Fifty liver transplants: a single centre experience of haemodynamic management in liver transplantation for cirrhosis [part 1]

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Cirrhosis with end stage liver disease (ESLD) is a leading cause of non-communicable disease related deaths in Sri Lanka. Liver transplantation is the only curative treatment for patients with ESLD. The complex multisystem involvement and unique cardiovascular profile characteristic of ESLD present formidable challenges during liver transplantation. Management of the rapid and varied hemodynamic changes during surgery requires an in depth understanding of the physiological effects of each intervention. Based on the current literature and the experience gained at our center during the management of 50 liver transplants, we present optimization strategies and perioperative hemodynamic interventions which we use to ‘Fast track’ recovery following liver transplantation. KEYWORDS: Liver transplantation, cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol related liver disease