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 500 cm(3) of Ringer's lactate without vena caval venting. Group B, 25 patients, vena caval venting with no portal vein flush. Donor and recipient characteristics were similar in both groups. Sixty-four different parameters were analyzed, and Pearson's chi(2) test and t-test were used for statistical analysis, p<or=0.05.
Results: One patient (4%) in group B experienced a post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS). Pearson's chi(2) 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.