Bariatric surgery before, during, and after liver transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Key challenges of post-liver transplant weight management

Liver transplantation serves as a life-saving intervention for patients with end-stage liver disease, yet long-term survival remains a challenge. Post-liver transplant obesity seems to have a significant contribution to this challenge and it emerges as a significant risk factor for graft steatosis, metabolic syndrome and de-novo malignancy development. This review synthesizes current literature on prevalence, risk factors and management strategies for post-liver transplant obesity, emphasizing its impact on graft and patient survival. Literature review consultation was conducted in Medline/PubMed, SciELO and EMBASE, with the combination of the following keywords: Weight management, liver transplantation, immunosuppressive therapy, lifestyle interventions, bariatric surgery. Immunosuppressive therapy has a significant influence on long-term survival of liver transplant patients, yet it seems to have lesser effect on post-transplant obesity development than previously thought. However, it significantly contributes to the development of other components of metabolic syndrome. Key predisposing factors for post-transplant obesity development encompass elevated recipient and donor body mass index, a history of alcoholic liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, male gender, the absence of cellular rejection and the marital status of the recipient. Tailored immunosuppressive regimens, pharmacotherapy, lifestyle interventions and bariatric surgery represent key components in mitigating post-transplant obesity and improving long-term survival and quality of life in this group of patients. Timely identification and intervention thus hold paramount importance. Further research is warranted to refine optimal management strategies and enhance outcomes in this patient population.

Metabolic issues in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and their impact on MASH recurrence following liver transplantation: A narrative review

Decompensated cirrhosis secondary to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is not only a common indication for liver transplant (LT) but is becoming the leading cause of LT in postmenopausal women in the United States. Given the different complex mechanisms involved in the occurrence of MASH, it is being recognized as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. There are multiple metabolic issues associated with MASH, including obesity, DMT2, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease, which need to be addressed in the pretransplant and posttransplant setting for better patient outcomes. Recurrence of MASH following LT can occur due to many reasons including reversal of the catabolic state seen in cirrhosis, improvement in appetite, and the effect of certain post-LT medications on the graft; however, managing recurrence can be challenging and thus urges addressing these issues before transplant, in addition to recognizing, and treating them in the posttransplant setting. In this review, we discuss the various metabolic issues that face patients with MASH and the medical and surgical management options available to improve outcomes and reduce chances of recurrence.

EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on liver transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) is an established life-saving procedure. The field of LT has changed in the past 10 years from several perspectives, with the expansion of indications, transplantation of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure, evolution of transplant oncology, the use of donations after cardiac death, new surgical techniques, and prioritisation of recipients on the waiting list. In addition, the advent of organ perfusion machines, the recognition of new forms of rejection, and the attention paid to the transition from paediatric to adult patients, have all improved the management of LT recipients. The purpose of the EASL guidelines presented here is not to cover all aspects of LT but to focus on developments since the previous EASL guidelines published in 2016.

Obesity Is Increasing in Liver Transplant Recipients and Exacerbates Cardiovascular Risk: A Single-Centre European Study

PURPOSE

Recent changes in the profile of liver transplant (LT) recipients include an increasing number of patients with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which is associated with obesity and cardiovascular risk. We aimed to investigate the trend in the presence of obesity among LT recipients and its association with cardiovascular risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single-centre retrospective study, which included LT recipients between 2015 and 2020. Obesity and patient's demographic were assessed before LT and 12 months thereafter. Cardiovascular risk factors including ASCVD score were recorded and compared between patients with and without obesity.

RESULTS

During the study period, 358 LT were performed. The mean BMI before LT significantly increased over time during the study period (ptrend = 0.04). Pre-LT, patients with obesity were older and had a higher prevalence of MASLD, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Twelve months after LT, most patients gained weight, although mean BMI did not significantly increase over time (ptrend = 0.072). LT recipients with obesity 12 months after LT more frequently presented with diabetes and hypertension and had higher ASCVD score than LT recipients with BMI < 30 kg/m2. One-year mortality was similar between patients with or without obesity before LT (p = 0.816).

CONCLUSION

In the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of obesity in LT recipients. LT recipients with obesity present a higher cardiovascular risk as assessed by the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and the ASCVD score. Our results may be useful when designing strategies to directly target obesity and weight management in this population.

Bariatric surgery post-liver transplantation: A Belgian nationwide study

Weight gain poses a rising concern post-liver transplantation (LT), and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease might impair graft health. The timing is crucial when considering bariatric surgery (BS) in a population with liver disease or transplantation. BS can be considered for post-LT weight gain, although the evidence is limited and the long-term outcome still uncertain. We conducted a national retrospective analysis in 5 Belgian transplant centers and included 25 patients with an LT followed by a bariatric procedure. A total of 187 LT patients without BS were included for comparison. Clinical, biochemical, and outcome data were retrospectively retrieved. In our nationwide cohort, 25 patients had undergone BS post-LT, at a median 3.5 years after LT. Twenty-one (84.0%) patients received a sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Patients were predominantly male (72.0%), with a lower age at time of transplantation compared with the non-BS population (54.5 vs. 60.6, p <0.001). Weight loss was significant and sustained, with a decrease in body mass index from 41.0±4.5 pre-BS to 32.6±5.8 1-3 years post-BS ( p <0.001) and 31.1±5.8 3-5 years post-BS ( p <0.001). Three pre-BS (12.0%) patients presented with recurrent and one (4.0%) de novo metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease after LT, with 100% resolution post-BS ( p =0.016). Notable reductions were observed in alanine transaminase levels (40.5±28.5 U/L to 27.1±25.1 U/L post-BS, p =0.05) and HbA1c levels (6.9±1.6 to 6.0±1.4 post-BS, p <0.001). Three patients were re-transplanted, and eight patients died, of which five (20.0%) due to a nonhepatic malignancy and one (4.0%) due to liver failure. SG is the favored BS post-LT and has proven to be safe and feasible in a post-LT setting with favorable metabolic consequences. SG post-LT is a valid treatment for de novo and recurrent metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease post-LT. Although we report on the largest cohort to date, there is still a need for larger cohorts to examine the effect of BS on patient and graft survival.

Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) after Liver Transplantation: A Narrative Review of an Emerging Issue

The development of steatotic liver disease after liver transplant (LT) is widely described, and epidemiological data have revealed an increased incidence in recent times. Its evolution runs from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and, in a small proportion of patients, to significant fibrosis and cirrhosis. Apparently, post-LT steatotic disease has no impact on the recipient's overall survival; however, a higher cardiovascular and malignancy burden has been reported. Many donors' and recipients' risk factors have been associated with this occurrence, although the recipient-related ones seem of greater impact. Particularly, pre- and post-LT metabolic alterations are strictly associated with steatotic graft disease, sharing common pathophysiologic mechanisms that converge on insulin resistance. Other relevant risk factors include genetic variants, sex, age, baseline liver diseases, and immunosuppressive drugs. Diagnostic evaluation relies on liver biopsy, although non-invasive methods are being increasingly used to detect and monitor both steatosis and fibrosis stages. Management requires a multifaceted approach focusing on lifestyle modifications, the optimization of immunosuppressive therapy, and the management of metabolic complications. This review aims to synthesize the current knowledge of post-LT steatotic liver disease, focusing on the recent definition of metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its metabolic and multisystemic concerns.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy as a First Step Procedure for Oncologic Purposes: An Indication Beyond the Updated Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a well-established risk factor for cancer. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is established as a safe procedure providing accelerated weight loss and comorbidity improvement or remission. Additionally, it is approved as a bridging procedure for various non-oncologic surgeries, with very limited data for oncologic procedures. The aim of this study is to present a series of patients with severe obesity and concomitant cancer who underwent LSG prior to definitive oncological procedure.

METHODS

A retrospective review (2008-2023) was conducted in three institutions, identifying 5 patients with cancer and severe obesity who underwent LSG as bridging procedure. Variables analyzed were initial weight, initial body mass index (BMI), type of malignancy, comorbidities, interval between LSG and oncological surgery, weight and BMI before the second intervention, percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), and postoperative morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Malignancies identified were 2 prostate cancers, 1 periampullary neuroendocrine tumor, 1 rectal cancer, and 1 renal clear cell carcinoma. Mean age of patients was 50.2 years, mean initial BMI 47.4 kg/m 2 , and mean BMI before oncological surgery 37 kg/m 2 . Mean time interval between LSG and oncological surgery was 8.3 months. Mean %EWL achieved was 45.2%. Two thromboembolic events were encountered after LSG, while none of the patients developed complications after definitive oncological treatment. The mean follow-up after oncological surgery was 61.6 months.

CONCLUSION

LSG can be proposed as bridging procedure before oncological surgery in meticulously selected patients. Achieved weight loss can render subsequent oncological procedures easier and safer.

Main factors influencing long-term outcomes of liver transplantation in 2022

Liver transplant (LT) outcomes have markedly improved in the recent decades, even if long-term morbidity and mortality are still considerable. Most of late deaths are independent from graft function and different comorbidities, including complications of metabolic syndrome and de novo neoplasms, seem to play a key role in determining long-term outcomes in LT recipients. This review discusses the main factors associated with late mortality and suggests possible strategies to improve long-term management and follow-up after liver transplantation. In particular, the reduction of drug toxicity, the use of tools to identify high-risk patients, and setting up a multidisciplinary team also for long-term management of LT recipients may further improve survival after liver transplantation.

Bariatric surgery for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Indications and post-operative management

The prevalence of obesity and metabolic consequences such as nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) has become a crucial health problem. Lifestyle modifications, especially weight loss, effectively reduces liver injury in NAFLD patients. However, adherence to lifestyle changes is very low in the clinical setting. Bariatric surgery can improve metabolic components and cause long-term weight loss. Therefore, bariatric surgery could serve as an attractive treatment option for NAFLD patients. This review integrates data about the benefits of bariatric surgery on NAFLD but also describes the potential pitfalls.

2022 American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

MAJOR UPDATES TO 1991 NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2, regardless of presence, absence, or severity of co-morbidities.MBS should be considered for individuals with metabolic disease and BMI of 30-34.9 kg/m2.BMI thresholds should be adjusted in the Asian population such that a BMI >25 kg/m2 suggests clinical obesity, and individuals with BMI >27.5 kg/m2 should be offered MBS.Long-term results of MBS consistently demonstrate safety and efficacy.Appropriately selected children and adolescents should be considered for MBS.(Surg Obes Relat Dis 2022; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2022.08.013 ) © 2022 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. All rights reserved.

2022 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO): Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

Major updates to 1991 National Institutes of Health guidelines for bariatric surgery.

Quality standards for the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): consensus recommendations from the British Association for the Study of the Liver and British Society of Gastroenterology NAFLD Special Interest Group

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common, affecting approximately 25% of the general population. The evidence base for the investigation and management of NAFLD is large and growing, but there is currently little practical guidance to support development of services and delivery of care. To address this, we produced a series of evidence-based quality standard recommendations for the management of NAFLD, with the aim of improving patient care. A multidisciplinary group of experts from the British Association for the Study of the Liver and British Society of Gastroenterology NAFLD Special Interest Group produced the recommendations, which cover: management of people with, or at risk of, NAFLD before the gastroenterology or liver clinic; assessment and investigations in secondary care; and management in secondary care. The quality of evidence for each recommendation was evaluated by the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool. An anonymous modified Delphi voting process was conducted individually by each member of the group to assess the level of agreement with each statement. Statements were included when agreement was 80% or greater. From the final list of statements, a smaller number of auditable key performance indicators were selected to allow services to benchmark their practice. It is hoped that services will review their practice against our recommendations and key performance indicators and institute service development where needed to improve the care of patients with NAFLD.

Personalizing Diabetes Management in Liver Transplant Recipients: The New Era for Optimizing Risk Management

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in liver transplant recipients (LTRs). With concurrent comorbidities and use of various immunosuppression medications, identifying a safe and personalized regimen for management of PTDM is needed. There are many comorbidities associated with the post-transplant course including chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, allograft steatosis, obesity, and de novo malignancy. Emerging data suggest that available diabetes medications may carry beneficial or, in some cases, harmful effects in the setting of these co-existing conditions. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists have shown the most promising beneficial results. Although there is a deficiency of LTR-specific data, they appear to be generally safe. Effects of other medications are varied. Metformin may reduce the risk of malignancy. Pioglitazone may be harmful in patients combatting obesity or heart failure. Insulin may exacerbate obesity and increase the risk of developing malignancy. This review thoroughly discusses the roles of these extra-glycemic effects and safety considerations in LTRs. Through weighing the risks and benefits, we conclude that alternatives to insulin should be strongly considered, when feasible, for personalized long-term management based on risk factors and co-morbidities.

Management of Diabetes in Candidates for Liver Transplantation and in Transplant Recipients

Diabetes is common in patients waitlisted for liver transplantation because of end-stage liver disease or hepatocellular cancer as well as in posttransplant phase (posttransplantation diabetes mellitus). In both conditions, the presence of diabetes severely affects disease burden and long-term clinical outcomes; careful monitoring and appropriate treatment are pivotal to reduce cardiovascular events and graft and recipients' death. We thoroughly reviewed the epidemiology of diabetes in the transplant setting and the different therapeutic options, from lifestyle intervention to antidiabetic drug use-including the most recent drug classes available-and to the inclusion of bariatric surgery in the treatment cascade. In waitlisted patients, the old paradigm that insulin should be the treatment of choice in the presence of severe liver dysfunction is no longer valid; novel antidiabetic agents may provide adequate glucose control without the risk of hypoglycemia, also offering cardiovascular protection. The same evidence applies to the posttransplant phase, where oral or injectable noninsulin agents should be considered to treat patients to target, limiting the impact of disease on daily living, without interaction with immunosuppressive regimens. The increasing prevalence of liver disease of metabolic origin (nonalcoholic fatty liver) among liver transplant candidates, also having a higher risk of noncirrhotic hepatocellular cancer, is likely to accelerate the acceptance of new drugs and invasive procedures, as suggested by international guidelines. Intensive lifestyle intervention programs remain however mandatory, both before and after transplantation. Achievement of adequate control is mandatory to increase candidacy, to prevent delisting, and to improve long-term outcomes.

Genetic and Life Style Risk Factors for Recurrent Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Following Liver Transplantation

Recurrent or de novo non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) following liver transplantation (LT) is a frequent event being increasingly recognized over the last decade, but the influence of recurrent NASH on graft and patient outcomes is not yet established. Taking into consideration the long term survival of liver transplanted patients and long term complications with associated morbidity and mortality, it is important to define and minimize risk factors for recurrent NAFLD/NASH. Metabolic syndrome, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus are life style risk factors that can be potentially modified by various interventions and thus, decrease the risk of recurrent NAFLD/NASH. On the other hand, genetic factors like recipient and/or donor PNPLA3, TM6SF2, GCKR, MBOAT7 or ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms proved to be risk factors for recurrent NASH. Personalized interventions to influence the different metabolic disorders occurring after LT in order to minimize the risks, as well as genetic screening of donors and recipients should be performed pre-LT in order to achieve diagnosis and treatment as early as possible.

Bariatric Surgery and Solid-Organ Transplantation

Morbid obesity and being overweight are a growing problem worldwide. They also affect patients with end-stage solid-organ disease and patients after transplant. Bariatric surgery is the most effective available weight loss procedure. Bariatric surgery can be helpful for the treatment of some conditions, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which may lead to transplant, and weight loss can improve or even reverse them. In other cases, morbid obesity is a limitation to accessing a transplant program, so bariatric surgery can serve as a conduit to transplant. After transplant, obesity and obesity-related comorbidities can be a significant health problem that may be treated, as in patients without a transplant, with bariatric surgery. There are some specific conditions and issues to be considered in patients with end-stage solid-organ disease who are candidates for bariatric surgery, such as increased morbidity and mortality. After transplant, immunosuppressant regimens and technical limitations may be also significant.

Clinical and Economic Impact of Previous Bariatric Surgery on Liver Transplantation: a Nationwide, Population-Based Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

The present study aims to determine the impact of previous bariatric surgery (BS) on the length of hospital stay; the incidence of mortality, re-transplantation, and re-hospitalization after LT; and the related economic costs, through the analysis of the French National Health Insurance Information System.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients aged > 18 years who underwent LT in France in the period from 2010 to 2019 were included. Thirty-nine patients with a history of BS (study group) were compared with 1798 obese patients without previous BS (control group).

RESULTS

At the time of LT, patients with a history of BS were significantly younger than those of the control group and had lower Charlson comorbidity index. Female sex was significantly more represented in the study group. No significant differences were detected between the two groups regarding the postoperative mortality rate after LT (10.3% in the study group versus 8.0% in the control group), long-term mortality (0.038 versus 0.029 person-year of follow-up, respectively), re-transplantation (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 2.15, p = 0.2437), re-hospitalization (adjusted analysis, IRR = 0.93, p = 0.7517), and costs of LT hospitalization (73,515 € in the study group versus 65,878 € in the control group). After 1:2 propensity score matching, the duration of the LT hospital stay was significantly longer in the study group (58.3 versus 33.4 days, p = 0.0172).

CONCLUSION

No significant differences were detected between patients with previous BS versus obese patients without history of BS undergoing LT concerning the rates of mortality, re-LT, re-hospitalization after LT, and costs of hospitalization and re-hospitalizations.

Bariatric surgery and the liver-Mechanisms, benefits, and risks

The prevalence of obesity and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has risen dramatically over the past decades. At present, bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for this global health problem, through effects on food intake, gut hormone secretion, metabolic signaling pathways, and adipose tissue dysfunction. The liver occupies a central role in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. Notably, a reduction in hepatic fat content and an improvement in hepatic insulin resistance are among the earliest beneficial effects of bariatric surgery, which has therefore emerged as an attractive treatment option for NAFLD. However, as the scope and popularity of weight loss surgery have expanded, new questions have arisen regarding its safety in patients with liver cirrhosis, the outcome of liver transplantation in patients with a history of bariatric surgery, and over incidental reports of liver failure following surgery. Studies in humans and rodents have also linked bariatric surgery to an increased risk of developing alcohol use disorder, a major risk factor for liver disease. This review integrates data from clinical and translational research to delineate both the beneficial impact of bariatric surgery on the liver and the potential risks involved.

Improvement of kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease and severe obesity after bariatric surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The general management for chronic kidney disease (CKD) includes treating reversible causes, including obesity, which may be both a driver and comorbidity for CKD. Bariatric surgery has been shown to reduce the likelihood of CKD progression and improve kidney function in observational studies. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of patients with at least stage 3 CKD and obesity receiving bariatric surgery. We searched Embase, MEDLINE, CENTRAL and identified eligible studies reporting on kidney function outcomes in included patients before and after bariatric surgery with comparison to a medical intervention control if available. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Risk of Bias score. Nineteen studies were included for synthesis. Bariatric surgery showed improved eGFR with a mean difference (MD) of 11.64 (95%CI: 5.84 to 17.45, I²  = 66%) ml/min/1.73m² and reduced SCr with MD of -0.24 (95%CI -0.21 to -0.39, I²  = 0%) mg/dl after bariatric surgery. There was no significant difference in the relative risk (RR) of having CKD stage 3 after bariatric surgery, with a RR of -1.13 (95%CI: -0.83 to -2.07, I²  = 13%), but there was reduced likelihood of having uACR >30 mg/g or above with a RR of -3.03 (95%CI: -1.44 to -6.40, I²  = 91%). Bariatric surgery may be associated with improved kidney function with the reduction of BMI and may be a safe treatment option for patients with CKD. Future studies with more robust reporting are required to determine the feasibility of bariatric surgery for the treatment of CKD.

The role of bariatric surgery in the management of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in the United States and increasing globally. The progressive form of NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), can lead to cirrhosis and complications of end-stage liver disease. No FDA-approved therapy for NAFLD/NASH exists. Treatment of NAFLD/NASH includes effective and sustained life-style modification and weight loss. This review reports on the recent findings of bariatric surgery in the management of NASH.

RECENT FINDINGS

NAFLD, at all stages, is common in those who meet indication for bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery resolves NAFLD/NASH and reverses early stages of fibrosis. Although randomized controlled trials of bariatric surgery in NASH are infeasible, studies defining the metabolic changes induced by bariatric surgery, and their effect on NASH, provide insight for plausible pharmacologic targets for the nonsurgical treatment of NASH.

SUMMARY

Resolution of NASH and fibrosis regression can occur after bariatric surgery. Although the exact mechanism(s) underlying the improvement of NASH and hepatic fibrosis following bariatric surgery is not fully elucidated, emerging data on this topic is vitally important for lending insight into the pharmacotherapies for NASH for patients who are not otherwise suitable candidates for bariatric surgery.

Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: a Systematic Review

Obesity is commonly associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and is a significant cause of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Some patients undergoing bariatric surgery suffer from cirrhosis of the liver. Currently, there is a lack of consensus on the management of these patients and the safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in this group. This review aims to update our previously published systematic review on the same topic. A total of 21 studies reporting experience on patients with cirrhosis undergoing bariatric surgery were included. Sleeve gastrectomy was the most common surgery performed, followed by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The results show that bariatric surgery may be feasible in carefully selected patients with obesity and cirrhosis although they have slightly higher morbidity and mortality rates.

Evaluation and selection of the liver transplant candidate: updates on a dynamic and evolving process

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although conceptually unchanged, the evaluation and selection of the liver transplant candidate has seen significant recent advances. Expanding criteria for transplant candidacy, improved diagnostics for risk stratification and advances in prognostic models have paralleled recent changes in allocation and distribution that require us to revisit core concepts of candidate evaluation and selection while recognizing its now dynamic and continuous nature.

RECENT FINDINGS

The liver transplant evaluation revolves around three interrelated themes: candidate selection, donor selection and transplant outcome. Introduction of dynamic frailty indices, bariatric surgery at the time of liver transplant in obese patients and improved therapies and prognostic tools for hepatobiliary malignancy have transformed candidate selection. Advances in hypothermic organ preservation have improved outcomes in marginal donor organs. Combined with expansion of hepatitis C virus positive and split donor organs, donor selection has become an integral part of candidate evaluation. In addition, with liver transplant for acute alcohol-related hepatitis now widely performed and increasing recognition of acute-on-chronic liver failure, selection of critically ill patients is refining tools to balance futility versus utility.

SUMMARY

Advances in liver transplant candidate evaluation continue to transform the evaluation process and require continued incorporation into our clinical practice amidst a dynamic backdrop of demographic and policy changes.