Can you take a section of healthy liver and use it to repair an unhealthy one?

Liver transplantation, also known as hepatic transplantation or liver graft, is the surgical removal of a damaged or diseased liver and its replacement with a healthy liver from a living or deceased donor. It is a complex and high-risk procedure that is typically reserved for patients with end-stage liver failure.

The donor liver can come from a living donor, such as a relative or friend, or from a deceased donor who has died from an accident or illness. The donor liver must be carefully matched to the recipient to ensure compatibility and to minimize the risk of rejection.

The liver is a complex organ that performs many important functions, including:

- Metabolism: The liver helps to break down and store carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

- Detoxification: The liver removes harmful substances from the blood, such as alcohol, drugs, and toxins.

- Bile production: The liver produces bile, which helps to digest fats.

- Blood clotting: The liver helps to produce clotting factors, which are necessary for blood to clot.

- Storage: The liver stores glycogen, a form of glucose, for energy.

Liver transplantation is a major surgery that requires a long recovery period. The recipient will need to take immunosuppressive drugs for the rest of their life to prevent the body from rejecting the new liver.

Liver transplantation is a successful treatment for end-stage liver failure. It can improve the quality of life and extend the lifespan of patients with liver disease.