Preface

Liver transplantation is one of the few truly life-saving and life-altering procedures in medicine, but at the same time it is a highly risky procedure. Thus, it is not to be considered as a cure but more as a swap, where the benefits and risks must be balanced against the risks and benefits of no-transplant. Although the basic principles of liver transplantation have not changed, the field of liver transplantation is still young, evolving and dynamic.

This book covers a wide spectrum of topics including history of liver transplantation, ischemia-reperfusion injury, immunology of liver transplantation, viral hepatitis and liver transplantation, other indications for liver transplantation, prognostic factors and perioperative period.

The authors of the chapters are experts in their respective fields. They are pioneer proponents in different aspects of liver transplantation and come from many centers across the world. The interdisciplinary approach and the authority of the contributors resulted in a valuable reference to anyone interested in developing a global view in liver transplantation including medical students, residents, fellows, nurses, and practicing physicians and surgeons as well as researchers in the field of liver transplantation.

This book is dedicated to our Patients without whose goodwill and trust no progress in medicine would be possible. As the editor, I wish to thank all the authors for their cooperation and desire to share their precious experience with the medical community. On their behalf, I wish to express hope that our publication will facilitate access to the latest scientific achievements in the field of liver transplantation all across the world.

To all my colleagues at the National Liver Institute in Egypt who supported me, and embraced me with their warm feelings: I love you all. To all my professors who so generously guided me by their example, wisdom and insights: thank you. Finally, to Ms. Romana Vukelic, the publishing process manager, with whom editing this book was a real pleasure. Thank you, Romana.

> **Hesham Abdeldayem, MD.** Professor of Surgery National Liver Institute Menoufeyia University Egypt

**Part 1** 

**History**
