Volumetric assessment of hepatic grafts using a light detection and ranging system for 3D scanning: Preliminary data

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation has evolved into a safe life-saving operation and remains the golden standard in the treatment of end stage liver disease. The main limiting factor in the application of liver transplantation is graft shortage. Many strategies have been developed in order to alleviate graft shortage, such as living donor partial liver transplantation and split liver transplantation for adult and pediatric patients. In these strategies, liver volume assessment is of paramount importance, as size mismatch can have severe consequences in the success of liver transplantation. AIM: To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and accuracy of light detection and ranging (LIDAR) 3D photography in the prediction of whole liver graft volume and mass. METHODS: Seven liver grafts procured for orthotopic liver transplantation from brain deceased donors were prospectively measured with an LIDAR handheld camera and their mass was calculated and compared to their actual weight. RESULTS: The mean error of all measurements was 17.03 g (range 3.56-59.33 g). Statistical analysis of the data yielded a Pearson correlation coefficient index of 0.9968, indicating a strong correlation between the values and a Student’s t-test P value of 0.26. Mean accuracy of the measurements was calculated at 97.88%. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data indicate that LIDAR scanning of liver grafts is a safe, cost-effective, and feasible method of ex vivo determination of whole liver volume and mass. More data are needed to determine the precision and accuracy of this method.