Liver Transplant: Overview, Preparation, Procedure, Recovery, Risks, and Aftercare
Transplanting the liver is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased liver with a healthy one. Patients with end-stage liver disease or certain liver conditions that cannot be effectively treated with other medical interventions are typically recommended for it.
Preparation
Patients and healthcare providers will complete several steps before undergoing a liver transplant:
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A thorough medical evaluation is conducted on each patient to determine their overall health, severity of liver disease, and suitability for liver transplantation.
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A variety of tests, including blood tests, imaging studies, and heart and lung evaluations, are conducted to assess organ function and identify any underlying health conditions.
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For deceased donor liver transplants, patients are placed on a waiting list managed by organ procurement organizations. For living donor liver transplants, potential donors undergo extensive testing to determine their compatibility.
Procedure
A liver transplant typically involves the following steps:
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Under general anesthesia, the patient is unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure.
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In deceased donor transplants, the donor liver is removed from the deceased donor and preserved for transplantation. In living donor transplants, a portion of the donor's liver is removed for transplantation.
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To make room for the donor liver, the recipient's diseased or damaged liver is surgically removed.
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In liver transplantation, the donor liver is implanted into the recipient's body and connected to blood vessels and bile ducts. The surgical team ensures proper blood flow and bile drainage.
Recovery
In the aftermath of a liver transplant, patients undergo a period of recovery:
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In the weeks following transplant surgery, patients are closely monitored for signs of complications and are given medications to prevent organ rejection.
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A transplant patient may require ongoing rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain strength and function after discharge from the hospital. The full recovery may take several months.
Risks
In general, liver transplant surgery is considered safe, but there are risks and complications associated with it, including:
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A transplanted liver may be rejected by the recipient's immune system. Immunosuppressive drugs are prescribed to prevent this.
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After liver transplant surgery, patients are at an increased risk of infection, especially during the initial recovery period when their immune systems are weakened.
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Transplant surgery can cause bleeding, which may require blood transfusions or surgical intervention to control.
Aftercare
Patients who undergo liver transplants require ongoing medical care and follow-up:
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In order to prevent organ rejection, patients must take immunosuppressive medications as prescribed. They also receive medications to prevent infections and manage other complications following organ transplantation.
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For long-term liver health, patients are advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and abstinence from alcohol and tobacco.
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In order to monitor liver function, adjust medications, and address any concerns or complications, patients attend regular follow-up appointments with their transplant team. For liver transplant surgery to succeed long-term, compliance with medical appointments and treatment regimens is essential.
