CONTRAINDICATIONS TO SOLID ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION

For all transplant candidates the number of absolute and relative contraindications has diminished over the recent years. For instance, overall, candidates for kidney transplantation are increasingly older and have more complex medical problems. Active infection is an absolute contraindication until it has been treated and the infection has resolved. Evidence of malignancy is not a contraindication per se. For example, hepatocellular carcinoma with underlying cirrhosis is considered an indication for liver transplantation as long as the tumor has not reached a certain size. Similarly, select patients are reconsidered for renal transplantation after successful treatment of malignancy and no evidence of recurrence. Relative contraindications, such as noncompliance or a history of drug abuse, do exist but vary between centers. Contraindications to specific transplant procedures are outlined as necessary in each section.