Postreperfusion biopsy changes predict biliary complications after liver transplantation

PRESERVATION injury (PI) is a major contributor to primary allograft failure after liver transplantation (LT). However, few studies have analyzed the predictive value of postreperfusion liver biopsies for the development of graft dysfunction and late complications. Extended cold preservation has been associated with biliary strictures. Consequently, it has been postulated that the ischemiareperfusion injury may play a role in the pathogenesis of some biliary complications. This study was performed to assess whether the presence of histologic lesions on postreperfusion (0Post) allograft biopsy is a predictive factor of postoperative biliary complications. Other secondary objectives were to examine the possible relationship between 0Post biopsy features and donor data, and to correlate postreperfusion histologic findings with graft and patient outcome.