Navigating complex arterial reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation: the role of the splenic artery as a viable conduit
2025

Using the Splenic Artery for Liver Transplant Surgery

Sample size: 10 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hamed Hosam, Elshobary Mohamed, Salah Tarek, Sultan Ahmad M., Abou El-Magd El-sayed, Elsabbagh Ahmed M., Shehta Ahmed, Abdulrazek Mohamed, Elsarraf Waleed, Elmorshedi Mohamed A., Abdelkhalek Mostafa, Shiha Usama, El Razek Hassan Magdy Abd, Wahab Mohamed Abdel

Primary Institution: Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahleyya, Egypt

Hypothesis

Is the splenic artery a safe and effective option for hepatic arterial reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation?

Conclusion

The splenic artery is a viable conduit for hepatic arterial reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation, showing an acceptable safety profile and complication rates.

Supporting Evidence

  • The splenic artery was used in 70% of cases due to arterial dissection.
  • Post-operative complications included biliary leakage, pancreatitis, intraabdominal hemorrhage, and arterial thrombosis, each occurring in 10% of patients.
  • Mortality was 30%, with causes including thrombosis and sepsis-related complications.
  • At a median follow-up of 43 months, the survival rate was 70%.

Takeaway

Doctors can use the splenic artery to help with liver transplants when the usual arteries are not working well, and it seems to be a safe option.

Methodology

This was a retrospective cohort study of 10 patients who underwent splenic artery transposition for hepatic arterial reconstruction during liver transplantation.

Limitations

The study is limited by its small sample size and single-center scope.

Participant Demographics

The cohort included 6 men (60%) and 4 women (40%), with a median age of 50.5 years.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s12893-024-02709-4

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication