BACKGROUND This study examines the types of arterial reconstruction for grafts prepared for orthotopic transplantation procedures. METHODS Between 1993 and February 2003, 200 organs were harvested for orthotopic liver transplantation. Arterial variations were found in 28 cases (14%), among which 16 cases (8%) required vascular reconstruction with 4 cases due to accidentally damaged during liver harvesting. RESULTS Among the 200 organs harvested for liver transplantation, arterial variations requiring reconstruction were found in 12 cases (6%); these included: replacing an accessory left hepatic artery from the left gastric artery (9/1 reconstruction); replacing an accessory left hepatic artery from the upper mesenteric artery (2/1 reconstruction), and replacing an accessory right hepatic artery from the upper mesenteric artery (10/10 reconstructions). The splenic artery was typically used for anastomosis (seven cases, 58.3%) as well as the gastroduodenal artery (two cases, 16.7%) or the right gastric artery (one case, 8.3%). In the remaining two cases, a more complex technique was required. CONCLUSIONS Reconstruction of graft vessels before an orthotopic liver transplantation procedure does not increase the risk of vascular complications.