Liver Transplantation - Who needs it and how does it work?
Liver transplantation. Who needs it and how does it work?
Hi, I'm Dr Thomas Worland, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist based in Melbourne, Australia. As one of the most complex and life-saving procedures in modern medicine, liver transplantation provides hope for those suffering from end-stage liver disease.
Liver transplantation is typically considered for patients who have end-stage liver disease, meaning their liver is no longer functioning properly and is causing severe health complications. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including chronic viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, autoimmune disease, genetic disorders and other conditions. These patients may experience symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, fluid retention, confusion and even liver failure.
Liver transplant is also used for patients without end-stage liver disease with conditions such as primary liver cancer.
To determine if a patient is a candidate for a liver transplant, they undergo a series of evaluations, including blood tests, imaging studies and consultations with a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals. The severity of the liver disease, overall health of the patient and availability of donor organs are all factors that are taken into consideration.
Once a patient is placed on the liver transplant wait list, they may have to wait weeks, months or even years for a suitable donor to become available.
How liver transplant works.
The process of liver transplantation begins with the identification of a suitable donor.
In adults, this is from a deceased donor whose liver is harvested for transplantation.
Liver donation is managed through the National Organ Donation Registry.
The liver is carefully removed from the donor patient and transported to the transplant center where it is matched to a compatible recipient based on factors such as blood type, size and severity of illness.
The transplant surgery itself is a highly complex procedure that typically lasts several hours.
The recipient's diseased liver is removed and replaced with a healthy donor liver.
The surgeon meticulously connects the blood vessels and bile ducts to ensure proper functioning of the new liver. The patient is closely monitored in the intensive care unit for potential complications such as rejection or infection.
Recovery from a liver transplant can be challenging and requires lifelong commitment to medications, regular follow-up appointments and lifestyle modifications.
Patients may experience side effects from the immunosuppressant drugs that are prescribed to prevent rejection of the donor liver. However, with proper care and monitoring, many patients go on to lead long and healthy lives following a liver transplant. Advancements in liver transplantation.
Over the years, there have been significant advancements in the field of liver transplantation that have improved outcomes for patients. One such advancement is the use of minimally invasive techniques for liver transplantation, which can reduce surgical complications and shorten recovery times. Additionally, advancements in immunosuppressant medications have helped lower the risk of rejection and improve long-term survival rates.
Another exciting development in liver transplantation is the use of regenerative medicine techniques to grow new liver cells from stem cells. This innovative approach holds the potential to eliminate the need for donor organs and provide a limitless supply of liver tissue for transplantation. In conclusion, liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure that offers hope and a second chance at life for those suffering from end-stage liver disease.
Through ongoing research and advancements in medical technology, the field of liver transplantation continues to evolve and improve outcomes for patients. If you or a loved one is in need of a liver transplant, don't lose hope.
There are dedicated healthcare professionals and resources available to support you on your journey to better health. And if you are in Australia and want to consider being an organ donor, visit www.donatelife.gov.au. You could save a life.
Additional videos on a range of common conditions are available to view on the Gastroenterology Specialist Care YouTube channel.
Note, this video is not a medical consultation. Any medical information is general in nature and is not intended to provide individual clinical advice. You should contact your doctor or other healthcare professional in relation to any concerns they may have, as your own circumstances may be different.
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