Liver Transplantation

Liver Transplantation – FAQs

What is a liver transplantation?
Liver transplantation is a surgical procedure where a diseased liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a donor. It is often the best or only option for patients with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure.
Who needs a liver transplant?
Patients with conditions like cirrhosis, liver cancer, acute liver failure, alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis B or C complications, or genetic liver disorders may require a liver transplant.
What are the types of liver transplants?
There are two main types:

  • Deceased donor liver transplantation (liver from a brain-dead donor)

  • Living donor liver transplantation (a portion of the liver from a healthy living person is transplanted)

How is eligibility for liver transplantation determined?
A comprehensive evaluation is done, including blood tests, imaging studies, psychological assessments, and consultations with specialists to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate.
What is the success rate of liver transplantation?
With modern techniques and expert care, liver transplant success rates are high. The one-year survival rate after a liver transplant typically exceeds 85-90%.
How long is the recovery after a liver transplant?
Hospital stays can range from 2 to 4 weeks post-surgery. Full recovery, including a return to normal activities, usually takes about 3 to 6 months with careful monitoring.
What are the risks of liver transplantation?
As with any major surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, rejection of the new liver, and complications from medications used to suppress the immune system.
What lifestyle changes are required after liver transplantation?
Patients must commit to lifelong medication, regular follow-up visits, a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, and protecting against infections to ensure the long-term success of the transplant.
Can a transplanted liver be rejected?
Yes, rejection can happen when the body’s immune system recognizes the new liver as foreign. Anti-rejection (immunosuppressive) medications are prescribed to prevent this.
How important is long-term follow-up after liver transplantation?
Very important. Lifelong monitoring ensures early detection of any problems and keeps the transplanted liver functioning well for many years.