[Indications for liver transplantation in chronic liver diseases]

Surgical resection of the diseased liver together with the implantation of a new donor organ allows patients with chronic liver failure to survive longer as well as to achieve a better quality of life. In life-threatening acute and chronic hepatic failure liver transplantation represents the only causal and long-term therapeutic option. This is also true for several genetically defined liver diseases. Five-year survival approaches 70 % in most cases. Three of four patients regain a nearly normal life with complete reintegration into their professional work. Drawbacks of this therapeutic option relate to a life-long dependence on drugs and medical services as well as to the risks associated with the surgical procedure and the side-effects of a continuous drug-induced immunosuppression. Mortality and morbidity are considerably increased during the first three months after operation. These limitations and the dramatically low availability of donor organs necessitate the application of all conservative measures before a transplantation procedure should be performed. However, the surgical option should be evaluated early enough to allow for a good chance of success. Profound knowledge of prognosis and medical treatment of each individual liver disease is a prerequisite for correct indication and timing of liver transplantation.