Liver transplantation in people with alcohol‐related liver disease

Alcoholic liver cirrhosis is a leading cause of liver transplantation around the world. Nevertheless, selection of alcoholic candidates remains controversial. We estimate that 20–50% of patients who receive a liver transplant because of end-stage alcoholic liver disease acknowledge some alcohol use in the first 5 years after liver transplantation, whereas 10–15% will resume heavy drinking. Currently, the majority of alcoholic patients who are placed on the liver transplant waiting list have established extended periods of abstinence from alcohol prior to evaluation. This chapter looks at assessment of the alcoholic patient before the decision to undertake liver transplantation is made, and the management and outcome of liver transplantation in this population, including specific issues related to alcohol use.