OBJECTIVES: Liver transplantation (LTx) is a complex surgical procedure indicated for patients with serious acute or chronic diseases, when no other effective treatment is available. This retrospective study aims to report temporal trends and geographic distribution of LTx in Brazil. METHODS: A systematic review was performed by May 2012 to identify publications on LTx in Brazil through Cochrane Collaboration, Medline, EMBASE, Lilacs databases and gray literature. A retrospective analysis of epidemiological data available from Brazilian Registry of Transplants (Brazilian Association of Organ Transplants) and Report of Latin American Transplantation (The Transplantation Society of Latin American and The Caribbean) was developed from 1985 to 2011. RESULTS: In Brazil, an increase in LTx performed annually was observed since the first successful experience (1985).  In 2011 1,492 LTx were performed, an increase of 496% over 5 procedures in 1985, with a survival rate of 74% for patients and 70% for graft. Living donor procedures showed an increase from 1995 to 2005, but a reduction after 2006 (5 in 1995; 192 in 2005; 104 in 2011). Deceased donor procedures present a continuous growth tendency (3 in 1985; 1,388 in 2011). Nevertheless, in 2009, the waiting list had 4,850 registered patients. Geographic distribution is influenced by transplantation centers distribution. The distribution of [inhabitants; LTx centers; LTx procedures] in 5 Brazilian geographic region in 2011 is: North [8.09%; 0%; 0%], Northeast [27.97%; 15.79%; 21.24%], Midwest [7.32%; 2.63%; 0%], Southeast [42.20%; 60.53%; 57.92%], and South [14.43%; 21.05%; 20.84%]. São Paulo state, placed in Southeast region, represents 31 transplantation centers (76 in Brazil), 21.58% of country population and 46% of LTx conducted in 2011. CONCLUSIONS: Brazil performed a growing number of LTx from 1985 to 2011, but this increase may not be enough, once a large patient’s number remains on waiting lists. Geographical distribution shows to be significantly irregular in the country.