Intraoperative Renal Replacement Therapy in Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Acute kidney injury in patients admitted to the hospital for liver transplantation is common, with up to 80% of pretransplant patients having some form of acute kidney injury. Many of these patients start on dialysis prior to their transplant and have it continued intraoperatively during their surgery. This review discusses the limited existing literature and expert opinion around the indications and outcomes around intraoperative dialysis (intraoperative renal replacement therapy) during liver transplantation. More specifically, we discuss which patients may benefit from intraoperative renal replacement therapy and the impact of hyponatremia and hyperammonemia on the dialysis prescription. Additionally, we discuss the complex interplay between anesthesia and intraoperative renal replacement therapy and how the need for clearance and ultrafiltration changes throughout the different phases of the transplant (preanhepatic, anhepatic, and postanhepatic). Lastly, this review will cover the limited data around patient outcomes following intraoperative renal replacement therapy during liver transplantation as well as the best evidence for when to stop dialysis. Q 2023 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.