Temporary Portocaval Shunt Provides Superior Intra-operative Hemodynamics and Reduces Blood Loss and Duration of Surgery in Live Donor Liver Transplantation

Abstract

Objective: The primary objectives were to compare intra operative hemodynamic parameters, blood loss, renal function, and duration of surgery with and without TPCS in live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipients. Secondary objectives were post-operative early graft dysfunction (EGD), morbidity, mortality, total ICU and hospital stay. Background: Blood loss during recipient hepatectomy for liver transplantation (LT) remains a major concern. Routine use of temporary portocaval shunt (TPCS) during LT is not yet elucidated. Methods: A single centre, open label, randomized control trial. The sample size was calculated based on intraoperative blood loss. After exclusion, a total of 60 patients, 30 in each arm (TPCS versus no TPCS) were recruited in the trial. Results: The baseline recipient and donor characteristics were comparable between the groups. The median intra-operative blood loss (P = 0.004) and blood product transfusions (P<0.05) were significantly less in TPCS group. TPCS group had significantly improved intraoperative hemodynamics in anhepatic phase as compared to no-TPCS group (P<0.0001), requiring significantly less vasopressor support. This led to significantly better renal function as evidenced by higher intraoperative urine output in TPCS group (P=0.002). Because of technical simplicity, TPCS group had significantly fewer IVC injuries (3.3 vs. 26.7%, P=0.026) and substantially shorter hepatectomy time and total duration of surgery (529.4 ± 35.54 vs. 606.83 ± 48.13 mins, P<0.0001). ). Time taken for normalisation of lactate in the immediate post-operative period was significantly shorter in TPCS group (median, 6 h vs. 13 h; P=0.04). Although post-operative endotoxemia, major morbidity, 90day mortality, total ICU and hospital stay were comparable between both the groups, tolerance to enteral feed was earlier in the TPCS group. Conclusion: In LDLT, TPCS is a simple and effective technique that provides superior intraoperative hemodynamics and reduces blood loss and duration of surgery.