Reconstruction of the hepatic vein using a patch graft from the autologous pericardium.

We describe a patch graft technique using the autologous pericardium for reconstruction of the right hepatic vein after hepatectomy. A male patient underwent hepatectomy for removal of metastatic tumors from colon cancer. A 2.5-cm-diameter tumor, which was located in the antero-superior segment (S8) of the right lobe, invaded the right hepatic vein. A patch graft was obtained from the autologous pericardium. After clamping of the proximal and distal parts of the right hepatic vein invaded by the cancer, part of the anterior wall, measuring 2.0 x 1.5 cm, was resected. The patch fitted the defect in the right hepatic vein well and was sutured in place using running sutures of 6-0 Proline. Its patency was maintained 14 months after surgery. This technique can be applied for reconstruction after partial resection of a vein in this and other sites.