Clinical analysis of tertiary liver transplantation

Objective To investigate indications and prognosis of tertiary liver transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 16 patients who were admitted to the Tianjin First Central Hospital for tertiary liver transplantation from April 2002 to April 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Results The contribution of 16 cases of tertiary liver transplantations was as follows: 6 cases due to biliary complications after retransplantation, with 1, 5-year survival rate being 50% and 16.7% respectively; 3 cases due to graft failure or poor recovery, died at the second, third and twelfth day after transplantation, respectively; 3 cases due the recurrence of liver carcinoma, died within one year, with an average survival of 260 days; 3 cases due to chronic rejection, of whom two cases died of kidney failure after 8 and 10 years, respectively, and rest one survives until now), and 1 case due to the recurrence hepatitis C, who has been survived 3079 days until now. Conclusion Patients with biliary complications and chronic rejection after retransplantation may be suitable indications of tertiary liver transplantation, and that those with graft failure, poor recovery or recurrence of liver carcinoma should be carefully chosen for tertiary liver transplantation. Key words: Liver transplantation; Tertiary; Indication; Prognosis