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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

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Re-Arterialized Rat Partial Liver Transplantation with an in vivo Vessel-Oriented 70% Hepatectomy
Published on: April 8, 2018
Phrenic vein dissection in partial liver graft harvesting
Ender Dulundu1, Yasuhiko Sugawara, Yoji Kishi
1Artificial Organ and Transplantation Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine University of Tokyo, Japan.
Hepato-Gastroenterology
|November 8, 2006
Summary
A refined surgical technique for living donor liver transplantation ensures adequate hepatic vein length and ostium size. This method improves graft quality by safely exposing hepatic veins and the inferior vena cava during donor hepatectomy.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Transplantation Surgery
- Vascular Reconstruction
Background:
- Hepatic venous reconstruction is a critical yet controversial aspect of living donor liver transplantation.
- Optimizing graft quality is essential for successful transplantation outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a standardized surgical technique for exposing hepatic veins during donor hepatectomy.
- To evaluate the efficacy of this technique in facilitating optimal hepatic vein and inferior vena cava preparation for transplantation.
Main Methods:
- A total of 211 donor hepatectomies were performed using a specific dissection technique.
- This involved meticulous isolation of the hepatic vein, division of inferior phrenic veins, and ligation of vessels entering the inferior vena cava.
Main Results:
- The technique allowed safe exposure of hepatic veins and the suprahepatic inferior vena cava in all cases.
- The number of divided inferior phrenic veins ranged from 1 to 4, with hepatic vein diameters between 7-34mm.
Conclusions:
- The described surgical approach is effective for obtaining a wide ostium and sufficient length of the hepatic vein.
- This technique enhances the suitability of grafts for living donor liver transplantation.

