A single center experience of combined liver and kidney transplantation:a report of 22 cases and review of literature

Objective To summarize the clinical experience of combined liver and kidney transplantation (CLKT). Methods CLKT was performed on 22 patients. The orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) was preceded with the classic fashion in 10 patients and piggyback fashion in 12 patients. The renal allograft was implanted to the iliac fossa routinely. After operation, the patients received an induction therapy with anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody or antithymocyte globulin ( ATG) and a maintenance therapy with tacrolimus (Tac), mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone. Results The CLKT was successfully performed on all 22 patients, and the graft function was restored well postoperation. During the perioperative period, an acute rejection episode of liver occurred in one patient and acute renal allograft rejection episode in 2 patients. The Tac toxicity occurred in one patient. The hemorrhage of digestive tract occurred in one recipient and the hemorrhage of peritoneal cavity in one patient. The pleural effusion occurred in 6 recipients. The pneumonia occurred in 2 cases and the peritoneal infection in one patient During a follow-up period of 6 months to 7 years 11 months, three patients died because of cytomegalovirus pneumonia in 2 patients and acute myocardial infarction in, one patient, The 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rate of recipients was 86,4 %, 81.3 %, 72.7 % respectively. Conclusion The CLKT is an effective method for treatment of patients with end-stage liver djsease and chronic renal failure. Key words: Liver;  Kidney;  Organ transplantation