[Orthotopic liver transplantation: surgery research center's experience]

From 1990 to 1996, 178 patients with severe diffuse and advanced focal liver diseases with grave prognosis were observed for indications to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). According to the revealed indications and contraindications, 95 patients were enrolled for the procedure. Eighteen patients underwent 19 OLTs, including 1 urgent retransplantation and 3 living related graftings. Surgical techniques were conventional; with these, intraoperative mortality and biliary complications could be avoided. Long-term survival (6 to 68 months) was achieved in 8 recipients, including in those after liver retransplantation. Double or triple suppressive regimens were used. These included corticosteroids, cyclosporin A, azathioprine, antithymocytic globulin. The life quality of recipients promoted restoration of their working capacities. Two recipients gave birth to healthy babies.