Transplantation of the Diseased Liver
Do you know which is the second-largest organ of the body? It is the liver (after the skin) and weighs around 1.5kgs. If the liver is damaged permanently and is unable to perform its function then the damaged liver is transplanted with a healthy liver. The surgical procedure of replacing the diseased liver with a healthy liver is called liver transplant.
The procedure is a very complicated and time-consuming surgery and usually, orthotopic transplant is preferred. In this type of transplant, the diseased liver is removed and is replaced by a healthy liver at the same anatomical site. The transplant is done by highly trained transplant doctors.
Contra-indication:
- For people with high blood cholesterol levels
- Substance abuse/alcohol abuse
- For people with an advanced stage of liver cancer
- Chronic ailments of the heart and lungs
- People with HIV infections
- People with hyperglycemia and hyperextension.
- Obese people
Types of donor:
- The living liver donor: only a part of the liver is donated. Usually used in pediatric cases.
- Domino liver transplant: in which a healthy liver of the donor is transplanted by the diseased liver. This type of transplant is usually done in people suffering from Amyloidosis. It usually takes 10- 12 years to develop symptoms of Amyloidosis. This type of liver transplant is done in cases where the donor is aged 60 years or more.
- Dead liver donor: in this type, the liver of a dead person is taken and is then transplanted in another person who has a diseased liver. The whole liver is removed from the donor and is transplanted in the recipient.
Preoperative care:
Before the procedure the recipient is asked to take care of the following:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Keep blood pressure and blood sugar levels in control
- Keep blood cholesterol levels in control
- Taking medicines as advised by the doctor
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid substance abuse
- Follow a healthy diet, as advised by the dietician.
During the procedure:
This surgical procedure is done under the effects of anesthesia. An incision is made and the liver is exposed.
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- In the case of a deceased donor liver transplant, the whole liver is transplanted and the diseased liver is removed. The transplanted healthy organ is then connected to all the major blood vessels and bile ducts.
- In the case of a living donor liver transplant, a part of the liver is removed from the donor and is transplanted in the recipient’s body. The major blood vessels and bile ducts are connected. The donor’s liver regenerates the part of the donated organ, within a few months.
Post-operative care:
- The patient is moved to the ICU for 4-5 days after the surgery.
- Take medicines regularly
- Visit the doctor often
- Eat healthy food
- Exercise regularly
- Take low fat or without fat dairy products.
- Eat fiber-rich food
Complications:
- Rejection of the graft either acute or chronic
- Bleeding
- Complications of bile duct