A Propensity Score Matched Pair Analysis of Retrograde Reperfusion Versus Antegrade Liver Transplant Reperfusion

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed comparing patients that had intra operative antegrade liver reperfusions versus patients that had retrograde liver perfusion. Antegrade Reperfusion(ATR) group: after completing the caval replacement or piggy-back, for IVC anastomosis, Portal vein (PV) anastomosis was done with a running suture as normal fashion, then it was followed by the removal the clamps, starting by the supra hepatic VC, followed by the PV clamp and finally the infrahepatic VC. It was followed by arterial anastomosis and the biliary anastomosis (duct-to-duct if possible). Retrograde group (RETR): after completing the piggyback the IVC was declamped immediately and retrograde low pressure reperfusion of the graft with low oxygenated venous blood was established. Central venous pressure was intended to be higher than in 8 mmHg to enable appropriate retrograde reperfusion in the transplanted liver. Significant venous backflow via portal vein appears immediately after declamping. Venous bleeding from the liver except portal backflow was stopped immediately after declamping the venous anastomosis, as appropriate. Portal vein anastomosis was performed using running suture. It was followed by arterial anastomosis and the biliary anastomosis (duct-to-duct if possible). The endpoints are patient survival and graft survival at 1, 3,5, 10 years post liver transplantation in both groups. To adjust for a selection bias, we will perform a propensity score analysis.