Liver is one the most important organs that helps in detoxification of the body by getting it rid of the toxins on a day to day basis. When a liver is diseased it does not detoxify the body hence the toxic substances start accumulating in the body leading to various other diseases. A liver transplant is indicated when the liver is not able to perform its normal functions and goes into liver failure state. In a liver transplant surgery, the diseased liver in an individual is replaced either wholly or in part by a healthy liver from a donor. A liver transplant surgery is a globally accepted treatment for some advanced liver diseases, giving the recipients longer survival and better quality of life.
What are the causes of liver failure ?
Liver failure can result as a result of either an acute or a sudden cause or could be a long term effect of a use of medications or an underlying disease. The conditions being the cause of a chronic liver failure include;
- Hepatitis infection ( a type of viral infection that primarily affects the liver)
- Hemohromatosis (hereditary disease with too much iron in the body)
- Chronic alcoholism
- Wilsons Disease (excessive copper in the body)
- Deficiency of certain enzymes that aid in the normal functioning of liver
- Defects of the bile ducts causing accumulation of bile in the liver
- Cancer of the liver
When is a liver transplant surgery indicated ?
A liver transplant is usually the last choice of treatment in patients who are suffering from a long standing liver disease or sudden liver failure and when the other treatments like change of medication are not helpful in regaining the normal functions of the liver.
When is a partial liver transplant surgery and a complete liver transplant performed ?
Liver is that versatile organ of the body which can grow to its normal size on its own. The type of liver transplant whether a partial or a complete one is dependent on the extent to which the receiver’s liver is damaged. The transplant procedure is avoided till the patients liver is able to perform its function on medication. If the liver is not able to regenerate with close monitoring and change of medication a liver transplant is indicated. In cases where in the donor is a living patient usually a part of the liver is removed and transplanted into the receiver’s body.
When a liver transplant surgery cannot be performed?
A liver transplant surgery is not indicated in patients who have other diseases affecting the heart, lungs and other organs of the body. An individual who is on constant alcohol and substance abuse is not a suitable candidate for a liver transplant. Other conditions that deny the liver transplant procedure are infections, multi organ failure, and cancer of the other organs of the body and HIV infection.
Who can be a donor in a liver transplant surgery ?
A liver can be donated by either a living donor or a deceased donor. A living donor can donate a part of the liver as liver is that one organ which can regenerate to its normal size over a period of time. It is essential to ask your doctor if it’s suitable for you to donate a part of your liver. The consulting doctor might ask you to get a complete evaluation done of your overall health, to declare you fit for donating your liver. Liver transplants are fairly common procedures and hence it is important to get yourself registered with a local transplant authority which aids in liver transplant procedures depending upon the need for a transplant. The donor, the receiver and the hospital which performs the transplant procedure have to be registered with the transplant authority. A living donor can donate a part of his/her liver as liver is an organ which can grow and attain its normal size when in function. It is advisable and strictly suggested that the donor checks the legalities related to the procedure of donating an organ or a part of organ. This may differ from country to country. It is also advised to check the license of the consulting doctor, and the hospital or the healthcare setup where the transplant procedure would be performed. Please note that buying and selling of organ is an illegal practice.
What are the investigations done before one qualifies for a liver transplant surgery ?
The person who is presenting with symptoms of liver disease should visit a physician for a routine checkups, and a complete physical and medical examination. If necessary your doctor can refer you to a hepatologist or a liver specialist for further evaluation. If your specialist feels that you could be a suitable candidate for a transplant procedure he will ask you get the following tests done-
- A complete physical and medical examination of the abdomen
- CT scan of the abdomen
- Ultrasonography of the liver
- Blood investigations and cross matching
- Examination of overall health
- Tests to check if the patient has an chronic infections
What happens before a liver transplant surgery ?
After a complete examination and analysis of your symptoms the doctor will ask you to make healthy changes in your lifestyle as they in turn will improve the outcome of your transplant procedure. The lifestyle changes include healthy diet habits, cessation of alcohol and smoking, exercise regularly to keep the weight in control and regular follow ups with your consulting doctor.
Does a liver transplant surgery require anesthesia ?
Yes, the liver transplant procedure requires the administration of general anesthesia and sedation during the surgical procedure.
What happens during a liver transplant surgery ?
Liver transplant surgery is a major surgical procedure that has to done by highly trained and skilled team of surgeons, nurses and technicians. It is done under general anaesthesia (wherein you are put to sleep). After the administration of anesthesia, the operating surgeon makes an incision at the lower portion of the abdomen; usually a Y shaped incision is given and the new liver is placed in position and is connected to the blood vessels and nerves to make it functional. A tube (a catheter) is usually placed to drain out any fluids and help in passage of urine. Once the liver is transplanted in place, the wound is closed with the help of sutures and you are shifted to an intensive care unit to monitor your recovery. You will be closely monitored in an intensive care unit to steer clear of any post operative complications. Once your condition is stable the doctor might shift you to in patient department till your fit to go home. You will be advised to take certain medication after the liver transplant surgery to help your body to accept the transplanted liver. Your doctor will ask you to continue the medication for life long or else the body will not accept the transplanted liver and will lead to further complications. Routine follow up visits to your doctor are advised to monitor your recovery. Ask you treating doctor about more details on the transplant and post-transplant care.
What are the risks and complications associated with a liver transplant surgery ?
The complications could be related to administration of anesthesia such as vomiting, nausea, headache, gastric upset or to the surgery such as bleeding and infection at the site of the surgery, rejection of the transplanted liver, bile duct complications and complications such as memory loss and other generalized symptoms of weakness. The medications administered to accept the transplanted liver can also cause side effects such as weakening of bones, diarrhoea, headache, elevated blood pressure, diabetes and increase in cholesterol. Ask your healthcare consultant to provide you with the complete details of the procedure and associated risks before deciding on getting a transplant surgery done.
What is the outcome of a liver transplant surgery ?
A liver transplant surgery aims to increase the overall improvement in the quality of life of patients who are affected with chronic liver disease. A liver transplant surgery is a major surgical procedure with a significant quantum of risk but its success rates have improved over a period of time. It is best to check with your liver transplant surgeon about the benefits and risks associated with liver transplant surgery. For a person to have a successful liver transplant surgery, it is critical to follow the pre-operative and post-operative instructions, maintain a healthy lifestyle and continue the medication as suggested by your consulting liver transplant specialist. Liver transplant surgeries have been performed for over decades now on patients who are affected with end stage liver diseases. The outcome of liver transplant depends on the type of liver disease, the type of transplant (whether from a living donor or a deceased donor) and overall health of the patient. Liver transplant is the second most common organ transplant procedure done after kidney transplant. After any transplant surgery, it is essential to follow up routinely with your consulting specialist to analyse your condition and its improvement after the transplant procedure.
How to find and reach liver transplant surgeons for liver transplant surgery ?
Now you can find and reach liver transplant surgeons from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from multiple liver transplant surgeons, cost estimates for liver transplant surgery from liver transplant hospitals, compare things and then choose a liver transplant surgeon or a liver transplant hospital for liver transplant surgery.
Find, reach and choose a liver transplant surgeon or liver transplant hospital for liver transplant surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
