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[Orthotopic liver transplantation for polycystic liver disease with massive hepatomegaly]
N M Dreger1, G M Kaiser, J W Treckmann
1Universitätsklinikum Essen, Klinik für Allgemeinchirurgie, Viszeral- und Transplantationschirurgie, Essen, Deutschland.
Insights
Liver transplantation successfully treated massive hepatomegaly in a patient with polycystic liver disease. This approach improved quality of life and stabilized liver function long-term.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Transplantation Surgery
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Polycystic liver disease (PLD) can cause massive hepatomegaly, leading to significant cardiopulmonary compromise.
- Liver transplantation is a potential treatment for symptomatic PLD with severe hepatomegaly.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old male patient with PLD presented with massive hepatomegaly (22 kg explanted liver) causing cardiopulmonary symptoms.
- The patient underwent successful hepatectomy and orthotopic liver transplantation using an extended criteria donor organ.
Findings:
- The transplantation procedure was uneventful, with no portocaval shunting established.
- Post-transplantation, the patient maintained stable liver function and an improved quality of life at 18 months.
Implications:
- Liver transplantation is a viable and effective treatment for massive hepatomegaly secondary to PLD.
- This case highlights the potential for successful outcomes even with extended criteria donor organs in PLD patients.
History:
A 51-year-old man (126 kg, 192 cm) with massive hepatomegaly causing cardiopulmonary symptoms was referred to our transplant center 14 years after initial diagnosis of polycystic liver disease.
Treatment And Course:
Uneventful hepatectomy was followed by orthotopic liver transplantation using caval replacement. Donor liver came from a 73-year-old woman (extended criteria donor organ offer). A portocaval shunting was not established during transplantation although the explanted liver weighed 22 kg. 18 months after transplantation liver function is stable and the patient enjoys normal quality of life.
Conclusion:
This case report demonstrates the value and success of transplantation for patients suffering from enormous hepatomegaly due to polycystic liver disease.
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