Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, and certain liver cancers. By replacing a failing or diseased liver with a healthy donor liver, this procedure can restore liver function and significantly improve quality of life and survival. Our dedicated liver transplantation team provides comprehensive care through every stage of the transplant journey, offering expertise in both deceased and living-donor transplants, post-operative care, and long-term follow-up.

Conditions That May Require a Liver Transplant

1. Chronic Liver Disease (Cirrhosis): Cirrhosis caused by hepatitis, alcohol abuse, fatty liver disease, or autoimmune disorders leads to irreversible liver scarring, making transplantation the only treatment in advanced cases.
2. Acute Liver Failure: Acute liver failure, often resulting from drug toxicity or severe hepatitis, can progress rapidly and may require immediate transplantation for survival.
3. Liver Cancer: For patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) confined to the liver, transplantation can offer a curative option when other treatments are ineffective.
4. Genetic Liver Disorders: Certain hereditary liver diseases, such as Wilson’s disease and hemochromatosis, can damage the liver over time, making a transplant necessary.
5. Pediatric Liver Diseases: Conditions like biliary atresia, metabolic diseases, and other congenital liver disorders in children can often be corrected with liver transplantation.

Types of Liver Transplantation

1. Deceased Donor Transplant: In this standard approach, a liver from a deceased donor is transplanted into a patient with liver failure. Deceased donor transplants are prioritized based on the patient’s Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, which assesses the urgency of their condition.
2. Living Donor Transplant: In a living donor liver transplant, a healthy family member or volunteer donates a portion of their liver, which then regenerates in both the donor and recipient. This option reduces wait time and can be lifesaving for those facing urgent need.
3. Split-Liver Transplant: In certain cases, a deceased donor liver can be divided and transplanted into two recipients—often an adult and a child. This approach helps expand the donor pool and saves multiple lives.

Our Comprehensive Liver Transplant Program

1. Pre-Transplant Evaluation and Preparation: Our team conducts an in-depth medical assessment to determine your suitability for transplant. This includes lab work, imaging, consultations, and education on what to expect. We ensure each patient is fully prepared both mentally and physically for transplant surgery.
2. Advanced Surgical Expertise: Our surgeons specialize in highly complex liver transplant procedures, including both adult and pediatric transplants. Using the latest surgical techniques, we focus on optimizing outcomes and reducing recovery time.
3. Living Donor Program: We offer a comprehensive living donor program that includes evaluation, counseling, and support for donors. Living donor transplantation offers a valuable alternative for patients who may otherwise face a lengthy wait for a deceased donor organ.
4. Post-Transplant Care and Follow-Up: After surgery, our team provides extensive post-operative care, including monitoring for complications, managing medications, and regular follow-up visits to ensure successful recovery and long-term liver function.
5. Patient Education and Support: Education is a cornerstone of our program. We provide patients and families with detailed guidance on managing lifestyle, medications, and nutrition post-transplant to promote optimal health.

Benefits of Liver Transplantation

1. Improved Survival and Quality of Life: For those with end-stage liver disease or liver cancer, a transplant offers the chance for a longer, healthier life free from the constraints of chronic liver failure.
2. Enhanced Liver Function: Transplantation restores normal liver function, helping patients regain energy, stabilize metabolic functions, and improve digestion.
3. Lifesaving Treatment Option: Liver transplantation remains the only viable option for many people with liver failure, allowing patients to return to daily activities, work, and family life.
4. Potential Cure for Liver Cancer: In select cases, liver transplantation can offer a curative option for patients with primary liver cancer when resection or other treatments are not viable.

Living Donor Liver Transplant Program

Our Living Donor Program offers a unique opportunity for family members or friends to help patients in need. Living donation can significantly reduce wait times and allows for elective scheduling, which may be more beneficial for both donor and recipient. Donors undergo thorough evaluations to ensure their safety and suitability, and they receive comprehensive support throughout the process. Living donors typically experience a full recovery, with their liver regenerating to normal function within months.

FAQs on Liver Transplantation

1. How long is the wait for a liver transplant?
   Wait times vary depending on blood type, severity of liver disease (MELD score), and availability of suitable donors. Our team explores all options, including living donation, to minimize wait times.
2. What is the success rate of liver transplants?
   Liver transplants are highly successful, with survival rates of over 85% at one year and around 75% at five years. Living donor transplants often have even higher success rates due to the careful match and planning involved.
3. What is the recovery time after a liver transplant?
   Most patients stay in the hospital for about 1-2 weeks post-transplant and can return to light activities within a few months. Full recovery generally takes around 6-12 months, depending on individual health factors.
4. Will I need to take medications after a liver transplant?
   Yes, patients must take immunosuppressive medications for life to prevent organ rejection. Our team will provide guidance on managing these medications and monitoring for side effects.
5. Is a living liver donor safe?
   Yes, living liver donation is considered safe, with most donors recovering fully within a few months. Our program includes thorough pre-operative evaluations and ongoing support to ensure donor health and safety.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one are considering liver transplantation, please contact us to schedule a consultation. Our specialized liver transplant team is committed to guiding you through every step, from evaluation to post-transplant care, ensuring a personalized approach to a successful transplant journey.