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Last reviewed 01/2018
Features to take into account include age - less than 65 - patency of portal vein and hepatic artery, renal and cardiopulmonary function, cerebral function, and the ability of the patient to cope with problems after transplant. Also, if the patient has had previous upper abdominal surgery, then this may make the surgery more difficult.
The aetiology of liver failure may also be a factor. For example 50% of patients with fulminant hepatits A would be expected to survive compared with less than 10% of those with fulminant non-A non-B hepatitis.
It is not necessary for there to be HLA typing in liver transplants.
A liver transplant is contraindicated if:
- there is metastatic disease
- the patient continues a high alcohol intake
- sepsis is present
- a recent variceal haemorrhage