Revisiting APOLT for Metabolic Liver Disease

In Brief Even though auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT) as a technique was popularized in the late 80s, its role in metabolic liver disease remains controversial. The slow progress in gene therapy research, high incidence of technical complications, and the problem of long term graft atrophy have been roadblocks to its wider application. Better understanding of reciprocal dynamics of portal flow and regeneration between the graft and native liver along with multiple refinements in surgical technique have improved the outcomes of this operation, making it a safe alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation for patients with a wide range of noncirrhotic metabolic liver diseases (NCMLD). The ability to perform APOLT safely has also opened up a range of exciting indications in the setting of NCMLD. This article reviews the current status of APOLT for NCMLD, technical refinements which have improved outcomes and novel indications, which have rekindled fresh interest in this procedure. The slow progress in gene therapy, high incidence of technical complications and the problem of long-term graft atrophy have been limitations to a wider application of auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation, but recent changes highlighted in this manuscript have resulted in improved outcomes and novel indications.