[Anesthesiology in orthotopic liver transplantation: first experience]

The authors present the first clinical experience gained in anesthesia and intensive care during 8 orthotopic transplantations of the liver in 4 male and 4 female patients aged 24-50 years. Veno-venous bypass for general anesthesia is described. hemodynamic, oxygen balance, metabolic and blood clotting parameters during anesthesia and surgery are analyzed. Drastic changes were noted during the liver-free phase: oxygen delivery and consumption decreased almost twofold, a metabolic acidosis was observed before and, more so, during this phase.