Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Technique of Subnormothermic Ex Vivo Liver Perfusion for the Storage, Assessment, and Repair of Marginal Liver Grafts
Published on: August 13, 2014
Back Bench Time: The Hidden Factor of Ischemia in Liver Transplantation
Insights
Back bench time (BBT) significantly impacts liver transplant outcomes by contributing to warm and cold ischemia times. Further research is needed to establish safe BBT thresholds and understand its effect on graft survival and post-transplant complications.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation Surgery
- Organ Preservation
- Ischemia Research
Background:
- Prolonged warm ischemia time (WIT) and cold ischemia time (CIT) negatively affect liver transplant outcomes.
- Back bench time (BBT) is a component of the overall ischemia period that may contribute to WIT and CIT.
- BBT is increasingly recognized as a potential factor in post-transplant complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on back bench time (BBT) in liver transplantation.
- To assess the impact of BBT on graft ischemia and post-transplant outcomes.
- To identify gaps in current research regarding BBT.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of major databases.
- Inclusion of studies comparing normothermic machine perfusion and static cold storage with measured ischemia times and outcomes.
- Selection of 18 studies, with only two specifically addressing BBT.
Main Results:
- Limited data exists specifically on back bench time (BBT) in liver transplantation.
- BBT is a modifiable component of ischemia that may be influenced by surgical factors.
- The precise impact of BBT on outcomes like early allograft dysfunction (EAD), وهو, and graft survival remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- Back bench time (BBT) is a potentially significant and modifiable factor in liver transplant ischemia.
- Further in-depth studies are required to determine safe BBT thresholds.
- Understanding BBT's effect on post-transplant outcomes is crucial for improving patient and graft survival.
Abstract:
Ischemia time is a well-established determinant of liver transplant outcomes. Patient survival is substantially affected by prolonged warm (WIT) and cold ischemia time (CIT) of the graft during liver transplant. One component that may be a contributing factor to both WIT and CIT is back bench time (BBT). We have identified BBT as a potentially significant underlying cause of post transplant complications. A literature search was performed using the major available databases. Articles comparing grafts using normothermic machine perfusion and static cold storage with measured WIT and CIT, and post-transplant outcomes, were included. A total of 18 studies were selected; however, we were only able to identify two studies that refer to BBT. In this systematic review, we conclude BBT is a modifiable factor of ischemia that may be impacted by the surgeon experience and requires more in depth studies to fully understand a safe threshold and its effect on post transplant outcomes such as EAD, IC, and graft survival.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
01:16Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management