Aftercare for patients with transplanted organs.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The postoperative management following solid organ transplantation requires close cooperation between family doctors, internists, the local hospital, and the transplant center. METHODS: Selective analysis of current national and international guidelines and relevant review articles. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: In the early phase post transplantation, aftercare involves inpatient treatment and outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation with the aim of complete social and professional reintegration. Early diagnosis and treatment of typical general complications such as post-transplant diabetes, hyperlipidemia, arterial hypertension, osteoporosis, and kidney failure is essential. Early detection and treatment of malignant disease and opportunistic infections in patients with long-term immunosuppression is desirable. Moreover, organ-specific factors have to be taken into account. In the event of transplant dysfunction, recurrence of the underlying disease in the transplant, chronic or acute rejection, and organ-specific infections and drug toxicity have to be considered.