Thoracic and Esophageal Procedures, Lung Transplant in Cirrhotic Patients: Safety and Limiting Factors

Cirrhotic patients may suffer from comorbid thoracic or esophageal conditions, which often necessitate surgical treatment such as cancer resection or lung transplantation. Currently, there are limited data and few protocols to guide surgical decision making for these patients. This chapter discusses the indications and outcomes for the surgical treatment of lung cancer, gastrointestinal reflux disease, esophageal cancer, lung transplantation, and combined liver–lung transplantation in cirrhotic patients. Recognizing when it is safe to operate cirrhotic patients and when it is contraindicated is critical for the safety of these patients.