Liver Transplant Surgery

A liver transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor. This treatment is typically necessary for individuals with end-stage liver disease or severe liver dysfunction that cannot be managed effectively with other medical treatments. The most common conditions leading to a liver transplant include cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver cancer, and genetic liver disorders.

Donor livers can come from deceased donors, where the entire liver is typically used, or from living donors, where only a portion of the liver is transplanted. The liver's unique ability to regenerate allows this partial organ from a living donor to grow to full size in both the donor and recipient.

During the transplant surgery, the recipient's diseased liver is removed, and the donor liver is placed in its original position. Connections are made to the recipient's blood vessels and bile ducts to integrate the new liver into the body's systems.

Post-transplant, patients require lifelong immunosuppressive medication to prevent the immune system from rejecting the new organ. Regular follow-ups and monitoring are crucial to manage any complications and ensure the health of the transplanted liver. With successful transplantation and proper management, most patients can return to normal activities and have a significantly improved quality of life.