[Outpatient follow-up of liver transplant recipients: the essential role of the general practitioner].

The population of liver transplant recipients has increased in Switzerland over the last few years. Morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation are due, in the early post-transplant period, to surgical and infectious complications as well as to rejection, whereas cardiovascular, metabolic, renal and oncologic complications are the most frequent complications in the late post-transplant period. The role of the general practitioner in the long-term follow-up of liver transplant recipients is of the highest importance and can represent the first-line care of these patients as soon as 6 to 12 months post-transplantation, while maintaining a close and regular collaboration with the transplant center. Multidisciplinary and structured follow-up, along with some specific screening tests, is warranted in order to refine patient management in a timely manner and to optimize outcomes.