Post-liver transplantation medical complications

Abstract

Liver transplantation (LT) is widely accepted as an effective therapeutic modality for a variety of irreversible acute and chronic liver disease. The success of liver transplantation has increased steadily over the last two decades and several advances have been made since the first human liver transplant. This procedure has become routine with an excellent outcome in terms of both quality and length of survival. The results of liver transplantation have improved due to advances in perioperative technique, a better understanding of the course and prognosis of several liver disease, improved immuno-suppressive therapy and more effective postoperative care. Nevertheless, improved tools detecting under immunosuppression, new strategies against viral infections (i.e. cytomegalovirus), and new immunosuppressive drugs will probably even prevent further graft dysfunction in the future. However, complications are common in the early and long term period and contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. One of the major challenges facing the transplant community is the increasing metabolic complications that are now affecting quality of life and long-term survival. Thus, knowledge of complications that emerge during follow up period, early and accurate establishment of diagnosis, and prompt institution of appropriate interventions are essential for optimal patient and graft outcome.This review summarizes available data about medical complications of the early and long term follow up.

Keywords

• Liver transplantation
• immunosuppression
• infections
• graft dysfunction
• complications