Transplantation direct
Impact of Elderly Donors on Patient Survival and Postoperative Complications in Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Study
By Li L, Yu J, Sun C and 2 others.
Abstract
Background
Liver transplantation is the gold standard treatment for end-stage liver disease, yet approximately 23% of candidates die or are removed from the waitlist because of organ shortages. To expand the donor pool, elderly donors are increasingly used, but their impact on outcomes and postoperative complications remains controversial. Livers from elderly donors often show reduced regenerative capacity and diminished blood flow, which may increase posttransplant risks.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 950 adult deceased-donor liver transplantations performed at Huashan Hospital between August 1, 2017, and November 30, 2023. Recipients were divided into an elderly donor group (≥60 y; n = 201) and a younger donor group (<60 y; n = 749). The study compared overall survival, disease-free survival for hepatocellular carcinoma, and various complications.