The First Six Months Following Liver Transplantation

Abstract

Liver transplantation is the definitive form of therapy for a subset of patients with acute liver failure and advanced chronic liver disease. Postoperative care of liver transplant recipients has continued to evolve over the past 10 years. Complications are not uncommon in the early postoperative period, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. Accurate diagnosis and prompt intervention of the diverse post-transplant complications are essential for optimal graft and patient survival. This chapter describes the complex diagnostic and managements issues in the first 6 months after liver transplantation. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.