Liver transplantation during covid-19 pandemic: Experience of a single high-volume italian center in the eye of the storm

The first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic accounted for roughly 35,000 deaths in Italy and was mainly concentrated in the industrial north of the country. Despite Italy returned to a partial lockdown during December, the number of people dying in the second wave has now surpassed the toll recorded in the first. This report aims to provide a snapshot of the impact of COVID-19 on liver transplantation activity in our Institution, with special regard to the measures put in place to guarantee through the two waves of the pandemic. LT activity continued in our Institution despite the heavy pandemic burden without being stopped a priori, but evaluating each organ offer based on the resources available. During the first wave of COVID-19 (February 2020 June 2020), 48 LTs were performed in our Institution with minor monthly variations. As of December 31, 2020, during the ongoing second wave of COVID-19, 118 LTs have been performed. Yet, the number of LTs performed remained stable in 2020 compared to the 127 LTs performed in 2019. Preserving LT activity was possible and safe with specific precautions, strong team motivation, and cooperation.