Treatments

Liver Transplant

Liver transplantation is a surgical procedure in which a diseased liver is replaced with a healthy liver from another person. It is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage liver disease or certain types of liver cancer. This article provides an overview of liver transplantation, including its indications, procedure, and post-operative care.

Indications for Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation is recommended for patients with:

1. End-stage liver disease (ESLD): This can be due to various causes, including cirrhosis from chronic hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and primary biliary cirrhosis.
2. Liver cancer: Certain patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are candidates for liver transplantation if the tumor is within specific size and number criteria.
3. Acute liver failure: This is a rare condition where the liver fails rapidly, often due to drug overdose or acute viral hepatitis.
4. Certain metabolic diseases: Such as Wilson's disease or tyrosinemia.

The Transplantation Procedure

1. Donor Selection: The donor can be deceased or living. Living donors donate a portion of their liver, which regenerates in both the donor and recipient.
2. Surgery: The diseased liver is removed, and the donor liver is placed in the recipient. The blood vessels and bile ducts are then connected.
3. Recovery: Post-surgery, the patient is closely monitored in an intensive care unit (ICU) before being moved to a transplant recovery area.

Post-operative Care and Complications

1. Immunosuppression: Patients need to take immunosuppressive medications lifelong to prevent the body from rejecting the new liver.
2. Rejection: Despite medications, the body can sometimes try to reject the new liver. Regular check-ups and blood tests help in early detection and management.
3. Infections: Immunosuppressive medications can make patients more susceptible to infections.
4. Bile duct complications: There can be issues like leaks or strictures in the bile ducts.
5. Liver function monitoring: Regular blood tests are done to ensure the liver is functioning well.

Prognosis

The success rate of liver transplantation has improved significantly over the years, thanks to advances in surgical techniques, post-operative care, and medications. The majority of liver transplant recipients lead a normal life post-surgery. However, they need lifelong follow-up and medications.

Liver transplantation is a beacon of hope for many patients with end-stage liver disease or specific liver cancers. With continued advancements in the field, the outcomes are expected to improve further, offering patients a chance at a renewed, healthy life.