A liver transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged liver with a healthy one from a living or deceased donor, serving as the only solution for those with acute or chronic liver failure. This liver transplant process is vital for restoring essential bodily functions.
What causes liver transplant needs and the conditions that require it?
A transplant is necessary when the organ stops performing its basic functions, such as filtering toxins from the blood and producing proteins that help blood clot. Conditions requiring this intervention include:
- Chronic Liver Failure: The most common cause, often resulting from liver cirrhosis where scar tissue replaces healthy tissue.
- Causes of Cirrhosis: These include Hepatitis B and C, metabolic-related fatty liver disease, or genetic disorders such as Wilson’s disease and hemochromatosis.
- Acute Liver Failure: Occurs rapidly within weeks due to infection or drug complications.
- Primary Liver Tumors: When other treatments become ineffective.
- Biliary Tract Problems: Such as congenital biliary atresia, which is the primary cause of transplants in children.
- Acute Poisoning: Such as the ingestion of poisonous death cap mushrooms, which completely destroy liver functions.
Types of liver transplant and organ sources
The procedure is performed using two main organ
- Deceased Donor: The most common option globally, although a shortage of donors often places many patients on long waiting lists.
- Living Donor: A healthy person can donate a portion of their liver. The organ has a unique ability to grow and restore its normal size in both the donor and the recipient within one month of surgery.
Requirements for liver donation from a living donor
To be eligible to donate a portion of their liver, a person must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 18 and 65 years of age.
- Be a relative of the patient up to the fourth degree and have the same blood type.
- Be free from heart disease, diabetes, kidney failure, or respiratory diseases.
- Not be infected with Hepatitis B.
- Maintain an ideal weight and avoid smoking or heavy alcohol consumption.
Regarding age, the liver of an eighty-year-old may be suitable for a sixty-year-old if the organ is healthy and unaffected by harmful environmental factors like pollution or poor nutrition.
Post-liver transplant and expected results
The outcomes of the operation vary based on the timing of the intervention; in the case of a living donor, surgery is often performed in early stages before the patient’s health deteriorates, which enhances the chances of success.
Clinical trials have indicated that using “acetylcysteine” injections during the procedure may improve survival rates. The success rate after 12 months reached 90% for those who received the injections, compared to 70% for another group. These injections also helped reduce surgical complication rates from 51% to 23%.
Frequently Asked Questions about liver transplant
What is liver transplant surgery?
It is the process of replacing a non-functioning liver with a healthy one from a donor to ensure the continuation of vital body functions.
Can a liver transplant be performed on children?
Yes, it can be performed on children and even infants, especially in cases of prolonged jaundice or biliary atresia. The procedure is easier because an infant only requires a very small piece of the donor’s liver.
Are there therapeutic alternatives for those who need a transplant?
In cases of advanced liver failure, no other form of treatment is available, and a transplant becomes the only way to survive.
Can one survive death cap mushroom poisoning?
The only way to survive after the liver is destroyed by this fungus is an emergency liver transplant. This is difficult because poisoning often affects entire family members, reducing the chances of finding a living donor.
When should you consult a doctor immediately?
You should go to the hospital in the following cases:
- The appearance of prolonged jaundice (yellowing) in infants, especially with loss of appetite or delayed growth.
- Appearance of poisoning symptoms after eating wild mushrooms, such as nausea, vomiting, general weakness, and drowsiness.
- Deterioration of liver functions and the appearance of fluid (ascites) in the abdomen.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
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- Liver Cirrhosis Treatment and Recovery Guide
- Understanding the Causes of Enlarged Liver and Spleen
- Bilirubin Test: Meaning, Procedure, and Results Explained
- Pairing Donor and Recipient in Living Liver Transplants
- More about Liver & Hepatitis
Illustration: AI-generated
approved by: Medica Health team