Refinements in the surgical technique of liver transplantation

At one time, the operation of orthotopic liver transplantation was viewed as too difficult and dangerous to be practical on a large scale. The image of the procedure as one requiring a virtuoso surgical team has changed during the last few years as the result of technical improvements. These have put the operation within the capability of many competent general and vascular surgeons. In this account, we will discuss various aspects of this still complex undertaking, with emphasis on those recently clarified details that stand above others in importance and significance.