[Liver transplantation in the presence of a non-functional portal vein: an original technique].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this retrospective study was to report an original technique for heterotopic liver transplantation with the graft in the left hypochondrium, and to discuss the indications and limitations of this technique.


METHODS
Over the past ten years, four patients were treated by this technique; this constitutes 2% of all liver transplantations carried out during this period.


RESULTS
No immediate per- or postoperative mortality related to the surgical procedure was noted. Moreover, no severe hemodynamic complications occurred during the per- or postoperative period. In three out of four cases, hepatic function was fully restored within 48 hours. Long-term survival (50 and 97 months) was observed in two patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Heterotopic liver transplantation in the left hypochondrium is an alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation; it is a technique that is easy, non-aggressive, and with good long-term results. It is indicated in cases where the main portal vein is non-functional (following total thrombosis or porto-caval shunt), and orthotopic liver transplantation is therefore not possible.
Service de chirurgie générale et digestive, hôpital de Rangueil, 31045 Toulouse, France. suc.b@chu-toulouse.fr
F
F
Muscari
B
B
Suc
G
G
Fourtanier
J
J
Escat
D000328:Adult; D000792:Angiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011167:Portacaval Shunt, Surgical; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016042:Transplantation, Heterotopic; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging