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Updated: May 30, 2026
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Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Rats
Published on: July 1, 2012
Liver transplantation from an upper midline incision
Cuneyt Kayaalp1, Cemalettin Aydin, Bulent Unal
1Inonu University, Department of General Surgery, Malatya, Turkey. ckayaalp@inonu.edu.tr
Summary
A minimally invasive upper midline incision is a viable option for select liver transplant recipients. This approach facilitated a rapid recovery and uneventful discharge for a patient with cirrhosis and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
- Transplant Surgery
Background:
- Liver transplantation is a complex procedure with various surgical approaches.
- Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly explored to improve patient outcomes.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma in the context of cirrhosis poses specific surgical challenges.
Observation:
- A case study involving a 55-year-old male recipient with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- The procedure utilized a right lobe, living-donor liver transplant with an 18-cm upper midline incision.
- Specialized instruments and retraction techniques were employed for the hepatectomy and implantation.
Findings:
- The liver transplant was successfully completed without intraoperative complications.
- The total surgical time for hepatectomy and implantation was 8 hours.
- The patient experienced a rapid postoperative recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 8.
Implications:
- The upper midline incision represents a feasible minimally invasive option for selected liver transplant candidates.
- This approach may offer benefits in terms of patient recovery and hospital stay.
- Further research into minimally invasive liver transplantation is warranted to establish its broader applicability and advantages.
