Liver transplantation. Who should be referred--and when?
Orthotopic liver transplantation is a highly effective treatment for patients with end-stage cirrhosis. At most centers, 5-year survival rates are about 85%. However, donor organs continue to be in short supply, and the issue of patient selection has become increasingly important. The primary care physician plays an important role in referring the patient early--before irreversible complications arise.
Luxon
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Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri, USA. luxonba@wpogate.slu.edu
D000075202:Contraindications; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D018579:Patient Selection; D012017:Referral and Consultation