From Normal Renal Function to Renal Replacement Therapy after Liver Transplantation: A Case Report

Abstract

Postoperative renal failure significantly impacts long-term renal function and the overall survival of patients receiving liver transplantation (LT), being a crucial factor in their morbidity and mortality. It is difficult to define whether the causes of renal failure are solely related to surgery or anaesthesia during liver transplantation (LT). Indeed, liver disease requiring liver transplantation is often the cause of preoperative renal failure. We report a case of a 62-year-old patient undergoing LT for cholangiocarcinoma that led to acute kidney injury postoperatively while his preoperative renal function was normal. This report highlights the major influence that the surgical and anaesthetic procedure can have on renal function and identifies the factors that may have led to renal replacement therapy being required for this patient.

Keywords

• liver transplantation
• acute kidney injury
• veno-venous bypass
• piggyback technique
• anaesthesia