Liver transplantation is no longer an experiment but an accepted treatment for liver disease. As the procedure becomes more common and successful more doctors find themselves considering referring patients for transplantation and managing them before and after the operation.
This book concentrates on the practical aspects of managing these patients. It is aimed not only at staff based in liver transplant units, but especially, and uniquely, at doctors not working in liver units. As well as the surgical procedure, it covers: indications for referral; managing patients on the waiting list; recognizing and managing immunological, surgical and medical complications after transplantation; particular considerations in managing children; rehabilitation, psychiatric health of patients and ethical issues.