The Reconstruction of Hepatic Arteries Using Extra-Anatomical Free Autografts in Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Objectives: In living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT), microsurgical reconstruction of a hepatic artery is essential but requires challenging techniques, because graft arteries are short and usable vessel grafts are limited. Furthermore, hepatic artery thrombosis can be a lethal complication. Extra-anatomical jump graft reconstruction using free grafts is reported to have a high reocclusion rate. However, this technique is necessary when there is no other option. We report 4 cases of LDLT that required extra-anatomical reconstruction technique using free autografting from the aorta to the hepatic artery. In this technique, we used the systemic administration of gabexate mesilate that is the strong serine protease inhibitor. Methods: From 1991 to 2015, we performed 164 LDLTs. We retrospectively investigated 4 cases of extraanatomical reconstruction of the hepatic artery using free autografting from the aorta to the hepatic artery. Results: Two cases initially underwent anatomical reconstruction, but the arteries occluded early, because of the dissection of recipient’s artery. There was no arterial graft, so we performed extra-anatomical reconstruction by using free autografting from the aorta to the hepatic artery. In the other two cases, the recipient arteries could not be used. Therefore, we initially performed extra-anatomical reconstruction by using radial artery free autografting as jump grafts from the aorta to the hepatic artery. In all cases, we used the systemic administration of gabexate mesilate, and could rescue all cases. Conclusion: We experienced and were able to salvage 4 cases that required free autografts. When there is no other means of reconstructing arteries, it is necessary to perform this procedure, depending on the condition of the intima of the recipient artery.