Can Intraoperative Anesthesiological Management Reduce the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury After Liver Transplantation? A Systematic Review

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and severe complication after liver transplantation (LT), occurring in 30–60% of cases. It increases mortality, prolongs hospital stay, and increases the risk of chronic kidney disease. Intraoperative, modifiable anesthetic factors play a key preventive role. This systematic review synthesizes the overall prevalence of AKI and examines the evidence linking intraoperative anesthetic management to AKI after LT, emphasizing modifiable factors that may inform future perioperative strategies. Methods: We conducted a systematic, computerized search on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus from January 2004 to November 16, 2025, following a registered protocol on PROSPERO (ID: CRD420250580749). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies assessing intraoperative predictors of AKI were considered eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was the incidence of post-LT AKI. Intraoperative factors associated with post-LT AKI, including intraoperative hypotension, fluid therapy, transfusion strategies, and the use of vasopressors and/or inotropic agents, were also assessed. Results: A total of 50 studies (8 RCTs and 42 cohort studies) involving 22,434 patients were included. The pooled incidence of post-LT AKI from observational studies was 41% (95% CI 36–46%). Across the included studies, intraoperative hemodynamic instability, excessive or unbalanced fluid administration, liberal transfusion practices, and suboptimal use of vasopressors were consistently associated with an increased risk of post-transplant AKI. Conclusion: AKI after LT is mainly influenced by modifiable perioperative factors. Prevention relies on maintaining stable hemodynamics, careful fluid and transfusion management, and avoiding intraoperative hypotension. Prompt and adequate vasopressor support appeared protective. A multimodal, personalized, kidney-protective approach is essential for improving post-transplant outcomes.