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Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery

Published in:

01-07-2015 | Review Article

Donor liver histology—a valuable tool in graft selection

Authors: Dr. Christa Flechtenmacher, Peter Schirmacher, Peter Schemmer

Published in: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery | Issue 5/2015

Abstract

Background

Due to a tremendous organ shortage, livers from donors with extended criteria are increasingly considered for transplantation. Pathologists are more and more requested to evaluate these livers histopathologically using frozen sections at high urgency for acceptability.

Methods

This article reviews the current knowledge on pre-transplant histology in liver transplantation. Prerequisites and conditions for proper pre-transplant evaluation of donor liver tissue are discussed as well as frozen section evaluation and reporting. Data sources include the relevant medical literature, web sites specialized in organ transplantation, and the authors’ experiences in liver transplant centers.

Conclusions

Pre-transplant histopathological evaluation is a time-effective, accurate, and reliable tool to assess liver quality from candidate deceased donors. Pre-transplant biopsies are of value in the selection of donor livers for transplantation, especially in case of extended criteria donors, and should be performed more frequently in order to avoid unnecessary loss of organs suitable for transplantation and transplantation of inappropriate organs. Correlation of histopathological findings with clinical conditions is essential and requires excellent communication between pathologists, surgeons, and the other members of the transplant team.

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Title: Donor liver histology—a valuable tool in graft selection
Authors: Dr. Christa Flechtenmacher
Peter Schirmacher
Peter Schemmer
Publication date: 01-07-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery / Issue 5/2015
Print ISSN: 1435-2443
Electronic ISSN: 1435-2451
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-015-1298-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Donor liver histology—a valuable tool in graft selection

Abstract

Background

Methods

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Conclusions

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