Liver Transplant

Liver Transplant
A liver transplant is a surgical procedure performed to remove a diseased or injured liver that no longer
functions properly (liver failure) and replace it with a healthy liver or a portion of a healthy liver from
another person, called the donor.
Why is it needed?
A liver transplant is recommended only when a person’s liver is no longer able to function adequately
enough and all other forms of medical treatment are unable to restore the damage. The liver damage
might be of acute or of chronic nature-
• Acute Liver Failure. A sudden failure of a previously healthy liver, called as acute liver failure,
which may happen as a result of infections or complications from certain medications
• Chronic Liver Failure. A long-term problem which progresses over months, years or decades. It
may have various causes, with cirrhosis being the most common one where a healthy liver tissue
starts getting replaced with scar tissues, making the liver unable to carry out its normal functions.
 Some of the most common indications include- Chronic hepatitis C, hepatitis B,
nonalcoholic fatty disease, primary liver cancer, primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune liver
disease and alcoholic liver disease.
Types of Liver transplants:
Broadly there are three different types of liver transplant depending on the source of the transplant organ.
These are categorized into -
 Orthotopic transplant: This is the common type of transplant, where the whole liver is received
from a recently deceased donor – i.e. a heathy liver from someone who had pledged their organs
before their death.
 A living donor transplant: This is when the liver is received from a willing living person (living
donor). The transplantation requires on a lobe of the liver to be used – which then re-grows in the
donor as well as the recipient.
 Split type of liver transplant: This type involves transplantation of a liver from a recently
deceased individual to two new recipients – usually an adult and a child.
The transplant process:
Getting ready for the transplant
The doctor conducts a detailed assessment to check the severity of your disease and to look into various
aspects before considering you a candidate to undergo a liver transplant. In general, following factors are
looked upon-
• irreversible, progressive liver disease
• Failure of all other forms of medical and surgical treatment
• absence of other major diseases
• ability to understand the nature and risks involved in liver transplantation
While you are undergoing the assessment, a number of tests are usually performed including imaging
studies, such as CT scans & ultrasound, multiple blood tests to determine your blood type, kidney
function and liver function, and check for other infectious, immune, and inherited diseases,
Before the Transplant
Once you have been accepted as a transplant candidate, you will be placed on the Organ Sharing list and
when a suited donor organ becomes available, you will be called to the hospital to get you ready for the
transplant. Once you arrive at the hospital, your doctors and transplant team will conduct a final
evaluation to assess your condition and to see if the donor liver is suitable for you. Based on your health
condition, your healthcare provider may request other specific preparations.
During the transplant
Post necessary evaluation and preparation, you will be shifted to the operating room. You will receive
certain medications before and during the operation and anesthetics to put you on sleep. During the
operation, the diseased liver will be removed and healthy liver will be transplanted into the same space.
This operation approximately takes four to eight hours.
After the transplant
Post surgery , you will be taken to the Intensive Care Unit, to allow your body time to recover its basic
functions like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure. After a short stay in the ICU, you will then be
transferred to the recovery room and will be monitored closely for any signs of complications. You may
as well receive some physical therapy to help you recover. After having a transplant, you're likely to
remain in the hospital for 8-14 days.
What are the risks involved?
• Acute rejection. Your body may recognize your new liver as foreign tissue and your immune
system will attempt to reject it. This is a normal reaction. Although most rejection happens while
you are still in the hospital, but it can happen at any time. You will need to take medicines after
your surgery to suppress the immune system and help prevent your body from rejecting the new
liver. Your doctors will keep a track of how you new liver is doing and will see to any sign of
complication.
• Recurrence of liver disease. The diseases that had caused the damage to liver previously, might
come back. The disease can often be treated easily with the help of certain medications and other
treatment options, but sometimes a second transplant may be required
• Risk of developing cancer. People who have had an organ transplant are at a higher risk of
developing certain types of cancer. Due to this, you will need to undergo routine cancer screening
tests
Off to a good start
The entire purpose of your transplant is to return you to a normal lifestyle and for the same you will need
to make certain lifestyle related changes as well.
• Proper adherence of medical advice. Your medications play a very crucial role in managing
your well-being post transplant, therefore, make sure to take all your medications as per
instructions and to obtain routine medical checkups
• Consume a healthy Diet After your liver transplant, it is very important to eat a balanced diet
which will help you recover and keep your liver healthy.
• Restrict Alcohol Avoid consuming alcohol after your liver transplant. Even moderate alcohol
consumption may damage the new liver. People whose liver was previously damaged due to
alcohol, should completely abstain from drinking again.
• Quit Smoking It is highly recommended for transplant patient to quit smoking. It may increase
risk of complications along increasing risk heart and lung diseases
• Activity and exercise Regular physical activity and exercise are necessary to maintain normal
weight and to minimise the side-effects of certain medications on muscles and bones. It will help
increase your energy levels and fitness, reduce stress and help emotional and mental wellbeing.
You will be able to take better care of yourself, if you understand your condition and illness. Learn as
much as you can about your procedure and clear your concerns with your doctor.
For more information call xxxxxxxxxx or discuss with xxxxxxx in your local CARE hospital.

 https://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/gastro/livertransplant/pdf/PatientInformation.pdf
 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liver-transplant/about/pac-20384842
 https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/liver-transplant/definition-facts
 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/transplant/news_events/media/transcripts/liver/liver_transp
lant_surgery.html