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Liver transplant in complete situs inversus: a case report
G B Klintmalm1, M S Bell, B S Husberg
1Transplantation Services, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75246.
Surgery
|July 1, 1993
Summary
A novel liver transplant technique for situs inversus (SI) patients with dextrocardia offers advantages including standard reconstruction and no need for donor liver downsizing. This approach ensures a smooth recovery for complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary surgery
- Transplant surgery
- Surgical innovation
Background:
- Situs inversus (SI) with dextrocardia presents unique challenges for liver transplantation.
- Previous techniques required complex donor liver modifications.
- This report details a new hepatic replacement strategy for SI patients.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old female with complete SI and Laënnec's cirrhosis underwent liver transplantation.
- The donor liver was rotated 90 degrees, aligning hila and facilitating standard reconstruction.
- The patient experienced an uneventful recovery over six months post-transplant.
Findings:
- The described technique allows for direct alignment of donor and recipient hepatic hila.
- Standard arterial and biliary reconstructions were achieved without complications.
- The procedure avoids donor liver downsizing and minimizes risks of venous outflow compromise.
Implications:
- This technique offers a simplified and effective approach for liver transplantation in complete SI patients.
- It potentially expands the donor pool by accommodating anatomical variations.
- The method facilitates standard surgical reconstruction, improving outcomes for complex cases.