The role of reconstructive microsurgeons in liver transplantation—a narrative review

Abstract

Background and Objective Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure, but also associated with complications. Hepatic artery thrombosis is one of the most devastating complications, especially for living donor liver transplantation. The application of microsurgical techniques for hepatic artery reconstruction has greatly reduced the risk of hepatic artery thrombosis. In this narrative review, we discuss the technical considerations and challenges faced in microsurgical reconstruction of hepatic artery in liver transplantation. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for keywords relating to “liver transplantation”, “microsurgery”, “living donor liver transplantation”, “deceased donor liver transplantation”, “hepatic artery”, “hepatic artery thrombosis”, “hepatic artery reconstruction” and “microsurgical anastomosis”. Relevant articles pertaining to the technical considerations and challenges of microsurgery in liver transplantation were included. Key Content and Findings The conditions of liver transplantation pose unique challenges to the microsurgeon. Nonetheless, there are described strategies that can overcome these conditions, as well as technical details that may improve the outcomes of hepatic artery reconstruction. These strategies start from proper positioning of the patient, conscientious selection of donor and recipient hepatic vessels, and minimizing movements during critical microsurgical anastomosis. Technical details include techniques to overcome vessel delamination, size mismatch, poor quality vessels, and short vessel stump. This review also explores the outcomes of microsurgical hepatic arterial reconstruction. Conclusions There are various strategies to mitigate the challenges of microsurgery in liver transplant. Microsurgery improves the outcome of liver transplantation. Microsurgeons will continue to be a priceless resource that all liver transplant teams should have.