Use of percutaneous liver biopsies in marginal liver donors

Abstract

STRATEGIES to maximize availability of scarce donor organs have included evaluation of suboptimal or marginal organ donors. This may include donors over age 60; those with positive serologic markers for hepatitis B or hepatitis C; those with hypertensive, renal, or cardiac disease; and those with high-risk behavior for HIV transmission. Under some circumstances, these donors may be considered for liver donation only. Histologic examination of marginal liver-only donors by frozen section prior to transplantation can exclude some marginal donors. The liver biopsy can be performed prior to surgical recovery, and the results can be used to decide whether surgical recovery is appropriate. This study looks at the utility and cost savings to the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) when percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) frozen section evaluation is performed prior to surgical recovery in a group of marginal liver-only donors.