NOTE:This video is intended to be viewed by transplant providers and referring physicians. Others interested in liver transplantation, including patients, are welcome to view it, but we caution that it contains operating room footage that is graphic. Please view this introduction for details on the video and its purpose.

The topic of this video is the side-to-side cavocavostomy technique, our preferred technique for vena cava reconstruction at the time of orthotopic liver transplant. We began to use this technique as a response to hepatic outflow problems that we saw on occasion with either the bicaval or piggyback techniques of vena cava reconstruction. We have found that the cavocavostomy technique is easy to perform and has been associated with excellent outcomes, including the elimination of the previous problems with hepatic outflow.

Watch the Side-to-Side Cavocavostomy Technique operating room video