Experience of Virgen De Las Nieves University Hospital in Liver Transplantation Using Uncontrolled and Controlled Donors after Cardiac Death

Abstract

The imbalance between the number of candidates to liver transplantation (LT) and the number of liver grafts (LG), leads to increase waiting list mortality. Due to this, it is necessary to explore new donation sources in order to expand the donor pool.The use of LG from donors after cardiac death (DCD) is an alternative source of donation with a promising and interesting potential.The aim of this study is to describe initial outcomes of our experience with uncontrolled and controlled DCD. An observational, prospective study was conducted to analyze the variables of ten cases in this donation types in our center, from 2011 to November 2014.After the analysis of results, we have only obtained two deaths (one in each group). Actually, the other patients are alive without any complications.Owing to low specific complications rate and high survival rate, we conclude that, in spite of the limited size in our serie, results coincide with which has found in larger series. Hence, we propound to use this alternative donors source. It is capable to satisfy an ever-growing demand, with promising outcomes. However, DCD shall not replace conventional donors.