literature and compare their technical aspects and therapeutics methods focused on portal inflow modulation (PIM)., Methods: We performed a systematic review of the porcine experimental model and SFSS. The MEDLINE-PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and SciELO databases were electronically searched and updated until June 20, 2021. The MeSH terms used were ''ORGAN SIZE'' AND ''LIVER TRANSPLANTATION"., Results: Thirteen SFSS porcine models were reported. Four were performed with portocaval shunt to PIM and 3 with mesocaval shunt to PIM. A few studies focused on clinical therapeutics to PIM; a study described somatostatin infusion to avoid SFSS. Initially, studies on PIM showed its potentially beneficial effects without mentioning the minimum portal flow that permits liver regeneration. However, an excessive portal diversion could be detrimental to this process., Conclusions: The use of porcine models on SFSS resulted in a better understanding of its pathophysiology and led to the establishment of various types of portal modulation, surgical techniques with different complexities, and pharmaceutical strategies such as somatostatin, making clear that without reducing the portal vein pressure the outcomes are poor. With the improvement of these techniques, SFSS can be avoided., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Abernethy malformation is a rare disorder defined by congenital portosystemic shunt. Advances in clinical imaging have led to increased identification of this anomaly, which has proven to be more common and more clinically diverse than previously assumed. Late presentations are not uncommon. We present a 35-year-old patient with type Ia Abernethy malformation and biopsy-confirmed mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis who was referred for deceased donor kidney transplantation. After the diagnosis was confirmed, the patient remained stable and asymptomatic on a supervised low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet. The patient received the kidney transplant from a brain-dead donor with standard characteristics. The procedure was uneventful; no vascular or vesical abnormalities could be identified at the surgical site. Recovery was uneventful with excellent graft function. Unique issues with immunosuppression were identified. Pharmacologic adjustments accounting for congenital complete portosystemic shunting affecting liver first pass effect as well as multiple drug interactions were necessary and sufficient. Abernethy malformation may follow indolent course into adulthood and may be an unrelated finding in a patient with chronic kidney disease. Kidney transplantation proved to be feasible and safe in this young male with apparently efficient compensatory mechanisms., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Abstract: Objective: We sought to review the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and surgical options for 253 patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) to assess the the impact of PVT on outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data from 2508 adult patients undergoing 2614 OLTs in our center from September 1998 to July 2007. PVT was scorded according to the operative findings and Yerdel grading of PVT. No prisoners were used as donors for this study. Results: Two hundred fifty-three patients were diagnosed with PVT (10.09%): there were 104 grade I; 114, grade II; 29, grade III; and 6, grade IV PVT. Sex and previous splenectomy increased the risk for PVT. In grade I and II cases, we performed simple thrombectomy, eversion thrombectomy, or improved eversion thrombectomy (IET, innovated by our center), producing smooth postoperative recoveries with a 0% in-hospitality mortality. In grade III cases, 18 underwent successful IET. Of 11 subjects who had eversion thrombectomy, six failed, and the distal superior mesentery vein or dilated splanchnic collateral tributary had to be used as the inflow vessel in four patients, and portal vein arterialization were performed in the other two patients, all of whom experienced a smooth postoperative recovery except one who died of hepatic failure and pulmonary infection 2 weeks after the operation. The in-hospitality mortality was 3.45%. In grade IV cases, three underwent successful IET, but another three cases failed, with two of them requiring a renal vein as the inflow vessel, and other one undergoing portocaval hemitransposition, with one postoperative death due to hepatic failure and another of cancer recurrence, an in-hospitality mortality rate of 33.33%. The transfusion requirement among PVT patients was significantly higher than that in non-PVT patients (9.32 ± 3.12 U vs 6.02 ± 2.40 U; P < .01). Blood loss in PVT patients who underwent the IET technique was significantly lower than that for an eversion thrombectomy (2800.36 ± 930.52 mL vs 5700.21 ± 162.50 mL P < .05). The overall actuarial 1-year survival rate in PVT patients was similar to the controls (86.56% vs 89.40%; P > .05). Conclusion: OLT was successfully performed for PVT patients. The grade of PVT decided the surgical strategy. Similar 1-year survival rates were attained between PVT patients and controls undergoing OLT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Portal vein (PV) stenosis is sometimes seen in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). PV stents have been attempted in adults with persistent stenosis. However, long-term usefulness of PV stenting is unknown because stents do not expand with growth. We investigated the effect and long-term outcome of PV stenting for stenosis after pediatric LDLT., Methods: We included patients aged <18 years who underwent LDLT from 1998 to 2020 and who underwent PV stenting for stenosis. We assessed age at procedure, stent complications, and long-term outcomes., Results: Five patients underwent PV stent placement. The median age at LDLT was 10 years (range, 0.8-18.1 years). The median interval between LDLT and stent placement was 25 months. The median age at stent placement was 16 years (range, 3-20 years). The median body weight was 38 kg (range, 13-63 kg). The median stent diameter was 8 mm. The median observation period after stent placement was 8 years. On average, body weight increased 1.6 times. One complication associated with stent placement was PV thrombosis, which resulted in stent failure, but we observed no portal hypertension. In the other 4 patients, the stent has remained functioning, and there was no clinical evidence of portal hypertension., Conclusions: PV stents are effective for intractable PV stenosis in children. PV stents were successfully placed in children as young as 3 years old and weighing 13 kg. Our data suggests that a stent placed in young children does not cause portal hypertension as patients grow., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: To evaluate the significance of portosystemic shunts and associated long-term outcomes in living donor liver transplant (LDLT) among pediatric patients., Methods: Retrospective review of 121 pediatric patients who underwent LDLT between May 1994 and December 2015 at Taiwan Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Pre- and postoperative computed tomography images of the liver were reviewed, and portal vein complications were assessed., Results: Ninety-seven pediatric patients were included in the study, and 70 had portosystemic shunts before transplant. Thirty-three patients have portal systemic shunt (PSS) 6 months after transplant (mean [SD] shunt size, 4.59 [1.98] mm). Thirty-seven patients' portosystemic shunts closed spontaneously (mean [SD] shunt size, 3.14 [1.06] mm). Smaller PSSs tend to close spontaneously with a cutoff point of 3.35 mm by receiver operating characteristic curve (P = .01). Patients with PSS have more portal vein complications than those without PSS (44.3% vs 11.1%, P = .02). Among PSS recipients, patients with portal vein complications tend to have larger PSS size (mean [SD], 4.14 [1.96] mm vs 3.59 [1.48] mm), although the difference is not statistically significant (P = .19)., Conclusions: In pediatric patients, preoperative portosystemic shunts are significantly correlated with portal venous complications, some of which require minimal interventions after LDLT with good outcomes. Shunts larger than 3.35 mm tend to persist after transplant with increased portal venous complications., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Vascular complications (VCs) after liver transplantation (LT) frequently result in graft and patient loss. The smaller vessels and the insufficient length for reconstruction in living donor LT and pediatric transplantation predispose patients to a higher incidence of VCs. Herein we present a case of portal vein stenosis (PVS) in an adult deceased donor LT recipient with portal vein thrombosis requiring extended thrombectomy at the time of LT. He presented with ascites 4 months after LT, was diagnosed with PVS, and was successfully treated with percutaneous transhepatic venoplasty and placement of a portal stent. This case highlights the importance of Doppler ultrasound as a screening modality for detection of VCs after LT and the pivotal role of endovascular repair as a first-line treatment for PVS., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Severe/massive portal vein thrombosis (PVT) deteriorates peri-liver transplantation outcomes. Cavoportal hemitransposition (CPHT) is a rescue procedure for severe PVT, and short-term outcomes have been well studied. However, CPHT is associated with some long-term issues caused by portal flow modulation via extraordinary reconstruction. We describe a patient with Yerdel grade 4 PVT who underwent a liver transplant and achieved long-term survival with CPHT and a portosystemic shunt., Case Report: A 50-year-old man with liver cirrhosis underwent a deceased donor liver transplant. Preoperative examinations indicated Yerdel grade 4 PVT; thus, we planned a CPHT. In liver transplant surgery, we confirmed diffusely complete PVT and removed them as possible. After placing a liver graft, we performed CPHT and confirmed that the graft received sufficient portal vein flow. However, the gastroepiploic vein pressure increased significantly. Therefore, we added a portosystemic shunt between the splenic vein and the inferior vena cava, and the pressure improved. The patient was discharged after an uneventful hospital stay, and he reported no unfavorable events for over 12 years., Conclusions: This case study suggested that a modified CPHT with a portosystemic shunt for Grade 4 PVT was useful in preventing post-liver transplant PVT development and improved the outcome., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Knowledge of the anatomy of the portal system is essential for safe liver resection. We report a very rare anatomic anomaly of the portal system in a living liver donor. A 24-year-old female living liver donor was found to have anomalies of the portal system on preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The ventral branch of the right anterior segment arose from the transverse portion of the left portal vein. The gallbladder and round ligament were positioned normally. Intraoperative cholangiography for evaluation of biliary anatomy revealed very low confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts. All the bile ducts from the right lobe merged into the right hepatic duct. A right lobe graft was performed, including the ventral area of the right anterior segment. The portal branch of the ventral area of the right anterior segment could be transected extrahepatically. In the recipient operation, each of the right main portal branches, including the right posterior segment branch and the dorsal branch of the right anterior segment, and the ventral branch of the right anterior segment, were anastomosed to the right and left branches of the portal vein, respectively, of the recipient. The transected right hepatic duct of the graft was anastomosed with the recipient's common hepatic duct. Sixteen years after the liver transplant, the recipient continues to do well and has good portal flow., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Abstract: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) remains a challenging issue for liver transplantation surgeons. Most patients who have PVT undergo eversion thrombectomy. When thrombectomy is not successful due to diffuse PVT, other modalities are adapted, such as the use of a venous jump graft or portal tributaries. Here, we report our successful experience with reconstruction of portal flow using collateral plexus for a patient with grade 4 PVT. Thrombectomy did not restore portal flow. A pericholedochal plexus was found on the lateral wall of common bile duct. Direct end-to-end anastomosis was performed between the donor's portal vein and patient's choledochal plexus. Postoperative color Doppler ultrasound revealed normal portal flow. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Anomalous portal vein (PV) branching in living donor livers is notuncommon and usually leads to double PV orifices of the right lobe grafts. We haveassessed the long-term outcomes of portal Y-graft interposition for adult living donorliver transplantation (LDLT). Methods: We retrospectively assessed the outcomes of 79 right-lobe LDLTs usingportal Y-graft interposition among the 2001 adult LDLTs performed at our institutionfrom January 2002 to December 2010. Results: Donor PV types were type III except for one case of type II. Sources of Y-graftswere recipient autologous PV in 76 LDLTs, fresh iliac vein allografts in two, and patchplasty using recipient greater saphenous vein in one. Detailed procedures included aportal Y-graft resection with Y-limbs, corner stay sutures, tying of suture materials underdirect mechanical dilatation, and direct edge-to-edge anastomosis to the recipientremnant main PV. Early PV stenting was necessary in five patients (6.3%) due to stenosisor buckling deformity. During a mean follow-up of 42 months, all PVs remained patentuntil patient death or censoring. Overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient survival rates were93.6%, 88.3%, and 85.5%, respectively. None of the 79 donors experienced majorcomplications requiring reoperation or therapeutic intervention. Conclusions: Due to their technical feasibility and excellent long-term outcome, portalY-graft interposition should be considered a standard procedure for reconstruction ofright-lobe grafts with double PV orifices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A 41-year-old man, who had undergone liver retransplantation, was admitted to our institution complaining of rectorraghia. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy failed to detect the source of bleeding. Computed tomographic angiography detected a stenosis at the portal anastomosis. Capsule endoscopy showed the presence of multiple small bowel angiodysplasias. After a surgical failure, direct portography revealed severe stenosis of the extrahepatic portal vein. Subsequent to percutaneous transhepatic portography, we dilated the stenosis using a balloon catheter and placed an expandable metallic stent, stopping the bleeding without further episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: A pig model has been commonly used for technical training for clinical liver transplantation (LT). However, as the healthy pigs have no shunt bypassing the portal vein (PV), it is necessary to complete LT within 30 minutes after shutting off the PV flow. While a model that uses an ex vivo shunt system has been used to alleviate the constraints of the anhepatic phase, it has been often difficult to keep sufficient blood flow rate and prevent the intestinal congestion because the blood vessels were occluded easily with the suction pressure by using the conventional shunt system., Methods: We designed a portable shunt system and a novel connector that can prevent the blood vessel from occluding. The system can separately control the flow rate of PV and inferior vena cava (IVC) and detect whether the blood vessels were occluded. By reducing the solution volume in the circuit, the effected blood loss ex vivo could be minimized. The stability of this system was verified with 15 medical doctors in an advanced medical professional education course., Results: The system enabled the blood flow to maintain ≥ 20 mL/minute and prevented the intestinal congestion. The perioperative hemodynamics of the recipient were stable without a blood transfusion using 25 to 40 kg pigs. We confirmed that all LT training were completed, even 60 minutes after shutting off the PV flow., Conclusions: Our system greatly contributed to training on LT for conducting the survival experiments., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Maintenance of adequate portal inflow is crucial for graft regeneration in adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT) to allow the recipients to meet their early metabolic demands. A persistent large spontaneous portosystemic shunt can divert portal flow away from the liver graft, leading to impaired or delayed graft regeneration and subsequent graft failure. The importance of obliterating huge portosystemic shunt during liver transplantation is obvious for successful ALDLT. However, in partial liver graft with a relatively small graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR) (compared with deceased donor whole graft liver transplantation), even the persisting small portosystemic shunt may result in repeated portal flow steal when a liver graft faces increased intrahepatic vascular resistance caused by rejection or graft congestion with hepatic venous outflow stenosis. We present 2 complicated cases of reappearing portal flow steal that were derived from the remaining small portosystemic shunt under the increased vascular resistance of the liver graft, even after interruption of a large portosystemic shunt during ALDLT. Because ALDLT is always a partial liver graft, even when GRWR is over 1%, it is much more vulnerable to hemodynamic changes in portal flow by rejection or graft congestion by hepatic venous outflow obstruction. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of complex portosystemic shunt and complete reinterruption of reappearing portosystemic shunt, even though small and insignificant, during ALDLT is important for graft salvage procedures before irreversible liver graft damage., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) from donors with complex portal vein anomalies has been considered a challenging procedure because vasculobiliary variations of the donor's liver may lead to significant increases in donor and recipient complications. The use of donors with anatomic variations may be considered under the accurate preoperative planning if a more suitable donor is not available. We report a successful dual LDLT for 2 donors with portal vein anomaly to overcome the small-for-size graft syndrome and secure donor safety. A 62-year-old man was referred to our institution for liver transplant because of hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma. The only available donors were his son and his daughter-in-law, one with type IV portal venous anatomic variation and the other with type III variation. Neither of the 2 available donors were suitable as a single donor because of the complexity of the portal vein reconstruction and the donor's safety. Therefore, the decision was made to perform LDLT using dual graft, and we planned to harvest the right posterior sector graph from the first donor together with the left lobe graft of the second donor. Donor hepatectomy and recipient total hepatectomy were performed in the usual manner. He has recovered well with normal graft function, and there has been no tumor recurrence after dual LDLT. Dual graft LDLT using right posterior sector and left lobe graft could be undertaken successfully to overcome the small-for-size graft syndrome and secure the safety of donors in cases with the complex portal vein anomalies., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objective: Liver transplantation (LT) is the gold-standard treatment for end-stage liver disease; however, late-onset complications such as fatty liver can occur in the absence of metabolic comorbidities. We report a unique case of post-transplant hepatic steatosis developing in only a part of the liver graft., Case Report: A 1-year-old boy underwent ABO-incompatible living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with a left lateral liver graft donated from his mother for biliary atresia. The biliary tract was reconstructed by hepaticojejunostomy using the previous Roux-en-Y limb. Liver function tests increased by up to 2-fold of the upper normal limit after the second year. He developed segmental steatosis in a part of the liver graft 2 years after LDLT. Venous blood drained into the area of the liver graft from veins in the Roux-en-Y limb of the jejunum. Pathologic findings from a liver biopsy showed fatty depositions without steatohepatitis, acute rejection, or tumors. Portal vein stricture (PVS) subsequently became apparent, which was complicated by the symptoms of portal hypertension, such as gastrointestinal varices. We treated PVS with 2 sessions of percutaneous transhepatic portal vein angioplasty (PTPA), after which the segmental steatosis disappeared. We hypothesize that PVS caused local hemodynamic anomalies, leading to fatty deposition in a part of the liver graft., Conclusion: We experienced a case of post-LT with segmental steatosis that was successfully treated by portal vein flow modification with PTPA. Steatosis of the graft might indicate a vascular abnormality, and further examinations should be performed after LT., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Anatomic variations are well known in the liver hilum. A rare precholecystic, preduodenal, prepancreatic portal vein is described as found in a liver transplant candidate. Precholecystic location of portal vein is an exceptional finding and does not seem to have been previously described. It is associated with a preduodenal portal vein. Its position is challenging, as its surface can be mistaken with the gallbladder wall. We present the case of a patient candidate to liver transplantation. In the preoperative studies, a portal thrombosis was suspected, with recanalization by collaterals, but also a malformation was suggested. The patient had a primary biliary cirrhosis. Other findings included agenesis of inferior vena cava on the right side. During operation, the portal vein was found over the gallbladder and fixed to it, making it at first difficult to distinguish one from the other., Conclusions: A precholecystic portal vein is a rare finding that poses a challenge for the surgeon. It must be ruled out in the preoperative workout., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Toxic acute liver failure can be fatal even after liver transplantation. Since there are data only in young rats, the aim of our study was to verify the effectiveness of the increase of oxygen to the liver by partial portal vein arterialization (PPVA) in elderly rats with acute liver failure induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) intoxication., Methods: Twenty elderly (30 months) Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a CCl 4 intoxication (5 mL/kg). Animals were divided after 24 hours (n = 10 per group) to either undergo PPVA (G1, treated group) or be untreated (G2, control group). PPVA consisted of a shunt between the left renal artery and splenic vein after nephrectomy and spelnectomy. The G2 group animals underwent nephrectomy and splenectomy only. The 10-day survival was evaluated. Before euthanasia, blood samples from the portal vein were detected for blood gas analysis. Liver injury was evaluated by the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and prothrombin time levels. Histology was done to evaluate the liver necrosis. Hepatocyte regeneration was assessed by the mitotic index at immunohistochemistry., Results: The PPVA has resulted in a significant increase in the oxygen partial pressure and saturation in portal blood. A survival improvement at 10 days was registered in the PPVA-treated rats (90% vs 30%; P = .0065). After 24 hours from intoxication, ALT was high in both groups. A rapid decrease of ALT was observed in G1 as compared to G2. At the same time, livers showed a severe centrolobular necrosis. In the suviving G2 rats, a moderate necrosis was present, while only a mild necrosis was observed in the G1 rats. An higher mitotic index was detected in rats treated with PPVA., Conclusions: In our experimental study, the presence of oxygenated blood in the portal venous system following the PPVA procedure had positive effects on liver regeneration and rats' survival. The PPVA treatment had beneficial effects in elderly rats., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The presence of collateral circulation in liver cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension is quite frequent due to re-permeabilization of closed embryonic channels. In some cases, these shunts could measure over 1 cm wide, therefore, containing a significative blood flow. Its management during liver transplantation could be challenging due to possible complications resulting from either ligation of the shunts or from ignoring them. We present the case of a patient with recurrent hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and a large spontaneous portosystemic shunt (SPSS) who submitted to liver transplant and review the literature identifying options, complications, and outcomes with the aim of facilitating decision making., Material and Methods: A 68-year-old, Spanish man diagnosed with liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension and recurrent episodes of HE is proposed for LT. The patient's Child-Pugh score was A6-B7, and the Model for End-stage Liver Disease score was 12. Preoperatively, a computed tomography scan showed a large SPSS running to the inferior cava vein. During the surgery, a small-sized portal vein and a large shunt measuring almost 3 cm wide were identified. After reperfusion, portal vein flow was 1000 to 1100 mL/min. Owing to the previous HE and the risk of low portal flow, the shunt was closed increasing the portal flow to 1800 mL/min. The patient was discharged without any complications., Conclusions: The presence of large SPSSs are frequent during LT. Decision making intraoperatively can be challenging due to possible complications derived from ligation of the SPSS or from ignoring it. Either preoperative assessment of a further HE risk or portal vein flow measurement after reperfusion are essential to achieve a correct resolution., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Hepatic artery occlusion (HAO) is a life-threatening complication after liver transplantation. We report a case of portal vein arterialization (PVA) with anastomosis of the recipient common hepatic artery (CHA) and a graft of the round ligament to achieve intrahepatic arterial flow., Case Presentation: A 57-year-old man had a medical history of decompensated liver cirrhosis secondary to cholestatic liver disease owing to biliary anastomotic stricture after living donor liver transplantation and end-stage renal failure. He underwent deceased donor liver and renal transplantation with anastomosis of the recipient proper hepatic artery and the graft CHA. He experience symptoms from HAO on postoperative day 23 and underwent emergency surgery to re-anastomose the hepatic artery. Despite several instances of re-anastomoses, intrahepatic arterial flow was not able to be achieved and therefore PVA with anastomosis of the recipient CHA and the graft round ligament was performed. Although liver enzyme levels rapidly declined after surgery and the finding of liver infarction was not observed, a large amount of watery stool was observed owing to portal hypertension, which was an adverse effect of PVA. As enhanced computed tomography on POD 31 showed a pseudoaneurysm of the anastomotic site, occlusion with coils was performed to arrest hemorrhage, and a contrast study after coil occlusion showed intrahepatic arterial blood flow via collateral arteries. Thereafter, the patient needed treatment for ischemic biliary duct stenosis and was discharged home on POD 98., Conclusion: PVA using a round ligament for HAO after liver transplantation might play a role as a bridge treatment until retransplantation or maturation of collaterals., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Extensive portosplenomesenteric thrombosis is regarded as a relative contraindication to liver transplantation because of the complexity of the surgical procedure. This report describes a case of living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for a patient with extensive portosplenomesenteric thrombosis, in whom portal flow was successfully restored by intraoperative transplenic portal vein and superior mesenteric vein stenting after surgical thrombectomy. The patient's liver function remained normal with a patent portal vein stent 6 months after LDLT, and Doppler ultrasonography demonstrated a normal wave form for portal flow. To the best of our knowledge, this is the world's first case of endovascular management of the portal vein via percutaneous transsplenic access during LDLT, demonstrating that transsplenic access can be an alternative approach without liver graft injury when the superior mesenteric vein branch and inferior mesenteric vein cannot be used as access routes., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Small-for-size-liver grafts (SFSG) in adult transplant recipients have elevated risk of graft failure, limiting its application in clinical liver transplantation. Relevant preclinical model of SFSG is lacking. Relevant to deceased-donor split liver transplant and living-donor liver transplant in adult recipients, in this study, we present our initial characterization of SFSG model using monosegments of a discarded human donor liver., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Thrombectomy is a routine or common practice for treating organized portal vein thrombosis (PVT) during liver transplantation. However, this procedure is often performed in a blinded fashion and can result in insufficient thrombectomy or devastating consequences such as injury to the retropancreatic portal vein where prompt repair is very difficult. To overcome these drawbacks for blind thrombectomy, we herein describe a new technique that makes complex thrombectomy safe and easy under direct ultrasound vision. This procedure is readily available and highly reproducible and can be used as the standard procedure for treating extensive PVT., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)