Liver splitting and living donor techniques

Abstract

Split liver transplantation (SLT) and living related transplantation (LRT) have been developed following advancements in liver surgery. In experienced hands they can yield results comparable to full organ liver transplantation. They are today a reality which has to be implemented and used more widely. LRT is the best procedure available and should be the method of choice despite the high success of SLT. Any method safely enlarging the pool of donors has to be utilized, especially in view of the possible future application for adults. The procedures should be initially performed and tested in centres specialized in liver transplantation and liver surgery, with the aim of making the techniques more widely available in the future. High ethical standards are required to perform LRT. In the short term, SLT and LRT are the methods more apt to increase the organ pool and thus decrease pre-transplant mortality both in children and adults.