Comparison of two different techniques of reperfusion in adult orthotopic liver transplantation

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of two reperfusion techniques on the peri-operative hemodynamic changes and early post-operative graft function of adult patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. Material and Methods: From June 2003 to May 2004, 50 consecutive liver transplants were performed and divided into two groups: Group A, 25 patients, portal vein flush with 500cm³ of Ringer's lactate without vena caval venting. Group B, 25 patients, vena caval venting with no portal vien flush. Donor and recipient characteristics were similar in both groups. Sixty-four different parameters were analyzed, and Pearson's Χ² test and t-test were used for statistical analysis, p≤0.05. Results: One patient (4%) in group B experienced a post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS). Pearson's Χ² test found a significant relationship between the analyzed parameters and the two different reperfusion techniques for 10 parameters (t-test analysis showed a significant difference between the two groups in favor of group A). Conclusions: In our transplant center, portal vein flush without vena caval venting provided a lower incidence of hemodynamic changes in the peri-operative period after liver transplantation and earlier recovery of the graft function.