Introduction: In the living donor liver transplant (LDLT) one of the preoperative evaluation stage is the calculation of graft-recipient-weight ratio (GRWR) and remnant liver volume. According to the our criteria, the remnant volume should be at least 40% and the GRWR should be at least 1%. We aimed to determine the accuracy of pre-operative computed tomography (CT) graft measurements with actual graft weights in LDLTs in our centers.
Material and Methods: Since 1988, 760 liver transplants have been performed by our team. Of these 760 liver transplants, 543 (71,4%) were LDLTs. All living donors are related to their recipients. Preoperative CT angiography (CTA) images and intraoperative graft weights were analyzed retrospectively.
Results: Three hundred six (56.3%) of 543 donors were female and 237 (43.7%) were male. The mean age of donors was 44 ± 8.5 years. The mean weights of donors was 76 ± 12.5 kg. Of the donor hepatectomies, 47% (n=256) were left hepatectomy, 32 % (n=173) right hepatectomy and 20.9% (n=114) left lateral hepatectomy. The mean total liver volume of donors measured by CT was 1555.41 ± 235 cm3. The mean graft volüme was 519.41 ± 250 cm3 and the mean graft weight was 507.37 ± 242 cm3 When we measured the graft weights during surgery, we found that its ratio to the volume measurements made radiologically was 1.03. Remnant liver volume in donors was 64.28 ± 15.7% of the total volume.
Conclusion: To prevent, small-for-size or large-for-size for the recipient and liver failure for the donor, preoperative radiological assessment of the donor's liver is very important.