Selection of patients for liver transplantation in 1997 and beyond.

Liver transplantation is now accepted as the standard surgical-medical treatment for end-stage liver disease, as well as replacement therapy for certain inborn errors of metabolism. While improvements in surgical methods and new immunosuppressive agents have improved survival, there remains a chronic shortage of available donor organs. This article offers guidelines for the physician, discussing indications for liver transplantation, controversial selection issues, contraindications, and finally, the future of liver transplantation.