[Perioperative management of patients for living-donor liver transplantation]

Living-donor liver transplantation has become a standard and effective treatment for end stage liver disease patients. As a result of remarkable progress in immunosuppressive drugs, surgical device, anesthetics, and appropriate perioperative management, liver-transplanted patients may experience fewer complications, shorter length of ICU stay, and a better overall outcome. However, unexpected perioperative complications remain substantial. Therefore, we take care in several points in perioperative period. First, we should appropriately evaluate general preoperative conditions, such as coagulopathy, ascites, respiratory and renal function. Second, we need to maintain hemodynamic stabilization, electrolyte balance, correction of coagulopathy and prevention of portal hypertention during operation. And third, in postoperative period we should perform strict monitoring and focus on infection prophylaxis, early weaning from mechanical ventilation, appropriate administration of fluid and transfusion, maintaining renal function and preservation of graft function. Appropriate knowledge and understanding of perioperative management in liver transplantation are required to improve patient's outcome. Furthermore, it is important for performing liver transplantation to boost mutual understanding and trust in the medical team including health-care providers.