Open AccessLiver Transplantation, Including the Concept of Reduced-size Liver Transplants in Children
Author(s) -
Christoph E. Broelsch,
Jean C. Emond,
J. Richard Thistlethwaite,
Peter F. Whitington,
Aaron R. Zucker,
Alfred L. Baker,
Peter P. Aran,
Dale Rouch,
J. Lance Lichtor
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
annals of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.153
H-Index - 309
eISSN - 1528-1140
pISSN - 0003-4932
DOI - 10.1097/00000658-198810000-00003
Subject(s) - medicine , liver transplantation , mortality rate , transplantation , donation , organ donation , survival rate , surgery , pediatrics , economics , economic growth
Since the establishment of a clinical program in liver transplantation in 1984, 162 liver transplants have been performed in 131 patients (78 adults, 53 children). The patient mortality rate while waiting for a suitable organ has been 8% for adults and only 4% for children (25-46% reported in the literature). The low pediatric mortality is a result of the use of reduced-size liver transplants. A total of 14 procedures have been performed in recipients whose clinical condition was deteriorating and for whom no full-size graft could be located. Of 14 children, 13 were less than 3 years of age. Patient survival is 50%, comparable to survival of high-risk recipients of full-size livers. Using reduced-size liver grafting in a transplant program can lower mortality for children awaiting a transplant by overcoming size disparity. Reduced-size liver grafting will allow more effective use of donor resources and provide a potential avenue of research for organ splitting and living related donation.