Modified liver hanging maneuver during orthotopic liver transplantation with inferior vena cava preservation: results after 120 consecutive applications

Transplant Proc. 2007 Jul-Aug;39(6):1881-2. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2007.05.049.

Abstract

The outflow venovenous anastomosis represent a crucial aspect during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) with inferior vena cava (IVC) preservation. The modified Belghiti liver hanging maneuver applied to the last phase of hepatectomy, lifting the liver, provides a better exposure of the suprahepatic region and allows easier orthogonal clamping of the three suprahepatic veins with a minimal portion of IVC occlusion. The outflow anastomosis constructed with a common cloacae of the three native suprahepatic veins is associated with a lower incidence of graft related venous outflow complications. The procedure planned in 120 consecutive OLT was achieved in 118 (99%). The outflow anastomosis was constructed on the common cloaca of the three hepatic veins in 111/120 cases (92.5%). No major complications were observed (bleeding during tunnel creation, graft outflow dysfunction, etc) except in one patient with acute Budd-Chiari, who successfully underwent retransplantation.

MeSH terms

  • Budd-Chiari Syndrome / surgery
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Organ Preservation
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Vena Cava, Inferior*