Combined cardiac surgery and liver transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) is a viable treatment option for patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). However, the high incidence of advanced coronary atherosclerosis or severe valvular disease presents clinical dilemma in the treatment of liver transplant candidates. Combined simultaneous cardiac surgery and liver transplantation has been cautiously explored in this difficult patient population. Several small studies demonstrated that this is a feasible surgical option which can be performed safely, and morbidity is not prohibitive for success. Moreover, simultaneous combined heart and liver transplantation (CHLT) may be a lifesaving procedure for patients suffering from end-stage heart and liver diseases or several metabolic disorders.