Liver transplant

Liver transplant

Definition

Liver transplant is surgery to replace a diseased liver with a healthy liver.

Alternative Names

Hepatic transplant; Transplant - liver

Indications

A liver transplant may be recommended for:

• Liver damage (such as cirrhosis or primary biliary cirrhosis)
• Long-term active infection (hepatitis)
• Hepatic vein clot (thrombosis)
• Birth defects of the liver or bile ducts (such as biliary atresia)
• Metabolic disorders associated with liver failure (such as Wilson's disease)

• Heart, lung, or kidney disease
• Type 1 diabetes
• Other life-threatening diseases

Convalescence

The recovery period averages 12 weeks. Move legs often to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Resume normal activity as soon as possible. Consult yourdoctor before returning to normal activities.

Expectations after surgery

Liver transplants can save the lives of people who might otherwise die. Approximately 75% of patients survive 3 years or more after the transplant. Major problems with any transplant include:

• Finding a healthy organ
• Transplant rejection
• Life-long need for immunosuppressive drugs, which weaken the body's ability to fight infections
• Cost

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia are:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

• Bleeding
• Infection

Liver transplants carry major risks. There is an increased risk of infection because of the immunosuppressive medications that must be taken to prevent transplant rejection. Call your doctor if there are signs of infection (redness, drainage, fever, swelling, tenderness, jaundice, diarrhea) or if the condition worsens.

Donor liver attachment

Liver transplant - series

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