Liver Transplant
Liver transplantation is a surgical procedure for patients with irreversible liver failure or end-stage liver disease.
A healthy donor liver or a portion from a living donor is implanted to restore proper liver function.
This procedure improves metabolism, detoxification, and overall health, significantly enhancing quality of life and survival.
Overview And Clinical Background
Liver transplant replaces a failing liver with a donor organ, either whole or partial, depending on patient needs.
It is indicated for cirrhosis, liver cancer, biliary atresia, or acute liver failure.
Modern surgical techniques and immunosuppressive therapy have substantially improved outcomes and survival rates.
- Indication: End-stage liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, or metabolic liver disorders.
- Donor options include deceased or living-related donors.
- Surgical goal: Restore full liver function and improve metabolic and detoxification capacity.
Symptoms, Signs And Presentation
Patients may experience jaundice, fatigue, abdominal swelling, and coagulopathy due to liver failure.
Advanced liver disease signs guide transplant eligibility.
- Common symptoms: Yellowing of skin/eyes, ascites, weakness, nausea, and reduced appetite.
- Frequent hospitalizations for complications like variceal bleeding.
- Red flag: Hepatic encephalopathy, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe infection.
Diagnosis Methods And Investigations
Liver Function Assessment And Imaging
Pre-transplant evaluation includes liver function tests, imaging, viral and autoimmune screening.
Donor-recipient compatibility assessment is crucial for transplant success.
- Lab tests: LFTs, coagulation profile, viral hepatitis screening, renal function tests.
- Imaging: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI to assess liver anatomy, vasculature, and tumor presence.
- Crossmatching and blood typing ensure compatibility with donor organ.
Treatment Options And Surgical Techniques
Liver transplant is performed under general anesthesia.
Diseased liver is removed, and donor liver implanted with reconnection of blood vessels and bile ducts.
- Medical management: Temporary measures like medication or dialysis may stabilize patients pre-transplant.
- Surgical transplant: Orthotopic transplantation with vascular and biliary anastomosis.
- Post-operative immunosuppression prevents graft rejection.
Recovery, Risks And Prognosis
Hospital stay is usually 2–3 weeks with close monitoring.
Risks include rejection, infection, and bleeding.
Most patients achieve long-term survival and improved quality of life with adherence to medication and follow-up.
Why Choose Us
CureU Healthcare offers expert transplant surgeons, advanced ICU care, and personalized rehabilitation to optimize liver transplant outcomes.
Our multidisciplinary team ensures comprehensive support before and after surgery.
Conclusion
Liver transplant restores vital liver function and life expectancy in patients with end-stage disease.
Expert care and monitoring ensure the best possible outcomes and recovery.
