Liver transplantation as part of the comprehensive management of alcohol-related liver disease

Abstract

The risk of relapse after liver transplantation in patients with alcoholic liver disease remains a challenge. Many post-liver transplant patients show little motivation to pursue alcohol dependence treatment, while at the same time expressing a strong belief that they have recovered from alcohol and denying the desire to drink. These responses are likely to reflect an internal drive not to consume alcohol. Post-transplant, there are patients who do not consume alcohol or only have a small occasional consumption, and this is probably what is observed by many liver transplant groups with different populations in the world. Reported rates of alcohol relapse after transplant are highly variable, ranging from 10% to 90%.