Liver transplantation for viral hepatitis and hepatic cancer: a minireview

ABSTRACT

Orthotopic liver transplantation was performed for 43 years. One-year survival rates climbed to as high as 88% and operative mortality rates dropped to as low as zero. Liver resection should still be considered the first-line treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in non-cirrhotic and resectable livers; however liver transplantation must be the preferred approach for cirrhotic livers. Orthotopic liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma at a more advanced stage was not indicated. Combination therapy with hepatitis B immune globulin and lamivudine for hepatitis B virus patients before and after orthotopic liver transplantation increases survival rates compared to non- hepatitis B virus recipients