Liver Transplantation

A liver transplant takes about 6-12 hours.

This surgery can save your life.

An ideal candidate would have liver damage, long-term infection, a hepatic vein clot, birth defects of the liver or bile ducts or metabolic disorders associated with liver failure.

A candidate who would not be ideal would have cancer in another part of the body; have serious heart, lung, or nerve disease; abuse alcohol or narcotics; have an active, severe infection and  be unwilling to adhere to a doctor’s instructions.

When the transplant is complete, you will be moved to ICU and your body will be monitored for the next few days to see whether or not your body accepts this new vital organ. You will have to take medication after the transplant which will include immunosuppressants, so that your immune system won't reject your new liver. In fact, you may be required to take them for the rest of your life. An IV line will be attached to your body, which will be used to give fluids and medication for the first few days after surgery. In the meanwhile, you will have a catheter in your bladder to drain urine.

You will first be examined by a liver specialist to determine whether or not you require a liver transplant. After it is determined that you require a liver tranplant, you will nextt have to go through a full medical examination to determine if you are physically strong enough to undergo the surgery; this will include: x-rays. When you have been given the go-ahead, you will be put on the waiting list.

You will have to have more tests which will include: a CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, routine chest x-ray, endoscopy, sclerotherapy and rubber-band ligation, TIPS, creatinine clearance, cardiac testing and/or EKG and PFTs, liver biopsy, and a nutritional evaluation. You will also be asked to see a psychiatrist in order to evaluate your psychological condition. Just prior to the surgery, you will receive medication to clean out your intestines and since you are going to be placed under anesthesia, your food and drink consumption will be restricted. Matters that you will be personally responsible for include:
• Carrying your bleeper wherever you go
• Arranging in advance immediate transportation to the hospital (this may include conversing with an airline)
• Take your medication as prescribed
• Adhere to your doctor’s advice on what and what not to eat
• Consult your counselor if you are feeling worried
• Consult previous transplant patients
* Avoid alcohol

General anesthesia.

There is a high one in five chance that your body will reject the liver and a new operation is required. For some people there is no way that their bodies are going to accept one. Other risks include:
• Infection
• Bleeding of the bile duct
• Narrowing of the blood vessels
• Leaking
• Blood clots
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Anesthesia Allergy

On returning back to your normal daily routines, you will have to take medication, follow a suitable diet and exercise routine and completely refrain from consuming alcohol. You will have to consult your doctor every time you need to take medication and, due to the possibility of infection, stay well clear of people who are ill. Your doctor will schedule you for regular appointments to ensure that your new liver is functioning properly.