Paired Exchange Liver Transplantation Using an Altruistic Living Donor: First Case in Saudi Arabia-A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Organ transplantation
• Nephrology
• Surgical innovation

Background:

• Paired exchange (PE) living donor organ transplantation is an innovative strategy to increase organ availability.
• PE involves exchanging donor organs between two incompatible pairs to overcome issues like blood group or volume mismatch.
• Ethical and logistical challenges are associated with paired exchange programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first instance of paired exchange liver transplantation in Saudi Arabia.
• To explore the role of an altruistic donor (AD) in facilitating paired exchange liver transplantation.
• To assess the potential impact of PE on increasing donated liver allografts.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a paired exchange liver transplantation protocol.
• Inclusion of an altruistic donor to facilitate organ exchange between two incompatible pairs.
• Case reporting and analysis of the procedure's feasibility and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Successful execution of the first paired exchange liver transplantation in Saudi Arabia utilizing an altruistic donor.
• Demonstrated feasibility of using an altruistic donor to overcome transplantation barriers.
• Potential for paired exchange to marginally increase the number of available liver allografts.

Conclusions:

• Paired exchange liver transplantation, especially with an altruistic donor, presents a viable solution for specific donor-recipient incompatibilities.
• This approach can expand organ availability in regions like Saudi Arabia.
• Paired exchange may offer a critical solution for certain families and countries facing organ shortages.