Pivalizza, Evan G.

AbstractIntroductionLiver transplant anesthesiology is an evolving and expanding subspecialty, and programs have, in the past, exhibited significant variations of practice at transplant centers across the United States. In order to explore current practice patterns, the Quality & Standards Committee from the Society for the Advancement of Transplant Anesthesia (SATA) undertook a survey of liver transplant anesthesiology program directors.MethodsProgram directors were invited to participate in an online questionnaire. A total of 110 program directors were identified from the 2018 Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database. Replies were received from 65 programs (response rate of 59%).ResultsOur results indicate an increase in transplant anesthesia fellowship training and advanced training in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). We also find that the use of intraoperative TEE and viscoelastic testing is more common. However, there has been a reduction in the use of veno‐venous bypass, routine placement of pulmonary artery catheters and the intraoperative use of anti‐fibrinolytics when compared to prior surveys.ConclusionThe results show considerable heterogeneity in practice patterns across the country that continues to evolve. However, there appears to be a movement towards the adoption of specific structural and clinical practices.

Background. Intraoperative fluid management may affect the outcome after kidney transplantation. However, the amount and type of fluid administered, and monitoring techniques vary greatly between institutions and there are limited prospective randomized trials and meta-analyses to guide fluid management in kidney transplant recipients. Methods. Members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) committee on transplantation reviewed the current literature on the amount and type of fluids (albumin, starches, 0.9% saline, and balanced crystalloid solutions) administered and the different monitors used to assess fluid status, resulting in this consensus statement with recommendations based on the best available evidence. Results. Review of the current literature suggests that starch solutions are associated with increased risk of renal injury in randomized trials and should be avoided in kidney donors and recipients. There is no evidence supporting the routine use of albumin solutions in kidney transplants. Balanced crystalloid solutions such as Lactated Ringer are associated with less acidosis and may lead to less hyperkalemia than 0.9% saline solutions. Central venous pressure is only weakly supported as a tool to assess fluid status. Conclusions. These recommendations may be useful to anesthesiologists making fluid management decisions during kidney transplantation and facilitate future research on this topic.