Cryptogenic cirrhosis is the leading cause for listing for liver transplantation in Sri Lanka

Hepatitis B and C are rare in Sri Lanka. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is increasing in the country. Eighty-one patients referred for liver transplantation (LT) over a period of 18 months were prospectively evaluated. Ninety-two percent ( n = 74) were males. Cryptogenic cirrhosis was the leading indication for LT (58 %, n = 47) followed by alcohol in 27 % ( n = 33). Hepatitis B and C were not seen in our cases. The liver biochemistry and clinical status of cirrhosis were similar in cryptogenic and alcoholic cirrhotics. Fourteen patients died while waiting for transplant, and nine transplants were performed. Cryptogenic cirrhosis is the leading cause for LT in Sri Lanka.