Variability of Preoperatively Determined Hepatic Volumes in Potential Living Liver Donors

The aim of the study is to evaluate variability in hepatic volumes during the preoperative period in potential liver donors. Eight potential living liver donors underwent preoperative multirow-detector computed tomographic assessment of hepatic transplant volumes twice. Intraindividual delay between the two examinations range was 3–62 days (mean, 30.1 days). Liver volumes were determined in a blinded fashion by an experienced radiologist and a transplantation surgeon. Results were compared and correlated with time of data acquisition during the day. Interobserver variability for assessments of liver volumes range was 6–32 mL (mean, 16 mL). Intraindividually, the difference between the two volume assessments ranged between −103 and +45 mL (mean, −19 mL), corresponding to percentages of alteration between −7.5% and +3.2%. There was no statistical correlation evident concerning volume alterations and specific time of data acquisition. Neither time of data acquisition nor waiting period for the surgical procedure seems to affect the accuracy of liver volume calculation. Apparent volume variations likely are in the range of the method error of the applied technique.