Living Donor Liver Transplant in Navi Mumbai
Living Donor Liver Transplant is a major surgery done with general anesthesia. It replaces the patient's diseased liver with a healthy one.
A portion of the liver can turn into a full liver, so the transplant can be whole or partial. It's the last option for liver failure.
A liver transplant is advised when other methods to manage liver failure symptoms don't work and the patient is at risk of irreversible and life-threatening complications. It's recommended for conditions like alcoholic liver cirrhosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, hepatic cancer, and genetic diseases causing severe liver damage.
Liver failure causes over 100,000 deaths annually. In India, liver transplant numbers are increasing due to advanced surgical technologies and high success rates. Transplants can use livers from living or deceased donors, and success rates depend on the type of donor.
Living Donor Liver Transplant Process
Liver transplant surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Not everyone can have a liver transplant, and not everyone can donate their liver. Both the donor and recipient undergo a thorough health evaluation to determine their eligibility for the transplant. Here are some tests conducted on the recipient to assess their health:
1. Imaging evaluation: Various imaging tests are used to assess the extent of liver damage and the health of other vital organs.
2. Laboratory tests: Blood and urine tests are conducted to evaluate overall health. Blood tests check liver functions, while urine tests assess kidney function.
3. Cardiovascular health: Screening is done to ensure a smooth surgery and recovery. Blood pressure, heart rhythm, and other vital signs are measured before the operation.
4. Psychological health: Checking the patient's mental well-being is important because liver surgery can lead to depression and anxiety. It also ensures that the patient understands the surgery's success rate and potential complications.
Care After Living Donor Liver Transplant
After a liver transplant, it's crucial to provide proper care to the patient. They should follow the guidelines given by the transplant surgeon and attend all follow-up visits. These visits are important to monitor the liver's function and promptly address abnormalities.
Initially, the patient stays in the ICU until their vital signs stabilize. Once stable, they are moved to a regular ward. Typically, the hospital stay after surgery is around 10-12 days. The doctor may prescribe medications like antibiotics, pain relievers, and immunosuppressants. Immunosuppressants help prevent the immune system from attacking the new liver.
Full recovery from liver transplant surgery usually takes two to three months. Depending on the severity of the liver disease and any complications, the patient can gradually resume their daily activities, including returning to work, a few months after the surgery.
Complications After Liver Transplant
Liver transplant surgery, like any major surgery, carries potential complications, including:
1. Bleeding
2. Risk of infection
3. Rejection of the transplanted liver
4. Bile leak or stricture
5. Failure of the donated liver
6. Thrombosis in the hepatic artery or portal vein
Fortunately, these complications have been minimized thanks to advancements in technology, powerful medications, and experienced surgeons.
Success rate: When performed at the right time, liver transplant surgeries have a success rate of over 95%.
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