Update on Liver Transplants in Lebanon

Abstract

Objective—

To review all liver transplants performed at the American University of Beirut Medical Center from 1998 to present.

Materials and Methods—

From 1998 to present, 21 liver transplants (15 into adults and 6 into children) were performed at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. Of the 21 transplants, 5 were living related liver transplants.

Results—

Patient survival was 76% at 1, 5, and 10 years. Five recipients died at a median of 9 (range, 1–56) days after transplant. Causes of death included 1 case of severe cellular rejection, 1 case of portal and hepatic artery thrombosis, 1 case of intraoperative cardiac arrest, and 2 cases of primary nonfunction. Two biliary complications and 2 major vascular complications also occurred. All 16 survivors are well, with normal findings on liver function tests at a median follow-up time of 93 (range, 10–185) months after transplant.

Conclusions—

Although our numbers are small, the 10-year survival rate is comparable to reported rates for other series around the world. Deceased organ donations must be encouraged so that we can perform more transplants. As a source of organs, living related liver transplant is important; however, it cannot replace deceased donation.