Liver Transplant

Question 1

What are the indications for a liver transplant?

Answer 1

Acute liver failure e.g acute viral hepatitis, paracetamol overdose etc.

Chronic liver failure

Question 2

What are the contraindications for a liver transplant?

Answer 2

Significant co-morbidities

Excessive weight loss and malnutrition

Active Hep B, Hep C or other infection

End stage HIV

Active alcoholic use

Question 3

What type of incision is maxed in a liver transplant?

Answer 3

Mercedes Benz incision

Question 4

What are the medications and advice given post-liver transplant?

Answer 4

Immunosuppression (steroids and azothioprine)

Avoid alcohol and smoking

Monitoring for disease reoccurrence

Monitoring for cancer as immunosuppression increases risk

Monitoring for evidence of rejection

Question 5

What are the signs of liver transplant rejection?

Answer 5

Abnormal LFT’s

Fatigue

Fever

Jaundice