Work

The structural and microbiological properties of human cadaveric iliac vessel grafts stored at a readily available standard freezer: a comprehensive analysis as a function of storage time

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Vascular allografts are very important tool for transplantation procedures especially in living donor liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the histopathological and microbiological properties of human cadaveric iliac vessel grafts stored by a readily available method (freezing at -24 °C without using cryoprotectant solution) and to determine the impact of storage time on these parameters. Methods: Donor characteristics, histopathological changes on light microscopy [tunica intima, internal elastic lamina (IEL), tunica media in artery allografts], scanning electron microscopy (SEM) endothelial morphology grade and the microbiological results were recorded. Results: = 12) storage groups. Demographic data of the donors were similar along the groups. Some morphological changes were seen in graft stored for >24 months than those stored shorter time on the histopathological examinations and morphometric analysis. Endothelial structure damage was observed less in the grafts those stored shorter than 12 months than longer time in SEM examination. None of the graft samples showed bacterial growth after incubation. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings revealed that iliac vessel allografts stored for less than 12 months had the lower risk of morphological, structural and degenerative endothelial changes. Hence, this simple and readily available low cost storage method seems to offer a favorable alternative in allograft storage up to 12 months.

Source: Frontiers in Surgery

DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2026.1752062