THE COURSE OF SHIPPED LIVERS USED AS FULL-SIZE, REDUCED OR SPLIT GRAFTS

A total of 110 transplants, 66 in adults (8 retransplants) and 30 in c hildren (6 retransplants) were analysed according to the origin of the graft (shipped n = 39 - non-shipped i.e. self procured n = 71) and th e way they were transplanted (as full size grafts (FS) n = 82, reduced size grafts (RED) n = 23 or split grafts (SG) n = 5). Twenty-nine tra nsplants were performed for urgent and Si for elective indications. Th ere was a statistically higher incidence of 2 or more risk factors In the donors that were selfprocured (non shipped) than in donors from sh ipped livers (p = 0.025). The overall 3 months graft survival was 79.5 % for shipped livers versus 69% for non-shipped Livers and patients su rvival was 89.2% versus 79.0% respectively after 3 months and 82.9% ve rsus 74.4% after 40 months. From these results that were analysed with risk. factors of the donors, cold ischaemia time and liver function t ests in recipients, transplanted for acute and elective indications, i t is concluded that shipping of grafts is a practical and safe procedu re even if size reduction or the use of SG is intended.