Know The What Why and How of Liver Transplant Donation
Reviewed by: Manipal Hospitals
Posted on
5 Min Read
Not sure what you’re looking for?
Get in touch with our representatives for help!
Contact UsThe liver is the only organ in the body that can regenerate itself; it can be split into two, and the two halves can be transplanted into two different people.
It is also an essential organ that performs over 500 vital functions in the body. What you eat, drink, and absorb is processed by the liver. The important functions of the liver include the production and secretion of bile, regulating blood coagulation, fighting infections, hormonal regulation, storage of energy in the muscles and release of glucose, vitamins, etc.
Due to various factors the liver can sometimes become damaged. In certain cases of irreversible liver failure, your doctor might recommend liver transplantation. Before you opt for liver transplantation, it is good to have some knowledge about it.
What is liver transplantation?
Liver transplantation is a surgery in which the diseased liver is removed and replaced with a whole or partial healthy liver, taken from a donor.
Types of donors
The transplant or graft can be taken mainly from two types of donors:
Living Donor
A portion of the liver is donated from a healthy person and is transplanted into the recipient. This can happen due to the ability of the liver to regenerate itself. The donated segment and the donor’s liver grow to the normal size within a few weeks.
Cadaveric donor
The whole liver from the person, who is brain dead, is taken and transplanted into the recipient. The graft can also be obtained from persons suffering from cardiac death (who have detectable brain function), but with the consent of family or caregivers.
The donors have to be tested before transplantation to make sure that the liver is healthy, matches the blood type and is of the right size. Other health conditions of the patient such as infection, trauma, etc. are also evaluated.
What happens during the surgery?
The procedure is performed by administering general anaesthesia and takes about 6 to 12 hours. Your surgeon makes an incision across the abdomen and removes the damaged liver after disconnecting the blood supply. Then the graft is placed in your body following reattachment of blood vessels and bile ducts. Then the surgeon closes the incision with the help of sutures and staples.
What is the after-care of the surgery?
After the surgery, you need to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 weeks to make sure that the transplanted liver is working. After discharge, you should follow certain instructions recommended by your doctor for a quick recovery:
-
Take medications on time
-
Stay away from people who are ill
-
Eat a balanced and low-fat diet
-
Quit alcohol and smoking
-
Exercise daily
-
Use sunscreens to avoid skin cancer
-
Take calcium and vitamin pills
When you have any concerns about the medications prescribed or if you notice any new symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
What are the complications of the surgery?
Like with any other surgical procedure, complications with liver transplantation are unavoidable and include:
Rejection
Your immune system may attack and destroy the external body, i.e. the transplanted liver. This can happen at any time within the first 90 days of transplantation. To prevent this, you will be given anti-rejection medicines.
Infection
-
Due to the injection of anti-rejection medicines which suppress your immune system, the risk of infections increases after the surgery.
-
A liver transplant does carry with it certain risks. However, a successful liver transplantation can be lifesaving and improve the quality of life of the patient.
Liver transplantation is a surgery in which the diseased liver is removed and replaced with a whole or partial healthy liver, taken from a donor.
The transplant or graft can be taken mainly from two types of donors:
A portion of the liver is donated from a healthy person and is transplanted into the recipient. This can happen due to the ability of the liver to regenerate itself. The donated segment and the donor’s liver grow to the normal size within a few weeks.
The whole liver from the person, who is brain dead, is taken and transplanted into the recipient. The graft can also be obtained from persons suffering from cardiac death (who have detectable brain function), but with the consent of family or caregivers.
The donors have to be tested before transplantation to make sure that the liver is healthy, matches the blood type and is of the right size. Other health conditions of the patient such as infection, trauma, etc. are also evaluated.
The procedure is performed by administering general anaesthesia and takes about 6 to 12 hours. Your surgeon makes an incision across the abdomen and removes the damaged liver after disconnecting the blood supply. Then the graft is placed in your body following reattachment of blood vessels and bile ducts. Then the surgeon closes the incision with the help of sutures and staples.
After the surgery, you need to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 weeks to make sure that the transplanted liver is working. After discharge, you should follow certain instructions recommended by your doctor for a quick recovery:
-
Take medications on time
-
Stay away from people who are ill
-
Eat a balanced and low-fat diet
-
Quit alcohol and smoking
-
Exercise daily
-
Use sunscreens to avoid skin cancer
-
Take calcium and vitamin pills
When you have any concerns about the medications prescribed or if you notice any new symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Like with any other surgical procedure, complications with liver transplantation are unavoidable and include:
Your immune system may attack and destroy the external body, i.e. the transplanted liver. This can happen at any time within the first 90 days of transplantation. To prevent this, you will be given anti-rejection medicines.
-
Due to the injection of anti-rejection medicines which suppress your immune system, the risk of infections increases after the surgery.
-
A liver transplant does carry with it certain risks. However, a successful liver transplantation can be lifesaving and improve the quality of life of the patient.
Share this Article
Recent Blogs
Test blog - oct 1
01 Oct 20267 Min Read
Understanding Insulin Resistance: A Core Concept Insulin is a vital hormone In the intricate landscape of women's health, certain conditions often go unnoticed until they manifest into more significant concerns. One such silent yet powerful player is insulin resistance. It's a condition where your body's cells don't respond effectively to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. For many women, understanding the early insulin resistance symptoms in females can be a game-changer, enabling timely intervention and preventing a cascade of health issues. In this blog, an experienced gynaecologist in Mysuru explains in detail the nuances of insulin resistance in women, highlighting the crucial early signs you should be aware of. Recognising these signs of insulin resistance in females is the first step towards taking control of your health journey. it. For women, the prevalence can be even higher, particularly in certain life stages or conditions. Causes of Insulin Resistance in Women While insulin resistance can affect anyone, women face unique physiological factors that can increase their susceptibility: Lifestyle Tips for Long-Term Liver Health The table below lists straightforward lifestyle tips to support lasting liver health and avoid extra damage. ljfslsdjksnfs3333333TestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTesting uiuiiuhghhjTip Description Avoid processed and fried foods Reduces excess fat intake and supports better liver function Include antioxidant-rich foods Fruits and vegetables help protect liver cells from damage Stay physically active Regular exercise improves metabolism and reduces fat accumulation in the liver Monitor weight regularly Helps in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing fat buildup Schedule routine health check-ups Enables early detection and management of liver-related issues These habits support long-term recovery and reduce the risk of future fatty liver problems.
Read NowTypes of Nerve Injury: Causes, Symptoms & Recovery Guide
24 Sept 20260 Min Read
Nerve injuries happen when a nerve is pinched, stretched, cut or damaged. These injuries can cause numbness, tingling, or sharp pain.
Read Nowtesting admin blogs
20 Sept 20262 Min Read
dislocated-hip-symptoms test https://manipaltest.cosmicnet.xyz/referral-program/
Read NowDislocated Hip: Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
26 Aug 20265 Min Read
A dislocated hip is a severe injury that occurs when the head of the thigh bone (femur) is forced out of the hip socket (acetabulum). This traumatic event can be incredibly painful and immediately incapacitating, requiring urgent medical attention. This blog explores the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hip dislocation with expert insights from specialists at Manipal Hospitals, a top orthopaedic hospital in Vijayawada, offering comprehensive hip dislocation treatment in Vijayawada to help patients achieve the best possible recovery. Understanding the signs, causes, and available treatment options is crucial for anyone who has experienced or knows someone who has experienced this injury. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications and ensuring a successful recovery.
Read NowFluttering in Chest: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor
26 Jun 20266 Min Read
A sudden, strange tapping, flipping or thumping inside your chest can be highly unsettling. This feeling can match the sensation of a brief skipped beat or a sudden twitch. This sensation is commonly known as a fluttering chest. While a fluttering feeling in the chest can be alarming and cause your anxiety to spike, it is actually a very common experience. In many cases, it is harmless. However, in some cases, it points to an underlying medical issue that needs attention.
Read Now10 Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Gut You Must Not Ignore
26 Jun 20266 Min Read
Your gut does much more than digest food. It plays a key role in your energy levels, immune system, mood, and overall well-being. When your gut is healthy, your body works smoothly. But when something is wrong, your body often sends warning signals. Unfortunately, many people ignore these signs or assume they are caused by stress, lack of sleep, or a busy lifestyle. Recognising the early signs of poor gut health can help you make changes before the problem becomes worse. Here are 10 signs of an unhealthy gut that you should never ignore.
Read NowWhat Creatinine Level Indicates Kidney Failure? Doctors Explain
22 Jun 20266 Min Read
Creatinine is a waste product produced by your muscles every day. Healthy kidneys remove it from the blood and pass it out through urine. When the kidneys are not working properly, creatinine can build up in the bloodstream. Seeing a high creatinine level in your blood test report can be working. Many people immediately think it's kidney failure. However, creatinine levels alone do not tell the whole story. Doctors look at several factors, including your age, overall health, and kidney function tests, before determining how well your kidneys are working.
Read NowStomach Cancer Lump: What It Feels Like & When to See a Doctor
22 Jun 20267 Min Read
Finding an unusual bump or swelling on your body can be alarming. If you notice a change in your tummy, it is completely natural to feel a wave of anxiety and wonder what it might mean. One thought that might cross your mind is whether it could be a stomach cancer lump. Feeling concerned is completely valid, but it helps to know that most abdominal changes may have very simple explanations. Understanding what to look for can help quiet some of that worry.
Read NowUnderstanding CT scan and its role in cancer detection.
15 Jun 20268 Min Read
When doctors suspect a serious health condition, imaging tests often play a crucial role in diagnosis. One of the most used imaging tools is a computed tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan provides detailed cross-sectional images of the body`s organs, tissues, and blood vessels. These images can reveal abnormalities that may indicate the presence of cancer. However, understanding what a CT scan can and cannot do is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. However, can a CT scan detect cancer? A CT scan is extremely important in detecting cancer, but it is not always definitive on its own
Read NowTypes of Nerve Injury: Causes, Symptoms & Recovery Guide
15 Jun 20266 Min Read
Nerve injuries happen when a nerve is pinched, stretched, cut or damaged. These injuries can cause numbness, tingling, or sharp pain. Nerves are cords that carry electrical signals from your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of your body and vice versa. These signals allow you to move your muscles and feel sensations like touch and temperature. When a nerve is damaged, these signals are disrupted.
Read Now