[Clinical analysis of different periods of liver transplantation at an organ transplantation centre].
OBJECTIVE
To summarize our clinical experience in liver transplantation while considering the background in this field in China.


METHODS
Ninety-five patients who had received liver transplantation from April 1993 to March 2002 were analyzed retrospectively. Three periods were defined objectively as period I (1993 - 1997), II (1999) and III (2000 - 2002). Operative techniques, recipients, original diseases, complications and survival rates were compared among the three periods.


RESULTS
Malignant liver lesions were the main cause for liver transplantation in period I and II. The ratio of number of malignant disease to total recipients decreased gradually from period I to III (100%, 53% and 35%, respectively). The 1-year survival rate in patients with benign liver disease was 85% and the total operative mortality was 5% in period III. The incidence of hepatitis B virus reactivation or reinfection was 24% twelve months after liver transplantation. Vascular complication decreased but biliary complications did not and remained a major long-standing problem. No veno-venous bypass technique was used in period III, and its advantages were obvious when comparing with those with veno-venous bypass in period I and II.


CONCLUSIONS
Strict selection of recipients, fine operative technique, familiarity with various complications and correct therapeutic methods, prophylaxis of recurrence of hepatitis B and hepatocellular carcinoma are necessary to improve long-term results of liver transplantation in China.
Liang
Ting-bo
TB
Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
Zheng
Shu-sen
SS
Wang
Wei-lin
WL
Huang
Dong-sheng
DS
Shen
Yan
Y
Zhang
Min
M
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies