PREVENTION OF COMPLICATIONS RELATING WITH HEPATIC ARTERY IN ORTHOTOPIC LIVER TRANSPLANTATION(OLT) / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss and prevent hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT ) or stenosis (HAS) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Methods In harvesting the donor's liver, the hepatic artery should be obtained together with its origin from the celiac artery as a whole. Damage to the hepatic artery should be avoided during dissection, the endothelium should not be injured, especially that of its branches. When the portal veins of the donor and the recipient were opened, the matching arteries were anastomosed end to end. If the diameter of the anastomosing artery was less than 5 mm, a branching section of the artery was selected, the bifurcation septum was divided so that the arterial end was enlarged to ensure a good anastomosis. The endothelium of the artery should be kept intact during the procedure. Results In 36 patients with OLT, no patients suffered from HAT or HAS. Conclusion The important procedures to prevent HAT or HAS in OLT are harvest of a complete donor's arteries, suitable selection of hepatic artery for anastomosis, precise technique of vascular anastomosis, and appropriate use of anticoagulant.