Liver transplantation in polysplenia syndrome : Use of a living-related donor

Congenital anatomic anomalies often present technical obstacles during liver transplants. Biliary atresia is the most common indication for liver transplants in children, and approximately 7-10% of these patients have congenital anomalies comprising the "polysplenia syndrome." The polysplenia syndrome, which often includes abdominal situs inversus, is of particular concern in liver transplants because these anatomic anomalies result in a more complex hepatectomy, alterations in the placement of the donor grafts, and the need for additional vascular reconstruction. Earlier reports have shown mixed results for these patients who have undergone orthotopic liver transplants, reporting a high rate of postoperative complications and poor survival. The use of living-related donor grafts has produced excellent results in the general pediatric population. This is the first report of the successful use of a living-related donor graft for an orthotopic liver transplant to treat end-stage liver disease secondary to biliary atresia in a child with polysplenia syndrome.