Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 1, 2025
Porcine Liver Transplantation Without Veno-Venous Bypass As an Extended Criteria Donor Model
Published on: August 17, 2022
Enhanced recovery after surgery is feasible and safe in liver transplantation: a cohort study
Jens G Hillingsø1, Andreas A Rostved1, Kristine E Dengsø1
1Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Centre of Cancer and Organ Dysfunction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Background:
The principles of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) are being applied to still more advanced procedures. Liver transplantation offers a unique opportunity for a multimodal approach including donor care as well. Our objective was to determine if ERAS was applicable and safe in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).
Methods:
A national single centre retrospective study showing the implementation of ERAS from 2013 to 2019 with the proceeding 2 years serving as baseline. The primary endpoints were mortality, length of stay (LOS) in the ward and intensive care unit stay. Secondary endpoints were complications estimated by Dindo-Clavien classification, comprehensive complication index (CCI®) and re-admissions.
Results:
A total of 334 patients were included. LOS was significantly reduced from a median of 22.5 days at introduction to 14 days at 2019. Cold ischaemia time was reduced from a mean of 10.7 to 6.0 h and the use of blood products (erythrocytes, plasma and thrombocytes) from a median of 28 to 6 units. Complications were reduced in severity. Mortality and readmission rates were not affected.
Conclusion:
ERAS principles are safe and recommended in patients undergoing OLT resulting in reduced severity of complications and LOS without affecting re-admissions or mortality.
