Selection of a right posterior sector graft for living donor liver transplantation

Right posterior sector (RPS) grafts have been used to overcome graft size discrepancies, the major concern of living donor liver transplantation. Previous studies have reported the volumetry-based selection of RPS grafts without anatomical exclusion. We reviewed our data and established selection criteria for RPS grafts. The procurement of RPS grafts conventional (n = 3) and extended (n = 5) was performed for 8 of 429 recipients at our center. Extended RPS grafts contained the drainage area of the right hepatic vein. The mean graft weight (GW) according to 3-dimensional computed tomography volumetry was 488 g, and the GW/standard liver weight (SLW) ratio was 42.6%. The mean actual GW was 437 g, and the GW/SLW ratio was 38.4%. One donor exhibited standard bifurcation of the right portal vein (PV) and the left PV, and 2 donors exhibited trifurcation of the left PV, the right anterior portal vein (APV), and the posterior PV. The remaining 5 donors exhibited APV branching from the left PV, which is the most suitable anatomy for RPS grafts. Two recipients died of sepsis or small-for-size graft syndrome. One underwent retransplantation because of an intractable bile leak and fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis. Intractable bile duct (BD) stenosis developed in 4 of the 6 survivors. In conclusion, with the significant complications and potential concerns associated with RPS grafts, these grafts should be used very rarely and with extreme caution. Donors with the standard bifurcation of the PV and the posterior BD running through the dorsal side of the posterior PV are not suitable candidates for RPS grafts. Extended RPS graft procurement is recommended for easier parenchymal transection.