Liver transplantation in children: part 1 – peri-operative issues

This two-part review provides a comprehensive summary of clinical and research literature on paediatric liver transplantation. Part 1 outlines the peri-operative issues of liver transplantation, covers a brief history, discuss-es the indications and methods of transplantation and outlines the physical complications which can occur either as a result of the surgery or the sub-sequent immunosuppressive therapy required to maintain graft integrity. Post-liver transplantation care may require prolonged admission in hospi-tal due to the complications that can occur during surgery and as a result of immunosuppression. This can have a further impact on the emotional status of the child and family. Health care professionals in all settings require greater knowledge about paediatric liver transplantation, its associ-ated complications and long-term health implications. Keywords children liver transplantation quality of lif