Perioperative care of the liver transplant patient

Authors

Mark T Keegan
David Kramer, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Keegan MT, Kramer DJ. Perioperative Care of the Liver Transplant Patient. Crit Care Clin. 2016;32(3):453-73. DOI: 10.1016/j.ccc.2016.02.005

Affiliations

Aurora Critical Care Service

Abstract

With the evolution of surgical and anesthetic techniques, liver transplantation has become "routine," allowing for modifications of practice to decrease perioperative complications and costs. There is debate over the necessity for intensive care unit admission for patients with satisfactory preoperative status and a smooth intraoperative course. Postoperative care is made easier when the liver graft performs optimally. Assessment of graft function, vigilance for complications after the major surgical insult, and optimization of multiple systems affected by liver disease are essential aspects of postoperative care. The intensivist plays a vital role in an integrated multidisciplinary transplant team.

Document Type

Article

PubMed ID

27339683