Pulmonary complications of liver transplantation

With increasing numbers of patients undergoing liver transplantation for end-stage liver disease and continued improvements in survival rates, attention to the respiratory status of these patients has achieved even greater importance. This article discusses the preoperative pulmonary assessment for conditions that may prohibit liver transplantation or affect outcomes, in addition to discussing the possible intraoperative and early infectious versus noninfectious postoperative complications. Also included is a discussion of the most common pulmonary complications that may be encountered late after liver transplantation.