Adult Donor Liver Transplantation Research Articles

A Comparative Study of the Biliary Outcome in Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy versus Duct to Duct Biliary Anastomosis in Right Lobe Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Adults

Abstract Background Recently, liver transplantation settled to be a real breakthrough in surgery as the only curable treatment to deal with fatal liver diseases. Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is the only available option in Egypt owing to the inactive deceased donor program. Most of the patients indicated for LDLT do not have the luxury of having an ideal living donor although we have big families in Egypt. Surgeons of recipient’s operation should occupy refined surgical skills and experience to reduce the risk of complications. The incidence of biliary complications (BCs) ranges from 5.3% to 40.6%. Leaks occur in 0% to 21.9% while strictures occur in 3.7% to 25.3%. Duct-to-duct anastomosis (D2D) and hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) are the two most common techniques of bile duct anastomosis in LDLT. D2D is gaining popularity over HJ, because of shorter operative time, fewer septic complications, a better physiologic gastrointestinal function and rapid recovery beside easier endoscopic approach to the reconstructed biliary tract. Patients and Methods The current surgical methodology is a prospective study with nonrandomized convenient sampling that was conducted at Liver Transplantation Unit in Air Forces Specialized Hospital and Nasser Institute for Research and Treatment, Cairo, Egypt, between August 2019 to August 2021. During this study, 40 patients candidate for LDLT was divided into two groups according to type of biliary anastomosis, group A included 20 recipients who had stentless duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis compared to group B including 20 recipients underwent Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostmy. Results A total of 40 recipients were divided into two equal groups according to biliary reocstruction into group A duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis, and group B Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostmy. The incidence of biliary related complications was higher in group A reaching 30%, double that recorded in group B (15%, p = 0.262). Upon stratification of those complications, the incidence of biliary leakage was reversed being doubled in group B 10% versus 5% in group A (p = 0.553). After exclusion of seven mortalities (one in group A and 6 in group B) who did not complete the 6 months follow-up period necessary for complete observation of BAS, there was insignificant difference between the two groups. The overall mortality was 17.5% (7 out of 8 recipients), and all died from non-biliary complication related causes. The only recipient died from biliary sepsis following ERCP and stenting for BAS, was included in the results as he died after 5 months from the operation. In a trial to understand the relation between the biliary reconstruction and the complication rate (Table 8), we found that there was a higher frequency of complications in both 1x1 and 2x2 technique in group A (33% each). In contrast, all complication happened in group B was in 1x1 technique. In addition, we could not apply the statement that the higher the number of ducts the higher the rate of complications in the study as 2 ducts grafts represent 66.7% of complications in group A compared to 100% in single duct graft in group B. Conclusion BC is a bottleneck along the path of a successful LDLT as it is multifactorial making it impossible to specify a single predictable risk factor to avoid. The advantages of D2D over HJ; especially the beneficial use of ERCP in management of complications, are buffered by the higher incidence of biliary complication that is involved with D2D. Therefore, we think that surgeons should master both reconstruction techniques and weight the risk-and-benefit case by case.

Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Adults With High Model for End-stage Liver Disease Score: The US Experience.

Outcomes after living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) at high Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores are not well characterized in the United States. This was a retrospective cohort study using Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data in adults listed for their first liver transplant alone between 2002 and 2021. Cox proportional hazards models evaluated the association of MELD score (<20, 20-24, 25-29, and ≥30) and patient/graft survival after LDLT and the association of donor type (living versus deceased) on outcomes stratified by MELD. There were 4495 LDLTs included with 5.9% at MELD 25-29 and 1.9% at MELD ≥30. LDLTs at MELD 25-29 and ≥30 LDLT have substantially increased since 2010 and 2015, respectively. Patient survival at MELD ≥30 was not different versus MELD <20: adjusted hazard ratio 1.67 (95% confidence interval, 0.96-2.88). However, graft survival was worse: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.69 (95% confidence interval, 1.07-2.68). Compared with deceased-donor liver transplant, LDLT led to superior patient survival at MELD <20 (aHR 0.92; P = 0.024) and 20-24 (aHR 0.70; P < 0.001), equivalent patient survival at MELD 25-29 (aHR 0.97; P = 0.843), but worse graft survival at MELD ≥30 (aHR 1.68, P = 0.009). Although patient survival remains acceptable, the benefits of LDLT may be lost at MELD ≥30.

Living Donor vs Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation in Adults: Clinical Results and Survival Analysis in a Latin American Transplant Center

Living Donor vs Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation in Adults: Clinical Results and Survival Analysis in a Latin American Transplant Center

Feasibility of Large Liver Grafts in Adults

IntroductionSize mismatch between donor and recipients may negatively influence postoperative results of liver transplantation (LT). In deceased donor LT for adults, large grafts are occasionally rejected due to the fear of primary nonfunction. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of using large liver grafts in adults undergoing deceased donor LT. MethodsWe performed a retrospective study including adult patients who underwent deceased donor LT at our center between January 2006 and September 2019. Recipients with donors aged less than 18 years and those receiving split-liver grafts were excluded. Graft weight of 1800 grams was the cutoff used to divide patients in 2 groups: group 1 (graft weighing < 1800 g) and group 2 (grafts weighing ≥ 1800 g). ResultsA total of 806 patients were included in the study. group 1 and 2 included 722 and 84 recipients, respectively. A larger proportion of male recipients was obseved in group 2: 64.8% vs 76.2% (P = .0037). Mean graft weight in group 1 and 2 was, respectively, 1348 ± 231.81 g and 1986.57 ± 165.51 g (P < .001), which resulted in significantly higher graft weight/recipient weight ratio and graft weight/standard liver volume ratio in group 2. In group 2, there were 9 (10.71%) patients with portal vein thrombosis as well as 24 patients (28.5%) with bulky ascites and 44 grafts (52.3%) with steatosis. Primary closure of the abdominal wall was not possible in 5 patients (5.9%) from this group. Primary nonfunction was diagnosed in 14 cases (16.6%), with liver retransplantation being performed in 6 of them. Male to female sex combination occurred in 19% of LT in group 2. ConclusionThe use of large grafts is feasible; however, proper matching between donor and recipient is paramount, especially taking into consideration graft steatosis, portal vein thrombosis and the presence of bulky ascites.

History of laparoscopic hepatectomy in donor

Laparoscopy in the field of liver resection is slowly gaining ground in recent times, from resection of small tumor’s in anterior segments to left lateral sectionectomy for pediatric liver transplant. With the advent of laparoscopy in major hepatic resections, it has now been adopted for adult living donor transplantation. The initial criticism regarding graft patency and donor safety are being countered especially by South Asian centers performing increasing number of laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy with results similar to open procedures. However, due to technical difficulties and donor safety being principal, it is recommended only in centers with expertise in both laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) and open live donor liver transplant. Supervised training under experienced mentors is required in order that the donor is able to benefit from the advantages laparoscopy has to offer.

Surgical site infection and risk factors following right lobe living donor liver transplantation in adults: A single-center prospective cohort study.

Surgical site infection (SSI) is an important cause of decreased graft survival, prolonged hospital stay, and higher costs following living donor liver transplantation. There are several risk factors for SSI. In this cohort study, we aimed to investigate the incidence of SSI at our center and the associated risk factors. Adult right lobe living donor liver transplantations were included in this prospective cohort. Patients who died postoperatively within 3days; patients with infected ascites or open abdomen, cadaveric, or pediatric transplants; and patients with biologic or cryopreserved vascular grafts were excluded. Patients' demographic characteristics and perioperative surgical findings were recorded. SSI follow-up was continued for 90days. CDC-2017 criteria were used to diagnose SSI. In the presence of superficial, deep, and organ/space SSI, only the organ in the poorest condition was included in SSI evaluation. The patients were administered similar to antibiotic prophylaxes and immunosuppressive protocols. A total of 101 patients were enrolled in this study, of which 30 (29.7%) were diagnosed with SSI. Organ/space, only deep, and only superficial SSI were noted in 90% (27/30), 6.7% (2/30), and 3.3% (1/30) of the patients, respectively. Twenty-five of 30 patients with SSI had a remote site infection. One or more bacteria observed in cultures were obtained from 28 patients. A donor-recipient age difference of >10years, cold ischemia lasting for ≥150minutes, surgical duration of ≥600minutes, intraoperative hemorrhage of ≥1000mL, intraoperative blood transfusion, biliary leak or stricture, prolonged mechanical ventilation, prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stay, remote site infection, and the need for reoperation were associated with increased SSI incidence. Preoperative and intraoperative levels of blood glucose, albumin, and hemoglobin were not associated with SSI. A donor-recipient age difference of >10years, remote site infection, and biliary leak were found to be independent risk factors for SSI. Hospital mortality with and without SSIs was 6.7% vs 4.4%, P=.61. Organ/space SSIs were the essential part of SSIs following right lobe living donor liver transplantations. Donor-recipient age gap, prolonged cold ischemia time, complicated surgery, and postoperative biliary complications were the main causes of SSIs. Although they did not increase the perioperative mortality, they promote increased rate of reoperations, remote infections, prolonged intensive care unit, and hospital stays.

Ex- Situ Posterior Graft Segmentectomy for Large-for-Size Syndrome in Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation in Adults: A Case Report.

Ex- Situ Posterior Graft Segmentectomy for Large-for-Size Syndrome in Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation in Adults: A Case Report.

Current Status of Living Donor Liver Transplantation in the United States.

Adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was introduced in response to the shortage of deceased donor liver grafts. The number of adult living donor transplants is increasing due to improved outcomes and increasing need. Advantages of LDLT include optimization of the timing of transplant, better organ quality, and lower rates of recipient mortality compared to staying on the wait list for deceased donor liver transplant. Donor safety remains the major focus when considering LDLT. Recent advancements have supported the increased use of LDLT to help decrease wait list death and improve long-term survival of transplant recipients.

Prediction of thromboembolic complications after liver resection for cholangiocarcinoma: is there a place for thromboelastometry?

: Postoperative venous thromboembolism has a poor prognosis in patients with cancer. We aimed to investigate the utility of thromboelastometry in detecting the risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with cholangiocarcinoma. We prospectively included patients submitted to liver resection for cholangiocarcinoma at our hospital between May 2011 and July 2014. Patients undergoing major hepatectomy for adult living donor transplantation in the same time period served as a control group. Thromboelastometry was performed before anesthesia. Postoperative venous thrombotic events were recorded in the 6 months after surgery. Twenty-seven patients with cholangiocarcinoma and 17 living-donor liver transplantation patients were included. Maximum clot firmness and its derivative parameter G, pointed to hypercoagulability in patients with cholangiocarcinoma, whereas all parameters were within normal ranges in controls. Six postoperative thrombotic events were recorded: four portal vein thrombosis and two deep venous thrombosis, all in patients with cholangiocarcinoma. Patients with cholangiocarcinoma who displayed thrombotic complications showed a nonsignificant trend to more pronounced hypercoagulability compared with those without. The results suggest that first, in patients with cholangiocarcinoma, despite standard thromboprophylaxis, thrombotic events remain a substantial problem, and, second, thromboelastometry may be useful in identifying patients with cholangiocarcinoma at risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism. Large prospective studies are warranted to confirm these results.

In Situ Posterior Graft Segmentectomy for Large-for-Size Syndrome in Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation in Adults: A Case Report

Large-for-size syndrome (LFSS) is controversial in pediatric living donor liver transplantation patients and is associated with a poor graft outcome. Similar situations in deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) in adults have not been reported frequently, and there are no official guidelines worldwide. Deceased donation is extremely limited in Japan, and when a larger liver is allocated for a very sick small recipient in Japan, transplantation with a plan to address LFSS might be necessary. The patient is a 58-year-old female patient who had acute liver failure with coma. The graft-recipient weight ratio (GRWR) was 2.74%. Although the graft was enlarged by reperfusion, the intraoperative Doppler ultrasound, performed after reperfusion, showed sufficient graft in-flow and out-flow. However, when the liver graft was situated appropriately into the right phrenic space supported by the rib cage and diaphragm, the blood flow in the hepatic vein and portal vein was significantly reduced. Graft blood flow did not improve without removing it from the right subphrenic space. Therefore, we decided to perform an in situ graft posterior segmentectomy, so that the graft right lobe was properly accommodated in the patient's right subphrenic space. After the segmentectomy of the graft, an intraoperative Doppler sonogram showed significantly improved blood flow. LFSS could be a significant operative challenge in adult DDLT, especially in areas with limited chances of DDLT. In situ posterior segmentectomy in the demarcated area could be a solution for treating patients with LFSS.

Analysis of the Long-term Results of Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Adults

IntroductionLiving donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an alternative to conventional transplantation given its excellent results. The aim of this study is to evaluate long-term outcomes in LDLT recipients. Methods100 consecutive THDV recipients from the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona from March 2000 to October 2015 were included. The main indication for transplantation was end-stage liver disease (58%) followed by hepatocellular carcinoma (41%). 95% of grafts consisted of the right liver of the donor and the 5% of the left liver. ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 65.5 months, patient and graft survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 93%, 80% and 74% and 90%, 76%, and 71%, respectively. The overall re-transplant rate was 9%. The most common long-term complication was biliary stenosis (40%) with an average time of onset of 13.5±12 months, with repeated admissions and an average of 1.9±2 endoscopic procedures and 3.5±3 Radiological procedures per patient. The definitive treatment was radiological dilation in 40% of cases, surgical intervention in 22.5% and re-transplantation in 7.5%. ConclusionsGiven the long-term results, LDLT is confirmed as an alternative to conventional transplantation. However, the high rate of late biliary complications involves repeated admissions and invasive treatments that, while not compromising survival, can affect the patient's quality of life.

Left lobe living donor liver transplantation in adults: What is the safety limit?

Small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) is the most significant cause of graft loss after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), especially after left lobe (LL) LDLT in adults. The safety limit of applying LL-LDLT in adults without severe SFSS with a high rate of lethality needs to be determined. A total of 207 LL-LDLTs in adults since September 2005 were evaluated to analyze the risk factors for severe SFSS, defined as a serum total bilirubin concentration of ≥20.0 mg/dL after LDLT. Although there were no significant differences in cumulative graft survival after LDLT between medium grafts (graft volume [GV] to standard liver volume [SLV] ratio ≥ 40.0%), small grafts (35.0% ≤ GV/SLV < 40.0%), and extra small grafts (GV/SLV < 35.0%), patients with severe SFSS showed a significantly lower 5-year graft survival rate than those without (42.9% versus 94.3%, respectively; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis for severe SFSS after LL-LDLT showed that donor age of ≥48 years (P = 0.01), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score of ≥ 19 (P < 0.01), and end portal venous pressure of ≥19 mm Hg (P = 0.04) were the significant and independent factors for severe SFSS after LL-LDLT. Within such high-risk subgroups of patients with a donor age of ≥48 years or MELD score of ≥ 19 before LDLT, operative blood loss volume of ≥8.0 L was a risk factor for severe SFSS. LL-LDLT in adults could be indicated and provide acceptable outcomes for the combinations of donors aged < 48 years and recipients with a MELD score of <19. Smaller grafts might yield acceptable outcomes in appropriately selected donor-recipient combinations. Liver Transplantation 22 1666-1675 2016 AASLD.

Endoscopic management of biliary complications after liver transplantation: An evidence-based review.

Biliary tract diseases are the most common complications following liver transplantation (LT) and usually include biliary leaks, strictures, and stone disease. Compared to deceased donor liver transplantation in adults, living donor liver transplantation is plagued by a higher rate of biliary complications. These may be promoted by multiple risk factors related to recipient, graft, operative factors and post-operative course. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is the first-choice examination when a biliary complication is suspected following LT, in order to diagnose and to plan the optimal therapy; its limitations include a low sensitivity for the detection of biliary sludge. For treating anastomotic strictures, balloon dilatation complemented with the temporary placement of multiple simultaneous plastic stents has become the standard of care and results in stricture resolution with no relapse in > 90% of cases. Temporary placement of fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMSs) has not been demonstrated to be superior (except in a pilot randomized controlled trial that used a special design of FCSEMSs), mostly because of the high migration rate of current FCSEMSs models. The endoscopic approach of non-anastomotic strictures is technically more difficult than that of anastomotic strictures due to the intrahepatic and/or hilar location of strictures, and the results are less satisfactory. For treating biliary leaks, biliary sphincterotomy and transpapillary stenting is the standard approach and results in leak resolution in more than 85% of patients. Deep enteroscopy is a rapidly evolving technique that has allowed successful treatment of patients who were not previously amenable to endoscopic therapy. As a result, the percutaneous and surgical approaches are currently required in a minority of patients.

Independent Risk Factors for Massive Ascites After Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Adults

ObjectivesThis study sought to define the perioperative recipient and donor factors that contribute to the occurrence of massive ascites after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in adults. MethodsA retrospective review of medical records and computerized databases was performed, and 105 adult patients who underwent LDLT from 2005 to 2011 in the West China Hospital, Sichuan University, were included. Patients were divided into group 1 (n = 27, massive ascites defined as >7000 mL of ascitic fluid produced during the first 7 days after LDLT) or group 2 (n = 78, no massive ascites). Perioperative recipient and donor factors were assessed using a univariate analysis followed by 2 logistic regression analyses. ResultsThe recipients' median age was 44 years (range, 27 to 69 years), and the male-to-female ratio was 92:13. Massive ascites developed in 27 patients (25.7%). The average amount of ascites in group 1 and group 2 patients within the first 7 postoperative days was 11,285 mL and 3311 mL, respectively. The univariate analysis showed that recipient's age, primary liver disease, preoperative MELD score, Child-Pugh score, operating time, postoperative sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, postoperative total bilirubin, right hepatic vein graft diameter, and hepatic portal vein graft diameter were significantly different between the 2 groups (P < .05). The 2 logistic regressions showed that the Child-Pugh score, operating time, and right hepatic vein graft diameter were independent risk factors for massive ascites after LDLT. ConclusionIt is important to improve the perioperative liver function and portal hypertension and to shorten operating time to reduce massive ascites after LDLT.

Biliary Reconstruction and Complications in Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare outcomes of different techniques used for biliary reconstruction in adult donor liver transplantation. MethodsWe searched the literature via Pubmed, Embase, Ovid, the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Regsistry, the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Library database, and Web of Science. Then with the data extracted from the literature, the effects that biliary reconstruction techniques in living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) had on the occurrence of biliary complications were compared. With the use of random-effects and fixed-effect models, the results were obtained and expressed as odds ratio. ResultsWe found 16 eligible studies from various medical centers around the world. Duct-to-duct (DD) reconstruction was performed in the majority of patients (922/1,564). Multiple biliary ducts were encountered in 16.7%–60.4%, and ductoplasty was performed in 7.9%–74% of the patients. Both graft and posterior layer of bile duct anastomosis in DD reconstruction were studied, and no statistically differences in incidence of biliary complications were found between the Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) and DD groups. Nonsurgical management of biliary complications was the first choice of treatment. ConclusionsOur study found that there is no clear evidence in favor of using DD or RYHJ during adult LDLT.

Improvement of Hypoxemia by Administering Inhaled Nitric Oxide after Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Adults with Hepatopulmonary Syndorome

Introduction: Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) has been well known to be a good indication for liver transplantation. The hypoxemia can reverse with a high, but slow rate after liver transplantation, therefore the post-operative management for hypoxemia is important and effective treatment modalities are required. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) has been reported to be effective for hypoxemia of patients with pulmonary disease. There were a few reports describing the efficacy of iNO for patients with HPS after liver transplantation. We experienceed 2 adult cases in which iNO improved PaO2 during intensive ventilation support after liver transplantation for with the treatment of HPS. Procedure: Recipients were treated with mechanical ventilation support at the intensive care unit after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The iNO was added to the ventilator circuit at a concentration ranging from 1 to 10 ppm. The iNO concentration was tapered down eventually, and the mechanical ventilation support was terminated when supplemental oxygen sufficiently weaned down without iNO. Case presentation: Case #1 was a 56-year-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated to hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis. His preoperative resting PaO2 level in room air was 52.4 mm Hg, and intrapulmonary shunting was detected by echocardiogram with microbubbles. He underwent LDLT using a left hemi-liver graft donated by his son. The iNO was introduced immediately after LDLT, and PaO2 level was maintained above 80 mm Hg. The iNO concentration was uneventfully tapered down, and extubation was safely executed on postoperative day (POD) 3. He was discharged home from our hospital with home oxygenation treatment (HOT) on POD 57. He became free from HOT and the micro-bubble test turned out to be negative on POD 115. Case #2 was a 60-year-old woman with liver cirrhosis associated to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Her preoperative resting PaO2 level in room air was 48 mm Hg, and her intrapulmonary shunting ratio was calculated at 39% using technetium-99-labeled macroaggregated albumin scintigraphy. She underwent LDLT using a left hemi-liver graft donated by her son. The iNO was introduced immediately after LDLT and the PaO2 was maintained above 80 mmHg by 80% O2 supply with 7 ppm of iNO. Extubation was finally executed on POD 9 although it was difficult to taper iNO because of hypoxemia. She developed severe hypoxemia with 40 mm Hg of the resting PaO2 while breathing 100% O2 on POD 44. Although she required re-intubation, re-introducing iNO dramatically improved PaO2. She repeatedly develop hypoxemia when the iNO was tapered down to 0.5 ppm, however, we finally accomplished extubation on POD 55. She was discharged home from our hospital with HOT on POD 106. She became free from HOT and her intrapulmonary shunting ratio improved to 15% on POD 180. Conclusion: The iNO added to the ventilation circuit, improved hypoxemia after LDLT for adult patients with HPS. The iNO might be an alternative to support ventilation in post-operative periods when uncontrollable hypoxemia occurs in recipients with HPS.

Transumbilical portal venous catheterization: a useful adjunct in left lobe living donor liver transplantation

To improve the processes used for perfusion of the explanted graft and measuring the portal venous pressure (PVP) in adult living donor transplantation (LDLT), we performed transumbilical portal venous catheterization (TPVC) to reopen the umbilical vein and insert the catheter for seven adult patients undergoing left lobe LDLT. There were no major complications as a result of this procedure. This procedure prior to implanting the graft was derived from our experience and is a classic diagnostic technique used during liver surgery. It is a simple and effective procedure for perfusion and washout of the graft and for the safe monitoring of the intraoperative PVP. We hope that this technique for left lobe LDLT will be helpful to others using postoperative PVP monitoring, administration of therapeutic drugs through the portal vein, and temporal portal decompression by preparation of extracorporeal shunting in patients with a small-for-size graft.

Living donor liver transplantation in adults in the MELD era in Germany - a multi-center retrospective analysis

The aim of this analysis was to provide an update on the current trend in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for adult recipients in the model of end stage liver disease (MELD) era in Germany and to encourage a wider implementation of LDLT. We descriptively analysed the data of LDLTs in Germany from 15 December 2006 to 31 December 2009 using a multi-center retrospective analysis via a questionnaire and data provided by Eurotransplant. Ten German centers performed LDLTs in adults. Eighty four transplantations in 50 male recipients and 34 female recipients were performed during the review period, ranging from 1 to 16 LDLTs per center. Hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhosis (15/84) was the most common transplantation indication. The recipient mean lab-MELD score was 15 (±8). Six re-transplantations were necessary after initial LDLTs. The 1-year patient survival was 81%. We obtained data of 79/84 donors. The incidence of complications was 30.4% (n = 24). There were no grade 5 complications according to the Clavien classification. LDLT is an established treatment option that may reduce the waiting time, provides high quality split liver grafts and should be advocated in the MELD era to reduce organ shortage and 'death on the waiting list'.

Trasplante hepático en el adulto procedente de donante vivo

Living donor liver transplantation in adults continues to be controversial. Viewed as an alternative to prevent deaths on the waiting list, this type of transplant is the only possibility in Asian countries (Japan, Korea, China, etc) but is not widely applied in the west. This intervention is associated with significant donor morbidity (depending on the scale of the intervention) and mortality which, although sporadic, reduces its acceptance, especially in a context with high cadaveric donation. Outcomes in recipients are similar to those in cadaveric transplant recipients, although the high incidence of biliary complications could compromise long-term results. We describe the experience of Hospital Clínic in a total of 67 transplant recipients. Graft and patient survival at 1 and 5 years was 90.7%, 70.3%, 90.7% and 77.6%, respectively. Although the frequency of biliary complications was high (37.3%), death from sepsis and retransplantation only occurred in two patients.

Effects of ascorbic acid on coagulation during living donor liver transplantation in adults

Background: Prompt correction of hemostatic and thrombotic derangements during liver transplantation can play a key role in preventing excessive blood transfusion or thrombotic complications. It is well known that reactive oxygen species can affect coagulant and anticoagulant systems. Therefore, we investigated whether ascorbic acid (AA), one of potent antioxidant agents, can improve the coagulation during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Methods: Thirty three adult patients undergoing LDLT were enrolled in this study. The blood samples of these patients were collected at 90 minutes after the beginning of operation and at 150 and 300 minutes after reperfusion. At each time period, blood samples were categorized into hypocoagulation, normal, and hypercoagulation. Within each category, the samples were further divided into three groups: whole blood (WB) (0.36 ml of native WB), AA (0.33 ml of native WB mixed with 0.03 ml of AA solution), and normal saline (NS) groups (0.33 ml of n ative WB mixed with 0.03 ml of NS), and these samples were analyzed using thromboelastogram (TEG). We compared the parameters of TEG (γ time, K time, α angle, maximum amplitude (MA), and LY60) in each coagulation status. Results: AA did not significantly affect TEG parameters in hypocoagulation or normal coagulation during LDLT. However, AA significantly decreased γ time, α angle and MA at 150 minutes, and, K time and α angle at 300 minutes after reperfusion in the blood samples of hypercoagulation category. Conclusions: We may conclude that ascorbic acid inhibits hypercoagulation after reperfusion period during living donor liver transplantation. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2008; 55: 441∼5)