Sling suspension of the liver in donor operation: a gradual tape-repositioning technique

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Abstract
To control bleeding in the deeper parenchymal plane in right hepatectomy, Belghiti et al. (J Am Coll Surg 2001;193:109) proposed a liver-hanging maneuver using a sling passed between the anterior surface of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the liver parenchyma. We applied this technique in donor operations in which a hepatic parenchymal transection should be performed before dividing the feeding or draining vessels for the graft. After passing a tape between the liver and the IVC, the lower tip of the tape is pulled up behind the hepatic hilum to enable effective traction of the dorsal part of the liver. To preserve significant middle hepatic vein (MHV) tributaries in right-liver graft, the tape is gradually repositioned behind the veins, and parenchymal transection is completed before dividing the venous tributaries. Congestion of the graft is minimal until harvest. In right hepatectomy with the MHV, the tape is switched behind the MHV to preserve the MHV. Since March 2000, this technique has been used in 71 consecutive donor operations, including 37 right hepatectomies without the MHV, 8 right hepatectomies with the MHV, 20 left hepatectomies with the caudate lobe, and 6 right lateral sectorectomies. Taping behind the liver was successful in all but one donor (98.6%). There were no major complications related to this procedure. This new approach to the sling suspension of the liver with a gradual tape manipulation facilitated the suspending action and was useful in four types of donor operation. These techniques are feasible in most living donors and are recommended as basic procedures to enhance the safety of the donor and the quality of the graft.