Intraoperative monitoring of the liver transplant patient

The undertaking of liver transplantation requires a very high level of invasive hemodynamic and laboratory monitoring. The initial state of the patient and the possibility of massive hemorrhage make well-organized protocols for the speedy return of larger amounts of data essential. Rehearsal of the protocols will identify any deficiencies. In our case, we used trauma patients with potentially exsanguinating massive hemorrhage. The development of these protocols is useful both for intraoperative management of hepatic transplantation and trauma patients. Biochemical testing should be given prioritization, paper work kept to a minimum, and specific testing standardized. A dedicated person is needed in the operating room to handle samples and data, and probably a dedicated telephone as well.