Liver Transplant Surgery

What is a Liver Transplant Surgery?

Liver Transplant Surgery is a procedure in which a damaged liver is replaced with a healthy liver. Liver is an inseparable organ of human anatomy, without which a person cannot survive. The hepatic artery and the portal vein are the two channels through which blood enters the liver supplying oxygen to the liver and through the hepatic veins the blood leaves the liver entering the heart. Bile is a liquid that dissolves fat and eliminates the waste through the intestine. Thus, if the liver is found deceased in a person then it becomes necessary to go for the liver transplant surgery, allowing the body to function well.

When there is a need for liver transplant?

When it becomes difficult to survive with liver disease and the liver is not in a position to function well and expected survival is limited for months and patient’s life style is restricted, liver transplant is indicated. Liver transplant extends survival and improves quality of life style as a result of which person can lead active and productive life.

What are the risks involved in Liver Transplant Surgery?

As with any other surgical procedure, there are certain risks and complications involved in Liver Transplant Surgery. Some of the specific ones are described below:

1. Clotting of the hepatic artery blood vessel that brings oxygenated blood from the heart to liver. The chances are more for the patients who receive a living donor transplant.
2. Post the Liver Transplant Surgery in some cases patient may face breathing Problems and reactions to medications due to anesthesia.
3. Bleeding, Heart stroke and Infection are also some of the complications found in some cases post treatment.
4. One of the major complications of this procedure is the possibility of rejection. Rejection is the situation when the patient’s body refuses to respond with the immune system. Rejection typically causes no symptoms; patients do not feel any differently or notice anything

What are the symptoms of liver disease?

A person suffering from critical liver disease may experience the following symptoms and is recommended to consult the doctor for medical assistance as early as possible.

1. In case of severe Jaundice with excessive yellowing of the eyes and skin
2. Ascites (an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen)
3. In case of vomiting of blood occurs on a continuous basis then also a person is suggested to seek medical help.
4. Excessive swelling of legs or general body, the disease is called Edema
5. Forgetfulness and mental confusion are may be an indication of an unhealthy or deceased liver.
6. Dark yellow colored urine, Grey or clay – colored stools or Immense Itching and a high sensation of scratching.
7. Red spots over body and Redness of hands.