Reducing bile leak following segmental liver transplantation: Understanding biliary anatomy of the caudate lobe

Abstract

Bile leak in split and living donor liver transplantation is not an uncommon postoperative complication with significant morbidity to both donor and recipients. Nonanastomotic bile leaks in these transplants are less well characterized and generally described as cut-surface leaks. A proportion of these leaks may derive from biliary radicles draining the caudate lobe. Based on the caudate lobe biliary anatomy the authors describe measures that may help to reduce such complications after segmental liver transplantation. © 2008 The Authors.