[Liver transplantation in Chile: to do or not to do ... that is the question]

Liver transplantation has become a merging therapeutic procedure in several countries in North America and in Europe. This procedure already has well established indications and contraindications and currently has no better substitute in the treatment of some patients with chronic progressive liver diseases, in fulminant hepatitis, in some non-resectable malignant tumors of the liver, in certain metabolic diseases in children and in children with severe paucity of bile ducts. Successful liver transplants not only prolong the survival of patients but also improve the quality of their lives. A good proportion of transplanted patients has been able to resume work and at least 15 women have beared successfully one or two pregnancies after being transplanted. The main requisites to establish a liver transplantation center in Chile can be considered as possible to satisfy. A pilot experience conducted by J Hepp, M D, in Santiago, has obtained survival in two adults out of four transplants so far performed. The editorialist recommends that one center for liver transplantation should be established in Chile, taking advantage of the skills and training of Chilean surgeons. Using internationally accepted recommendations, the setting of this center and its liver transplantation program should be studied and approved by the Ministry of Health and funded using resources provided by both government and private health care agencies.