Computed tomography volumetric follow-up of graft volume in living related liver recipients.

AIM

Liver regeneration is a fascinating process that makes living related donor transplantation feasible for patients. In this study we evaluated the changes in graft volumes among living related liver transplantation (LRLT) patients using computerized tomography (CT)-assisted volumetry technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty three patients (17 adults, 16 children) who underwent liver transplantation were included in this study. Pediatric patients were referred to as group A, and adult patients were referred to as group B. The initial graft weight measured during operation was used as the initial graft volume. All patients' graft volumes were retrospectively calculated by CT volumetry technique. The data was compared with the initial graft volume in each patient. Paired samples Student t test was used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

The graft volume increased from 2.7% to 285.6% with the mean increase 78% in group A, and 10.5% to 150.8% with a mean increase of 89% in group B. These changes were significant (P<.0001) in both groups.

DISCUSSION

The liver regeneration of recipient grafts is more complicated than that of the donors. There are a limited number of reports of complete volume recovery. We observed significant volume regeneration in liver grafts after transplantation, which was easily followed by CT-assisted volumetry.