A review of liver transplantation for gastroenterologists.

The 1980s will be remembered as the era of transplantation. During this period both liver and heart transplantation have their places as established therapeutic procedures for selected patients with end stage organ failure. As increasing numbers of patients are transplanted, others practicing physicians, especially gastroenterologists and cardiologists, will need to become familiar with all aspects in the care of patients that they have referred for transplantation. Only through close cooperation between transplant surgeons and this new breed of "transplant internists" will all suitable patients be referred for these life-saving procedures and receive appropriate follow-up care.