RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Orthotopic liver transplantation is an essential approach performed in several centers around the world. Our center lies in northeastern Brazil and has performed this procedure since 2002. In 2011, 126 liver transplants were performed at our institution. METHODS: This study is a retrospective and descriptive analysis of the data collected from the medical records of those transplants. Epidemiological and clinical aspects were considered in this evaluation. The outcome analysis considered overall survival rates within 30 days and 1 year after transplantation. RESULTS: The sample of 124 patients showed 60% of all patients came from other regions, particularly the North and Midwest regions of Brazil, which had a combined population of >30 million in 2011. The most frequent etiologies for end-stage liver disease were hepatitis C and alcoholism. The average calculated MELD (Model for end-stage liver disease) was 21.0. Patient survival curves were 88.4% after 30 days and 81.5% after 1 year. CONCLUSION: The development of effective perioperative management for this procedure resulted in improved outcomes. Our center's performance is based on a multidisciplinary approach performed by qualified personnel, careful pre- and postoperative follow-up and continuous improvement of services.