Postoperative Supplemental Oxygen in Liver Transplantation

The Impact of Postoperative Oxygen Therapy on the Results of Liver Transplantation

The aim of this prospective randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the impact of high concentration supplemental postoperative oxygen therapy on short-term and long-term results of liver transplantation, particularly with respect to infections and biliary complications.

The aim of this prospective randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the impact of high concentration supplemental postoperative oxygen therapy on short-term and long-term results of liver transplantation, particularly with respect to infections and biliary complications. A total of 296 patients immediately after liver transplantation will be randomly assigned to receive either 80% (high concentration) or 28% (controls) fraction of inspired oxygen for 6 hours after surgery with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Patients will be blinded to the type of received intervention. Randomization will be stratified by the Child-Turcotte-Pugh classification. Both groups will be compared to short- and long-term outcome measures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• active liver transplant waitlist status

Exclusion Criteria:

• active infection at the time of transplantation
• malignancy
• cardiac arrest during transplantation
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• acute myocardial infarction