Perspectives on abdominal organ preservation solutions: a comparative literature review

Various preservation solutions are used for kidney, liver, pancreas, small intestine, and multiorgan recoveries and transplants. The effectiveness of these solutions, primarily measured by ability to preserve the organ and graft survival, was analyzed. The 2 most common solutions used for intra-abdominal organs are University of Wisconsin Solution (UW)/Viaspan and Histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK)/Custodiol solution. Outcomes for liver, pancreas, and kidney allografts preserved with these 2 solutions are similar. Although HTK solution shows conflicting results with respect to pancreatic cellular edema, researchers in several studies have noted that HTK solution may be more protective than UW solution against biliary complications in liver transplant. In kidney recoveries, HTK solution may be associated with higher graft loss and increased delayed graft function in marginal deceased donors but had lower incidence of delayed graft function in living donors when compared with UW. UW remains the reference standard for use during multiorgan recoveries but is experiencing strong competition from HTK and other alternative solutions. Some researchers suggest that Celsior's comparable results in abdominal organs and viability for thoracic organs makes it a strong competitor, especially in multiorgan recoveries. Each solution has benefits accompanied by disadvantages. Although it may not be feasible, when considering single-organ recoveries, consideration of alternative solutions may be warranted.