Resection of retrohepatic inferior vena cava without reconstruction in ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND: Retrohepatic inferior vena cava (RIVC) resection without reconstruction in ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ERAT) for advanced alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) is unclear. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of consecutive patients referred to our hospital from 2014 to 2018. Depending on the presence of a rich collateral circulation and stable blood volume in ERAT, patients did not rebuild the RIVC. Then, patients were selected some appropriate revascularization techniques for the hepatic and renal veins. Finally, all ERAT procedures were completed, and short- and long-term outcomes were observed. RESULTS: Five advanced HAE patients underwent ERAT without RIVC reconstruction. One patient died of circulatory failure 1 day after surgery. Another four patients, with a median follow-up duration of 18 months (range, 10–25 months), demonstrated normal liver and kidney function, no thrombosis and no HAE recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Through the long-term results of ERAT, the pros and cons of not reconstructing the RIVC need to be re-examined. In cases with a rich collateral circulation, the RIVC cannot be reconstructed. However, in cases requiring the resection of multiple organs, RIVC without reconstruction was prudential.