LAUSR

We read with interest the article by Makki et al[1], in which they have analysed the caudate lobe biliary anatomy in 500 living liver donors and stressed its importance in reducing post-operative bile leaks. A clear understanding of liver anatomy and improvements in cross-sectional imaging have contributed extensively to the success of split liver transplantation (SLT) and living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The early experience of SLT and LDLT saw a high incidence of bile leaks attributed to cut surface leaks. In 2008, based on a vast experience in SLT, the senior author of this communication, from Kings college hospital, London proposed an explanation for the high incidence of bile leaks in segmental liver transplantation based on an understanding of the biliary anatomy of caudate lobe. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.