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Post Liver Transplant Complications

A liver transplant removes the diseased or defective liver and replaces it with one that is healthy. Donated livers can come from someone living or deceased. Liver transplants are often necessary because of liver failure, caused by cirrhosis, cancer or cystic fibrosis. According to Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, there were 11,908 transplants from January-May 2009. As of August 2009, 103,260 people were candidates for liver transplants, but only 6,000 donors. Many complications can arise after a liver transplant.

  1. Bile Duct and Liver Transplant

    • The bile duct may begin to leak or shrink. The area between the bile duct and intestine may not heal properly, which can prevent the flow of bile out of the area. Scar tissue can also block the flow of bile.

    Bleeding and Liver Transplants

    • Bleeding can occur after liver transplantation. The new liver may not have enough time to create proteins that help to clot the blood. Blood transfusions are often required as part of the liver transplant surgery.

    Blood Clots and Liver Transplants

    • Blood clots can clot major vessels and affect the blood supply. The liver may become blocked or cut off from blood flow. Blood clots can cause the transplanted liver to fail and may require a second transplant.

    Infection and Liver Transplants

    • For those with a transplanted organ, it can become difficult to fight off infection due to the immune-suppressants which prevent the body from rejecting the organ. Such medication leaves the body at risk for developing acute and chronic infections, although the risk decreases over time as the body adjusts and becomes more capable of preventing infection.

    Rejection and Liver Transplants

    • Any transplant involves the threat of the body rejecting the foreign organ. The body sees the organ as a threat and attempts to attack it to protect the body. In order to reduce the risk of rejection, anti-rejection medication will always need to be taken. Anti-rejection medication acts by tricking the immune system so that the transplanted liver is not attacked. Although transplant rejection can occur at any time, it is most common within the first few weeks after surgery. Symptoms of rejection involve fever, jaundice and changes in urine and stool color.

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