Shorter retrieval times for donor livers
During a liver transplant, a donor liver must be retrieved as quickly as possible. Read how an intervention program led to shorter retrieval times.
Publication
Reduction of hepatectomy times in Dutch organ procurement teams
- Authors: Dielwart IJC, Verberght HCR, de Vries KM, Hemke AC, Bakker SJL, Olde Damink SWM, van de Poll MCG, Pol RA, de Jonge J; National Organ Procurement Committee.
- Liver Transplantation - 2025 Apr 2.
Background and objective
Research in 2018 showed that the retrieval time was often longer than 60 minutes. This is detrimental to the quality of the liver. Teams not affiliated with a liver transplant center, in particular, had longer retrieval times.
A national intervention program was launched to shorten the retrieval time.
The program focused on:
- Awareness of the importance of shorter retrieval times
- Knowledge exchange and training
- Simultaneous retrieval of multiple organs
What was the result?
The intervention program was successful. The retrospective study describes the effects on donor liver retrieval times:
- Significant decrease in retrieval time: from 55 to 35 minutes.
- The differences between retrieval teams have disappeared.
- It no longer makes a difference whether only a liver is retrieved or a liver together with lungs.
- The faster retrieval did not lead to additional damage to the donor livers.
Why is this important for a broad group of professionals?
This research shows that an intervention program focused on retrieval works. These types of programs can also be used for other national process improvements.
Who collaborated?
During the intervention program, the NTS worked closely with two Organ Advisory Committees:
- National Consultation of Regional Retrieval Teams (LORUT)
- National Consultation on Liver Transplantation (LOL)
From 2018 onwards, we monitored the effects of the interventions. An NTS researcher performed the analyses of the retrieval times. The results were discussed in the LORUT meetings. The LOL was also informed. As a result, attention remained focused on the importance of short retrieval duration in the years following the intervention. And over time, we even saw further improvements.
It was decided within the LORUT to publish the results of the intervention program. From mid-2025, all certified retrieval surgeons will also be able to track their own retrieval times via the LORUT dashboard on the NTS member site.