Liver Transplantation in Guntur - Dr. Varun

What is Liver Transplantation?

Liver transplantation is a surgical procedure where a diseased or failing liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a donor. This procedure is typically considered for individuals with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure when other treatments are no longer effective.

How Liver Transplantation Works

• Pre-Transplant Evaluation:
  • Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation including blood tests, imaging studies (such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI), liver biopsy, and sometimes additional tests to assess overall health.
  • Listing: If deemed suitable, the patient is placed on a liver transplant waiting list. The urgency of the transplant depends on the severity of liver disease and other health factors.
• Donor Liver:
  • Types: Liver transplants can use livers from living donors (where a portion of the liver is donated by a living person) or deceased donors (where the entire liver is donated from a deceased individual).
  • Matching: The donor liver is matched to the recipient based on factors such as blood type, size, and other medical criteria.
• Surgical Procedure:
  • Anesthesia: The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
  • Incision: A large incision is made in the abdomen to access the liver.
  • Removal: The diseased liver is carefully removed.
  • Transplantation: The donor liver is placed in the abdomen and connected to the blood vessels and bile ducts.
  • Closure: The incision is closed with stitches or staples, and the patient is moved to the recovery area.
• Post-Transplant Care:
  • ICU: The patient is monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a few days.
  • Immunosuppressants: Medications are prescribed to prevent the body from rejecting the new liver.
  • Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor liver function, medication levels, and overall health.

Advantages of Liver Transplantation

• Improved Liver Function: Restores normal liver function and can be life-saving for individuals with end-stage liver disease.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Many patients experience significant improvements in their overall health and quality of life.
• Long-Term Survival: Offers a chance for long-term survival and a healthier future.

Eligibility for Liver Transplantation

• End-Stage Liver Disease: For individuals with severe liver disease who have no other treatment options.
• Acute Liver Failure: For patients with sudden liver failure not caused by chronic disease.
• Health Assessment: Patients must undergo a thorough health evaluation to determine suitability for transplantation.

How Liver Transplantation Works

• Pre-Transplant Evaluation: A comprehensive assessment including blood tests, imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI), liver biopsy, and additional tests to evaluate overall health.
• Donor Liver: Can come from living donors (partial liver) or deceased donors (whole liver). Matching is based on blood type, size, and other medical criteria.
• Surgical Procedure: Under general anesthesia, the diseased liver is removed and replaced with the donor liver, which is then connected to the blood vessels and bile ducts.
• Post-Transplant Care: Includes ICU monitoring, immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection, and regular follow-up appointments to check liver function and overall health.

Indications for Liver Transplantation

• Chronic Liver Disease: Conditions like cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C, alcoholic liver disease, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
• Acute Liver Failure: Sudden loss of liver function due to causes such as viral hepatitis, drug overdose, or toxins.
• Liver Cancer: For cancers confined to the liver with specific criteria met for transplantation.

Risks and Complications

• Rejection: The immune system may attack the new liver, leading to acute or chronic rejection.
• Infection: Increased risk due to immunosuppressant medications.
• Bleeding: Potential for significant bleeding during or after surgery.
• Bile Duct Complications: Issues with bile duct connection or bile leakage.
• Organ Dysfunction: Risk of the new liver not functioning properly or affecting other organs.
• Medication Side Effects: Long-term immunosuppressants can lead to kidney damage or high blood pressure.

Recovery and Aftercare

• Hospital Stay: Typically 1 to 2 weeks, depending on recovery progress.
• Lifestyle Changes: Adherence to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol are crucial.
• Medication Adherence: Lifelong use of immunosuppressants and other medications to manage side effects.
• Regular Monitoring: Ongoing follow-up visits for blood tests, imaging studies, and liver function tests.