Living donor liver transplantation using dual grafts from two donors: A feasible option to overcome small-for-size graft problems?

Abstract

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) between adults inevitably implies two potential risks associated with a small-for-size graft for the recipient and small remnant liver for the donor. To overcome these problems, LDLT using dual grafts from two independent donors can be a solution, in which sufficient graft volume can be obtained while preserving donor safety. We present a case of LDLT that was managed successfully by using right and left lobe dual grafts from two donors. The recipient was a large-size male with hepatitis C cirrhosis complicated by multiple hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). The first donor donated a right lobe graft and the second donor donated a left lobe plus caudate lobe graft with the middle hepatic vein. Graft function was excellent throughout the course without evidence of small-for-size syndrome. In conclusion, LDLT using dual grafts can be justified in a selected case to avoid small-for-size graft problems without increasing independent donor risks. © 2008 The Authors.