How Does the Aetiology of Primary Liver Disease Affect Anaesthesia for Liver Transplantation

It is well known that advanced liver disease at the time of liver transplantation (LT) affects the anaesthetic technique and LT outcome. The anaesthetist involved in the LT program must have at least a basic knowledge of different liver diseases that lead to end-stage liver failure requiring LT. In this chapter we describe the most common aetiologies of liver disease with characteristic clinical findings, diagnostic tests, and prognoses. Although no strong evidence has indicated that the aetiology of liver disease has a strong effect on the choice of anaesthetic technique, there are some differences that the anaesthetic community should consider.