Liver Transplantation
A liver transplant is a procedure wherein a diseased liver is replaced with a healthy liver from someone else. An entire liver or only a portion of one can be transplanted. The healthy liver will almost always come from a brain-dead organ donor.
Liver is the only human organ that can repair tissue that has been lost or damaged (regenerate). After surgery, the donor’s liver will quickly return to normal size. In a few weeks, the portion that will be used as a replacement liver will likewise develop to its regular size, says Dr. Sanjoy Mandal, who is considered to be the best liver surgeon in Kolkata.
When is Liver Transplant Needed
After all other treatment options have been explored, patients with chronic liver failure or end-stage liver disease may be offered a liver transplant. The following are some of the most common reasons for liver transplantation:
Acute Liver Failure
Viral Hepatitis
Alcoholic Liver Disease
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Primary Liver Cancer
What are the Different Liver Transplant Types
As listed by the liver doctor in Kolkata, a liver transplant can be done in three different ways:
Deceased-organ donation transplant: It is the transplantation of a liver from a recently deceased person. Split donation transplant: A recently deceased person’s liver is taken and split into two pieces; each piece is transplanted into a separate person, where it will grow to normal size. Living-donor liver transplant: A part of a living donor’s liver is removed; because the liver can regenerate, both the transplanted piece and the remaining piece of the donor’s liver can regrow into a normal-sized liver.Liver Transplantation Process
Here are the basics of a general liver transplant process:
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is used to numb and block discomfort in the patient.
- Incision: An incision is performed to open up the abdominal area so that the liver can be accessed.
- Abdominal examination: Abdominal examination for anomalies to prevent liver transplant problems.
- Native liver mobilization: Mobilization of the native liver and isolation of veins and arteries.
- Transection: The connected structures are transected, and the native, diseased liver is removed.
- Sewing: Before sealing the incision, the new liver is attached, and all blood vessels and bile ducts are joined.
- Adequate Control: Confirming adequate bleeding control and surgical incision closure.
Life After Liver Transplantation Surgery
Liver transplantation is an operation that has saved countless lives and significantly improved the lives of people with end-stage liver disease all over the world. Patients should be aware of a few precautions following surgery.
Follow Up on a Regular Basis
Patients should visit their doctors on a frequent basis to check on the status of their liver transplants.
Immunosuppressants
The new liver may be perceived as foreign by the body, prompting an assault. Immunosuppressive medications keep this from occurring. Other medications help to lower the chance of problems following the transplant.
Changing Your Way of Life
Following surgery, patients will need to radically adjust their lifestyle. The liver surgeon advises that patients should not drink alcohol and must keep a close eye on what they eat.
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