How common is liver transplantation, what are the common indications and what are the results?
There are approximately 4500 liver transplants performed annually in the United States. Unfortunately, there are over 17,000 patients on waiting lists. The most common indications at this time include viral hepatitis C, previous alcohol use and biliary disease such as primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cirrhosis. Results continue to improve and there is over 90% survival at 1 year. Five-year survival rate for most transplantation indications are in the range of 75-85%.
