PULMONARY GAS-EXCHANGE DURING ORTHOTOPIC LIVER-TRANSPLANTATION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of pulmonary gas exchange during the course of liver transplantation. We studied 25 adu lt cirrhotic patients undergoing transplantation, performed with venov enous bypass. A significant increase in Pa-O2, and a significant decre ase in physiological shunt and alveolar-arterial partial pressure diff erence were observed just before the start of venovenous bypass. These changes were probably caused by modifications in respiratory mechanic s, such as an increase in functional residual capacity. There were no other respiratory changes during the anhepatic and post-anhepatic phas es.