Perioperative Considerations for Transplantation in Acute Liver Failure

In contrast to the intensive care management of the patient with acute liver failure (ALF), the perioperative anaesthetic management of emergency liver transplantation for ALF has received limited attention in the medical literature. Although many of the principles regarding recipient management can be transferred from the intensive care unit (ICU) setting into the intraoperative period, the liver transplantation procedure (including transfer to operating room) creates concerns that require specific anaesthetic management. Ultimately, this will allow a smooth transition throughout the procedure and into the recovery phase.