LIVER-TRANSPLANTATION FOR ALCOHOLIC LIVER-DISEASE

The experience fi om many transplant centers has shown that orthotopic liver transplantation is a safe and successful procedure for the trea tment of end-stage chronic alcoholic liver disease. Once an appropriat e psyche-medical evaluation is completed and patients are chosen caref ully for abstinence, the survival rate of alcoholics who undergo liver transplantation is equal if not better than that of individuals trans planted for other causes of liver disease. While the initial ostracism of alcoholics from transplant centers no longer exists, the issues of recidivism and disease recurrence remain as concerns. The available d ata on liver transplantation for alcoholics, recidivism, and long-term survival are reviewed.