ABSTRACT
The liver transplantation program was established at Shiraz Nemazee Hospital in 1993. Shortage of cadaver organ supply due to various social and legal issues urged us to develop a living-related liver transplantation [LRLT] program. So far 7 [6 males, 1 female] living-related liver transplantations have been performed at this center. The mean age of patients was 8.21 years [ +/- 4.16], with a range of 4.5 to 14 years. Live donors [3 mothers, 2 fathers, and 1 brother] with a mean age of 30.83 years [ +/- 4.11] underwent procurement of the left lateral segment without mortality or any serious morbidity. The native liver disease was idiopathic cirrhosis [1 case], biliary atresia [3 cases], Budd-Chiari syndrome [1 case], neonatal cirrhosis [1 case], and cryptogenic cirrhosis [1 case]. Allografts were implanted using piggy-back surgical technique. Baseline immunosuppression consisted of a triple drug regimen including cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil and steroids. Acute graft rejection was treated with intra-venous bolus of methyl-prednisolone. Early death occurred in 2 patients due to vascular thrombosis. Biliary complication was observed in 1 patient. Five patients are alive with a normal functioning liver. In conclusion, LRLT program is promising in Iran. It can help to overcome the shortage of organs and minimize the mortality of patients in the waiting list