H. Kremerhansen et al., LIVER-TRANSPLANTATION - TREATMENT OF PATI ENTS FROM INDICATION TO REHABILITATION, Die medizinische Welt, 48(3-4), 1997, pp. 110-117
Liver transplantation is indicated during the terminal stages of hepat
ic cirrhosis. We differentiate between elective, late and emergency tr
ansplantations. After acute therapy most patients undergo a period of
rehabilitation as part of their so-called follow-up treatment procedur
e. The primary objectives of rehabilitation are social reintegration,
physical reconditioning and education in terms of hygiene, dietetics a
nd medication. Monitoring of complications requires regular laboratory
tests as well as frequent ultrasonographic investigations to rule out
rejection or diabetes mellitus which develops in around half of the p
atients. Postoperative reinfection may be expected in a high proportio
n of patients with hepatitis B or C infections. About 20% of transplan
t patients are infected with the hepatitis G virus during transplantat
ion.