First case of cadaveric liver transplantation in Japan

J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg. 1999;6(4):387-90. doi: 10.1007/s005340050136.

Abstract

The first case of liver transplantation from a brain-dead donor in Japan is described. The recipient was a 43-year-old man with familial amyloid polyneuropathy who manifested various neuropathic symptoms and autonomic dysfunction at the time of transplantation. The graft had three arteries, for which a single trunk was created at the back table. A side-to-side cavacaval anastomosis was performed as an outflow reconstruction. To avoid portal congestion, a temporary shunt between the right posterior branch of the portal vein and the vena cava was constructed, instead of a venovenous bypass. The graft preservation time was 7.2 h and the operation time was 12.2 h. Although sufficient blood flow in the hepatic artery, portal vein, and hepatic vein was confirmed intra- and postoperatively, using Doppler ultrasound, transient graft dysfunction was observed immediately after surgery, but there was spontaneous improvement. The patient was discharged 100 days after transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amyloid Neuropathies / surgery*
  • Anastomosis, Surgical
  • Cadaver
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Male