Application of combined liver-intestinal transplantation as a staged procedure.

ABSTRACT

Liver-intestinal transplantation is a complex surgical procedure that historically has required prolonged operative periods. This report is the first series where liver-intestinal transplantation was performed as a staged procedure. Specifically, allograft reperfusion was followed by resuscitation and stabilization in an intensive care unit before completion of the transplant procedure. Triage of recipients to the intensive care unit following allograft reperfusion was determined at the time of operation and was based upon the clinical condition of the recipient including hemodynamic stability, evidence of coagulopathy, and assessment of early liver function. Medical stabilization was followed by completion of the transplant procedure and definitive abdominal closure within 72 hours. The application of combined liver-intestinal transplantation as a staged procedure demonstrated no effect upon early graft function, incidence of complications, or ability to perform a definitive abdominal closure.