OBJECTIVETo assess the role of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in the treatment of end-stage liver diseases and to discuss the experience of the operation.

METHODSRetrospective analysis of clinical data of 71 cases of liver transplantation was performed in our hospital from April 1993 to August 2001.

RESULTSOne year survival rate of recipients with benign hepatic disease was over 75%. The survival time and life quality of malignant recipients were also improved. Lamivudine monotherapy during the operation period could reduce HBV reinfection rate. The practice of OLT without veno-venous bypass (VVB) was associated with a shorter operating time, less hemorrhape, and thus less blood transfusion during the operation compared with standard technique of OLT with routine use of VVB. The occurrence rate of biliary complications was 5.98% and vascular complication 8.96%.

CONCLUSIONSOLT should become a routine therapeutic choice for end-stage liver diseases. Lamivudine is helpful to reduce HBV reinfection after OLT in HBV-related liver diseases. OLT without VVB is safe and can be performed in the majority of adult patients. The early diagnosis and timely application of interventional radiological technique are important for the treatment of biliary and vascular complications.