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Liver grafts can be preserved overnight
J Vix1, P Compagnon, J P Beller
1Centre de Chirurgie Viscérale et de Transplantation, Hôpital Universitaire de Hautepierre, Strasbourg, France.
Liver Transplantation and Surgery : Official Publication of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the International Liver Transplantation Society
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Overnight cold storage of donor livers is safe for elective liver transplantation. This study found no increased risks in graft function, complications, or survival rates compared to immediate transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Transplant Surgery
- Organ Preservation
Background:
- University of Wisconsin solution enables semi-elective liver transplantation.
- Concerns exist regarding cold storage exceeding 12 hours, potentially causing biliary complications and affecting graft survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare outcomes of liver grafts preserved overnight versus those transplanted immediately.
- To evaluate the impact of cold ischemia time on liver transplant success.
Main Methods:
- A 42-month study of 133 elective orthotopic liver transplantations.
- Group A: Grafts preserved overnight (cold ischemia ~13.7 hours).
- Group B: Grafts transplanted immediately (cold ischemia ~9.5 hours).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in short-term or long-term liver function between groups.
- Similar rates of primary nonfunction, acute rejection, and complications.
- Comparable graft and patient survival rates (over 72%) in both groups.
- No ischemic-type biliary complications observed.
Conclusions:
- Overnight storage of donor livers is a viable option for elective liver transplantation.
- Cold ischemia times up to approximately 13.7 hours do not adversely affect transplant outcomes.
- Elective liver transplantation can be safely performed following overnight graft preservation.