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[Liver transplantation in elderly patients]
N R Frühauf1, A Frilling, M Malagó
1Klinik für Allgemein- und Transplantationschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Essen.
Der Urologe. Ausg. A
|July 14, 2004
Summary
Liver transplantation (OLT) is a standard therapy for chronic liver disease and acute hepatic failure. Advances in care and techniques like split and living donor transplants improve outcomes, even for elderly patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Transplant Surgery
- Immunology
Context:
- Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has evolved significantly since its inception in 1963.
- It is the primary treatment for end-stage chronic liver disease and acute liver failure.
- OLT is also indicated for select cases of liver cancer.
Purpose:
- To review the advancements and current status of liver transplantation.
- To highlight improvements in patient and graft survival.
- To discuss strategies addressing donor organ shortage and the inclusion of elderly recipients.
Summary:
- Surgical techniques, including split and living donor liver transplantation, have been developed to overcome donor organ scarcity.
- Optimized perioperative management, novel immunosuppressants, and enhanced organ procurement have led to continuous improvements in clinical outcomes.
- Careful patient selection and evaluation enable successful OLT in elderly individuals, achieving survival rates comparable to younger recipients.
Impact:
- Liver transplantation offers a life-saving option for patients with liver failure and certain liver malignancies.
- Ongoing innovations in surgical techniques and immunosuppression are expanding the applicability and success of OLT.
- The procedure demonstrates favorable outcomes in carefully selected elderly populations, broadening treatment possibilities.