Split-liver transplantation: an underused resource in liver transplantation.
Split-liver transplantation is an efficient tool to increase the number of liver grafts available for transplantation. More than 15 years after its introduction only the classical splitting technique has reached broad application. Consequently children are benefiting most from this possibility. Full-right full-left splitting for two adult recipients has been shown to work but is hampered mainly by the dangers of small-for-size transplantation. A solution to this last problem would completely change the scope of split-liver transplantation. Organ allocation systems and collaboration between centers play a crucial role in the chances to let suitable patients profit from this valuable source of extra grafts.
Rogiers
Xavier
X
Transplantation Center and Department of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Ghent University Hospital Medical School, Ghent, Belgium. xavier.rogiers@uzgent.be
Sieders
Egbert
E
D002102:Cadaver; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D012042:Registries; D014019:Tissue Donors; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000379:methods*; D017211:Treatment Failure; D016896:Treatment Outcome