Find the cost of Liver Transplant

A liver transplant is a surgical procedure which involves removing a liver that is no longer functional, and replacing it with a new liver. It is considered the last resort in the course of treatment, undertaken when all other options have failed and the liver is rapidly degenerating.

What are the types of liver transplant?

There are broadly 3 types of liver transplant:

• Conventional liver transplant  
  In this type of transplant, the dysfunctional liver in the recipient is replaced with a healthy liver from a deceased donor who may have passed away due to cardiac arrest or brain death. 
• Split liver transplant
  A single liver donor’s liver is split into two - right and left portions and implanted into two recipients simultaneously. 
• Living donor liver transplant
  In this procedure, a healthy living donor, either a relative or somebody with a matching blood type, donates a part of their liver to the recipient
  
  

Why do you need a liver transplant?

A liver transplant is needed when the liver is severely damaged due to chronic liver failure or end-stage liver disease. Diseases that may lead to end-stage liver disease include:

• Cirrhosis
• Biliary atresia 
• Liver cancer 
• Viral hepatitis 
• Autoimmune hepatitis
  
  

When do you need a liver transplant?

A liver transplant is considered an absolute necessity when the liver has lost its primary capacity to regenerate and perform vital functions.
In the case of small babies born with biliary atresia, where one or more of their bile ducts are blocked, a procedure called Kasai is undertaken first, and its failure usually results in the need for a paediatric liver transplant.

How is a liver transplant carried out?

The common steps involved in a liver transplant are:

• Pre-transplant evaluation
  1. Consulting your doctor/specialist for advice
  2. Tests such as standard blood tests, liver function test, urine analysis, renal function test, blood grouping & Rh test, cardiac assessments, etc. 
• Surgery 
  1. A portion of the liver is removed via an incision in the abdomen from the donor (either deceased or living). 
  2. The recipient’s liver is removed in a similar way, and replaced with the healthy liver
  3. The new liver starts functioning as soon as blood flow is restored
• Post-operative care 
  1. Round-the-clock monitoring for the first two days after surgery
  2. Post-transplant evaluation like liver function tests, doppler study and blood investigations

What are the risks involved with getting a liver transplant?

• Infections
• Internal bleeding 
• Complications from anaesthesia. 
• Rejection of new liver
• Side-effects of taking immunosuppressive drugs (especially in children)
• Graft-vs-host disease

How do you prepare for a liver transplant?

Making a few lifestyle changes a few months prior to the scheduled date of the transplant:

• Losing weight
• Stop drinking and smoking habits
• Adopting a healthier approach to living in general. 
• The doctor may advise additional pointers based on the patient’s health profile.
  
  

What does recovery and post-transplant care entail?

• Regular health check-ups and review of medication to ensure that the new liver is functioning well.
• The body requires time to adjust to its new liver
• Full recovery can take anywhere from six months to a year. 

If you think you may be facing long-term issues related to the liver, you may consult a specialist at a medical facility near you and undergo further evaluation to determine whether or not you require a liver transplant.