Background — Orthotopic liver transplantation is an established therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease. In the last years more attention has been given for the improvement of the quality of life after liver transplantation, and the return to important life pursuits, such as employment, are important goals of this type of therapy. Aim - To assess the work's return rate in liver transplant recipients and the reasons for inability after liver transplant. Patients and Methods - Forty-one adults (age <FONT FACE=Symbol>³</FONT> 18 years) who underwent liver transplantation at our institution, between September 1991 and June 1999, with a post-transplant survival <FONT FACE=Symbol>³</FONT> 9 months, good graft function and a regular clinical follow-up were enrolled for the study. A questionnaire that measured aspects of inactivity before and after liver transplantation had been applied. Results - Thirty-one of 41 patients were unable to work due end-stage liver disease before liver transplantation. Return to work was observed in 28 of 41 patients (68%) in a mean time of 5,9 months after the surgical procedure. Eleven of 28 active patients after liver transplant (39%) contribute significantly to family income. The reasons for inactivity after liver transplantation were: early retirement (n = 5), unemployment (n = 4), and physical disability (n = 4). Conclusion - Successful liver transplantation not only improves the survival rate but allows patients to return to social function and workforce.
Liver transplantation; Liver diseases; Quality of life; Activities of daily living
