A new method of segmental orthotopic liver transplantation in children.

Orthotopic liver transplantation requires matching of the donor and recipient for size. The rarity of suitable pediatric and infant donors in many countries has resulted in the acceptance of the principle of a reduced-sized adult liver graft for children. A new method of segmental orthotopic liver transplant is described. This method involves resecting the recipient liver off the inferior vena cava, which is left in situ, and the donor hepatic vein is anastomosed end to side to the inferior vena cava. The technique allows orthotopic liver transplantation with widely mismatched sizes from adults to infants.