Liver Transplant

Liver Transplant: Understanding the Procedure, Causes, and Treatment

A liver transplant is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a diseased liver with a healthy liver from a donor. This life-saving operation is typically recommended for patients with severe liver disease or liver failure when other treatments have not been effective. The goal is to restore liver function and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Causes: The primary causes leading to a liver transplant include chronic liver diseases and conditions that result in irreversible liver damage. Common conditions that necessitate a liver transplant are cirrhosis, which is often caused by chronic hepatitis B or C, long-term alcohol abuse, or fatty liver disease. Other indications include liver cancer, acute liver failure due to drug toxicity or infection, genetic liver disorders like Wilson’s disease, and bile duct diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Treatment: The liver transplant procedure begins with the patient being placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to access the liver. The diseased liver is then carefully removed, and the healthy donor liver is implanted in its place. Blood vessels and bile ducts are connected to ensure proper blood flow and bile drainage. The new liver should begin functioning immediately, although it may take some time for full recovery.

The donor liver can come from a deceased donor or, in some cases, a living donor who donates a portion of their liver. Living donor transplants are possible because the liver can regenerate itself and grow back to its full size.

Post-transplant, patients are monitored closely for signs of organ rejection and infection. Immunosuppressive medications are prescribed to prevent the body from rejecting the new liver. These medications must be taken for the rest of the patient’s life. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor liver function and overall health.