Procedure

Transplantation of entire liver

Time

4–10h

Pain

Variable, but less than other comparable procedures (e.g. gastrectomy, thoracotomy). Back pain/shoulder pain may be a feature. PCA (occasionally epidural) effective

Position

Supine, one or both arms out

Blood loss

Extremely variable. 0–4000ml, X-match 10U (initially, then use uncrossmatched blood if necessary) and FFP 0–12U. Cell saver mandatory (typically reinfuse 2000ml)

Practical techniques

ET, IPPV—details below