Liver regeneration in 120 consecutive living-related liver donors

Living-related liver transplantation for pediatric patients has become an acceptable, low-risk treatment option. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of donor liver regeneration.

Between October 1999 and January 2008, 120 living-related donors provided 109 grafts consisting of segments II and III and 11 grafts consisting of segments II, III, and IV. Volumetric assessment of the donor liver and selected segments was performed using computed tomography. After procurement every graft was weighed. At 7 and 30 days, as well as 12 months after the operation the donor liver remnant was evaluated for differences in volume.

A significant correlation was observed between the liver graft mass and its volume as assessed by computed tomography (r = 0.781; P < .05). Twelve months after procurement, the average regeneration index was significantly higher among donors of segments II, III, and IV (144 +/- 23%) versus donors of segments II and III (114 +/- 15%; P < .05).

Liver regeneration after procurement of selected liver segments from living donors is a consistent finding. Computed tomography is an accurate imaging modality to track changes in liver volume. This study showed a positive correlation between the size of the liver graft and the regeneration of the liver remnant in the donor.