Development of a liver unit in Latin America.

The Liver Unit at the "Dr. José E. González" University Hospital and School of Medicine of the Autonomous University of Nuevo León in Monterrey was founded in 1983. Over the years, it has become a referral center for the northeast of Mexico. The frequency of diagnosis has changed: in 1983, the most common liver disease seen was alcoholic liver disease, today it is chronic hepatitis C. Amebic liver abscess, which used to be common, was hardly seen in 2001. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was unidentified 18 years ago, whereas in 2001 it was seen in 10% of patients. The development of five laboratories within the unit has allowed us to implement basic and clinical research trials, and to offer a high quality diagnostic service. The experimental liver transplant program started in 1987 and a clinical program in humans in 1991: four patients received an orthotopic liver transplantation in its first phase. In the second phase, 20 patients received allografts from September 1999 to March 2002. Technical complications have been encountered in only one patient, with a biliary leak, and there have been three perioperative deaths. Infections occurred in eight patients; all resolved. Acute postoperative rejection occurred in two patients, and in the first seven months in another five; all of them resolved. The two-year survival rate is 80%. This unit offers a highly specialized diagnosis, standardized specialized laboratory services and a transplant program that guarantees a higher quality of medical attention to patients with liver diseases.