Infectious Complications and Malignancies Arising After Liver Transplantation

Since the first liver transplant was performed in 1963, great advancements have been made in hepatic transplantation. Surgical techniques have been revised and improved, diagnostic methods for identifying and preventing infections have been developed, and a more conservative use of immunosuppressive agents has resulted in better long-term posttransplant outcomes. A total of 7841 liver transplantations were performed in the United States in 2016, resulting in greater than 85% survival at 1 year posttransplant. However, technical surgical complications, infections, rejections, and chronic medical conditions persist. This article discusses the infectious complications and malignancies that may arise after liver transplantation.