|  | Surgeries Operations | Surgeries

Liver Transplant Information

Cirrhosis is a scarring of the liver that, among other things, comes from alcohol abuse, fatty liver disease, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. According to the American Liver Foundation, it's also the most common cause for a liver transplant. This happens because cirrhosis and other diseases, like liver cancer, can cause liver failure. And when failure is inevitable, your doctor will recommend a liver transplant. Liver transplant information will help you better understand this procedure.

  1. Donated Livers

    • Livers can be obtained from both living and deceased donors. During the procedure your entire liver is taken out. If the donation comes from a living person, only a piece of their liver will be put into your body. This is possible because the liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself. So even if you just get a piece, it can grow into a full liver. But if it comes from a deceased donor, the entire liver is transplanted. Either way, the liver you receive must match your size and blood type for the transplant to be considered do-able.

    Eligibility

    • Once it's determined that you're close to having living failure, your doctors will determine if a transplant has a chance at being successful. Not everyone is eligible for the transplant. But if you are, you'll be placed on a liver transplant list. The American Liver Foundation says there are 17,000 people on that transplant list. The sickest people are put at the top.

    Waiting

    • A number of variables determine how long it'll take you to get a liver, including your blood type, size and the severity of your liver disease. While you're waiting, you should be prepared by carrying a cell phone with you at all times. Once a liver is found the doctor will contact you and you must get to the transplant center quickly, as the doctors have limited time to work with.

    Surgery

    • Before the surgery your chest and stomach will be shaved and you'll be given an IV. You'll also receive an enema to clean out your intestines. During the actual procedure you'll get a general anesthetic. The surgeon will make an incision and remove your liver. The new liver is then attached to your blood vessels and the bile duct. Afterwards you'll be taken to the intensive care unit where you'll rest and receive pain medication.

    Rejection

    • Even though you're getting a new liver to preserve your health, your body's immune system may view it as a threat and attempt to reject it. That's because your body doesn't recognize the liver as your own, and it treats it just like any other virus or illness, by trying to get rid of it. This is a common occurrence and your doctor will prescribe immunosuppressive medications to prevent it. You'll probably need to take these medications your entire life to prevent rejection.

Surgeries - Related Articles