[Patient management following cardiac transplantation].

Prognosis of heart transplant patients has dramatically improved in the last decade thanks to the use of cyclosporine as immunosuppressive treatment. Optimal follow-up and early recognition of complications and side effects of treatment lead to longer survival and marked improvement of these patients' quality of life. However, the incidence of complications remains high and their management calls for particular care. We review our experience of heart transplantation in Lausanne and describe in detail the results and complications such as rejection, transplant coronary artery disease, hypertension, renal failure, metabolic disorders, cancer and conduction problems. Cooperation of the medical team (cardiologist, surgeon, anesthetist, general practitioner) is essential to long term success of the transplant program.