The role of A-O-incompatible blood transfusions in porcine orthotopic liver transplantations.

The consequences of administrations of A-O-incompatible blood transfusions during porcine orthotopic liver transplantations (OLT) are described. Two series, both subjected to the same standard procedure except for the administration of compatible or incompatible blood, are compared. The striking differences in peroperative and direct post-operative morbidity, mortality, and causes of death between the two series are presented. Although not generally applied, blood transfusions in experimental surgery should undergo the same precautionary measures as blood transfusions in humans.