The quality of life after orthotopic liver transplantation: an analysis of 166 cases.

We surveyed by questionnaire 346 patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation to determine their postoperative status. One hundred sixty-six patients returned the questionnaires, which were administered at least 12 months after the transplants. Universally, the patients could perform necessary activities of daily living, but 36.7% noted some extremity weakness, 18.1% noted pain in an extremity, and 40.4% noted "arthritis." Of the respondents, 41.3% rode a bike often, 28.4% swam, and endurance improved from 43.9% severely affected to 8.0% severely affected. Posttransplant employment was related to marital status (3.18 times more likely to be employed if married); duration of liver disease with patients having the disease more than 2 years 3.22 times more likely to be employed. Patients without pain, weakness, or arthritis were 7.8 times more likely employed. The exact nature of the musculoskeletal complaints remains to be defined.