The liver is one of the most essential organs in the human digestive system. Liver is one of the largest internal organs in a human body, has the following functions, Preventing of infections, removing bacteria and toxins from the blood, controlling immune responses, processing nutrients, medications and hormones, making proteins that help the blood clot, producing bile which helps the body absorb fats-including cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins, Storing vitamins, minerals, fats and sugar for the use of the body.

 

Liver Failure is the phase when most of the liver gets damaged and it’s away from the scope of repair. Liver transplant is recommended only when it spots responding to medications or stops working properly.

 

What is a Liver Transplant?

 

When a person’s liver is damaged to a level that the functioning is severely affected and regeneration is not possible, then a liver transplant is recommended. In a liver transplant, the damaged liver is removed and replaced by a part or whole of a healthy liver from the donor.

 

What are the types of Liver Transplant?

 

Based on the type of donor, the transplant can be classified as a deceased donor or live donor transplantation.

In Deceased donor transplant, a healthy liver of a brain dead person, who has pledged to donate organs, is transplanted into the liver failed person’s body. In this case, the full liver is taken and transplanted.

Whereas in live donor transplant, a part of a healthy liver from a live donor whose liver is compatible with the body of the receiver is taken and transplanted to the patient’s body. As the liver is regenerative in nature, the part which is transplanted to the patient will develop into a fully grown liver in 6 to 8 weeks. Meanwhile, the donated person’s liver also regenerates in the same period of time.

 

Why it is done?

 

Liver transplant is a treatment for people with chronic liver failure whose condition cannot be treated by any other ways and for some people it can be liver cancer. Liver failure can happen quickly or over a period of time. Quick liver failures occur in few weeks called as acute liver failure and are usually as a result if medication induced liver injury. But Chronic liver failure occurs slowly over weeks and months. Majorly Chronic Liver Failures are treated by liver transplant.

 

Chronic liver failure may be due to various conditions. The most common cause of chronic liver failure is scarring of the liver called Cirrhosis, a process in which scar tissue replaces the normal liver tissue and impairs the regular liver function. Major causes of Cirrhosis can be as follows:

 

Alcoholism: Long-term drinking habit can lead to a stage of liver disease.

Non - alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Hepatitis B and C

Genetic diseases affecting the liver (including hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease).

 

 

Diseases that affect the bile ducts such as primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and biliary atresia. Biliary atresia is the most common reason for liver transplant among children.

How will I know if my Liver if getting damaged?

Most common symptoms of liver disease and liver failure thereon are:

Weight Loss, Fatigue

Hepatic encephalopathy is a confusion that occurs due to liver failure, primarily because ammonia begins to build up in the bloodstream.

Liver enzymes, also known as hepatic function tests, will be elevated in patients with liver failure or significant liver disease.

Jaundice

Gallstones are more common in individuals with liver disease.

Fluid accumulation in the legs or abdomen.

 

How it is done?

 

Liver transplant like any other surgeries involves the previous evacuation. This involves various tests and evaluation of the patient’s medical history for any other medications or health issues. This stage also involves the evaluation of the patient’s suitability for the liver transplant. If the patient is found suitable for the transplant, then it is passed on to the second stage. This involves searching for the do not be it deceased or live donor. This will take some time as the donor may not be readily available. The third stage is when the donor becomes available. Once the donor is ready for transplant, certain preliminary tests are repeated to ensure that the patient is safe for a transplant. Further, post a discussion with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, the surgery will be fixed.

 

How long hospitalisation is required?

 

Though the aspects of surgery may vary from patient to patient, in general, a liver transplant is a major surgery. the surgery may take 8 to 2 hours post which the patient is shifted to ICU where he is monitored for 3 to 7 days and then further 2 to 3 weeks hospitalisation will be required so as to monitor the vitals closely and to ensure the regeneration of the liver in case of live donor transplantation.

 

Post Op Care

 

Following the discharge from the hospital after a liver transplant, it is important that you incorporate the following practices in order to have a successful long-term outcome after transplant.

 

Hygienic Environment: The first and most important step towards a healthy recovery begins at your home. The family is thefts support system you can get. The house should have proper ventilation. The patient is advised to wear a mask for the initial three months after discharging while going to crowded places.

 

Diet and Nutrition: After the surgery, the patient will have a high level of hungry than before which is actually a good sign. The patient’s diet should be high in Protein. Drinking water should be given utmost care and water should be taken only after home filtration. You should avoid taking sweets and fruits as it may shoot up your blood sugar. Smoking and drinking should be strictly avoided.

 

Regular Checkup: Post-surgery care with regular checkup is very important in optimising long-term results.

 

Medications: Medications are essential for the recovery process, You should never skip the medicines prescribed by the doctors. It is also essential that patient’s families should also familiarise themselves with the medicines prescribed and ensure that the patient complies with the prescribed medication.

 

Having said all about Liver Transplant in this advanced medical era, even complex surgeries are done in an effective way and utmost care is given during the surgery and after the surgery. If you find any early symptoms of liver disease, then don't delay to visit a doctor.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Transplant Surgery

 

How long is the liver transplant procedure?

The procedure takes between  6-10  hours time duration or more depending on complexity.

 

When is a liver transplant necessary?

 

Liver transplantation is a final treatment option for patients with  End-stage liver disease and Acute liver failure.

 

What is the sign that a liver transplant is successful?

 

Bile production early after the surgery is a good sign and is one of the indicators that liver transplant is being accepted by the patient's body.

 

What do you mean by living donor transplant?

 

In a  living donor transplant, a healthy person donates part of his or her liver to the recipient. It is usually a family member or a close relative leading to avoidance of long waiting times due to a shortage of liver donors.

 

What are the types of Rejection syndrome?

 

Types of Rejection :

    •    Immediate or Hyper-acute rejection occurs just after surgery when the body immediately recognises the liver as foreign and attempts to destroy it.

    •    Acute rejection usually occurs in the first two months after transplant and is usually treatable with medication.

    •    Delayed, or chronic rejection can occur years after surgery

 

What are the contradictions for a liver transplant?

 

Some contradictions for liver transplant include:

    •    Advanced age,

    •    Serious heart or lung disease.

    •    Metastatic cancer outside of the liver

    •    Active drug or alcohol abuse, and

    •    Active systemic infections

    •    HIV infection

 

What is orthotropic transplantation?

 

Orthotropic transplantation is one in which the diseased organ is removed and replaced by the donor organ in the same anatomic position as the original.

 

What are Anti-rejection medications?

 

 Medicines which slow or suppress the immune system to prevent it from rejecting the new liver also known as immunosuppressants or anti-rejection medications.

 

When can I be discharged from the hospital after a liver transplant?

 

After liver transplant surgery the average stay in the hospital maybe 2 to 3 weeks, it may take longer depending on any complications if arise.

 

What is the generally the recovery period after liver transplant procedure?

 

 The recovery time for donors is about two months and for recipients is about six to 12 months. The liver begins to regenerate itself almost immediately.

 

What is prognosis after a liver transplant?

 

A transplanted liver will function for five years or more in 75 per cent of recipients. Survival rates are increasing with the use of better immunosuppressive medications.