Experience in liver retransplantation in 28 cases

Abstract

Objective To summarize the clinical experience in liver retransplantation. Methods The clinical data of 24 patients receiving liver retransplantation 28 times in this hospital were retrospectively analyzed and discussed with relevant literature. Results Among the 880 consecutive liver transplantations, 28(3.18%) had liver retransplantation. The causes of liver retransplantation were biliary complications ( 16 cases, 57. 1%), carcinoma recurrece (6 cases, 21. 4%), hepatic artery thrombosis (4 cases, 14. 3%), chronic rejection (1 case, 3. 6%), primary nonfunction (1 case, 3.6%). Thirteen patients among the 24 were discharged healthy and were followed up for 51days to 67months. Eleven patients died. Three of them died of hemorrhagic shock, 2 of septic shock, 2 of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence, 2 of cardiovascular system complication, 1of nervous system complication, and 1 of hepatic artery thrombosis. Conclusion Liver retransplantation can effectively save patients with graft failure. Proper indication, optimal operating time, improvement of operative skills,and appropriate treatment during the perioperative period are very important for promoting the rate of successful liver retransplantation. Key words: Liver transplantation; Retransplantation