A liver transplant is widely regarded as a life-saving procedure for individuals with severe liver disease or liver failure. This complex surgery involves replacing a diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor. As one of the most significant medical interventions available today, understanding the liver transplant process, preparation, and recovery is crucial for patients and their families.
As one of the best liver transplant hospitals in India, in this blog we will provide an insightful look at the liver transplant journey in India, offering essential information and tips for a successful experience.
Can a human live without a liver?
No.The liver is a vital organ that performs critical functions necessary for survival, including detoxifying harmful substances, producing bile for digestion, regulating blood clotting, and storing essential nutrients and energy. Without a functioning liver, toxins and waste products would accumulate in the body, thereby leading to acute illnesses and disease.
What is Liver Transplant?
When the liver fails due to chronic diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver cancer, a liver transplant is performed to save the patient’s life.
Liver transplants can be performed using either a whole liver from a deceased donor or a portion of a liver from a living donor. Since the liver has the unique ability to regenerate, a transplanted section can grow to meet the body’s needs, both in the donor and the recipient.
Indications for Liver Transplant
Liver transplant is usually a treatment that is considered as a last resort, when there are no other options to save your kidney. In most cases, certain factors contribute to the absolute failure of the liver. These include:
- Chronic Liver Disease
- Acute Liver Failure
- Liver Cancer
- Genetic Conditions
The Evaluation Process
Before being placed on the transplant waiting list, patients undergo a thorough evaluation to determine if they are suitable candidates for the surgery. This process includes:
Medical Tests: Blood tests, imaging studies (such as CT scans or MRIs), and liver function tests help assess the extent of liver damage and overall health.
Psychological Evaluation: Patients are evaluated for their mental readiness to undergo a transplant and manage post-operative care, including medication adherence.
Social Support Assessment: The presence of a strong support system is crucial for post-transplant recovery, as it ensures that the patient can adhere to follow-up care and medications.
Preparing for a Liver Transplant
Preparing for a liver transplant can be a complicated process. To find the perfect match for you have to be patient and go through a process to ensure you get matched with the right donor.
Listing and Waiting
After the evaluation, suitable candidates are placed on a waiting list for a deceased donor liver. The waiting time can vary based on the severity of liver disease, blood type, and other factors. Patients are ranked using the MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score, which predicts the risk of death within three months without a transplant; those with higher scores are prioritised.
Living Donor Transplants
In some cases, a living donor—usually a family member or close friend—can donate a portion of their liver. This option can reduce waiting times and improve outcomes since the surgery can be scheduled electively. Living donors undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are healthy and suitable for donation.
How to transplant liver?
Liver transplant surgery is a complex procedure that typically lasts several hours. It involves:
Removing the Diseased Liver: The surgeon removes the patient’s diseased liver and any associated structures, such as the gallbladder.
Implanting the New Liver: The donor liver or liver segment is then placed in the patient’s body, with blood vessels and bile ducts carefully connected.
Monitoring and Recovery: After surgery, patients are closely monitored in an intensive care unit (ICU) for signs of complications, such as bleeding, infection, or organ rejection.
Liver donor risks:
Before donating a liver donor has to prepare themselves for all the risk factors associated with the liver transplant process.
Surgical Risks: As with any major surgery, liver donation carries risks such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, and complications related to anaesthesia. While these are generally uncommon, they can occur.
Liver Function and Regeneration: The liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate, but during the initial recovery period, donors may experience temporary liver dysfunction. While most donors recover fully, there is a small risk of long-term liver problems.
Pain and Recovery: Donors typically experience pain and discomfort after surgery, which can last several weeks. The recovery period may also involve limited physical activity, fatigue, and the need for time off work or school.
Cosmetic Scars: Donors will have scars from the surgery. While efforts are made to minimise scarring, it may be a cosmetic concern for some individuals.
Post-Transplant Recovery
Life before and after liver transplants can be challenging, but with the right care and follow up, you can restore your life back to its normal routine.
After discharge, patients require regular follow-up visits to monitor liver function, medication levels, and overall health. Key aspects of long-term care include:
- Medication Management: Ensuring adherence to immunosuppressive therapy is crucial to prevent rejection and manage side effects.
- Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol are essential to maintain liver health and overall well-being.
- Monitoring for Complications: Long-term complications can include organ rejection, infections, and side effects from immunosuppressive medications, such as kidney damage or increased risk of certain cancers.
Liver transplant success rate in India averages around 64%-34% in cases of liver transplant in patients with acute kidney failure. As one of the leading liver transplant hospitals in India, we urge those who are in risk or involved in the process to stay informed and prepared throughout the whole process.
A liver transplant is a complex but life-saving procedure that offers a second chance at life to those with severe liver disease. By understanding the liver transplant process and actively participating in their care, patients can improve their chances of a smooth recovery and a healthier future