Liver Transplant Surgery in Noida, India

What is Liver Transplantation?

A liver transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased liver with a healthy liver from a donor. Liver transplant is advised when all other options of medical and surgical intervention are not able to treat the liver disease or damage, in patients with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure. At Yatharth Hospital, we have state-of-the-art facilities and a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best outcomes for liver transplant patients.

Who Needs a Liver Transplant?

A liver transplant is recommended in the following situations:

• End-Stage Liver Disease: when a person has a severely diseased liver that cannot function properly, known as end-stage liver disease
• Acute Liver Failure: when previously healthy liver fails suddenly 
• Liver Cancer: liver transplants can be performed when suitable donor is available and medically fit, allowing for a planned operation

What Causes Liver Failure?

Liver failure can occur in two ways:

• Acute Liver Failure: This happens when a liver suddenly loses function.
• Chronic Liver Failure:  This included progressive deterioration of liver functions for more than six months.

Common causes of liver failure include Chronic viral infections with hepatitis B and C, Diabetes, Alcoholism, Fatty liver disease, or Bile duct abnormalities, such as primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and biliary duct atresia. 

Types of Liver Transplant

• Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation (DDLT): The liver os taken from a deceased donor.
• Living Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT): A part of a healthy liver from a living donor is taken for transplant.
• Split Liver Transplant: A single deceased donor liver is divided and transplanted into two liver recipients.

Diagnosis

Liver transplant surgery pre-assessment includes: 

• Blood tests 
• Imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI
• Liver biopsy 
• Assessment of overall health 

Eligibility for Liver Transplant

Eligibility for a liver transplant is determined through a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s medical condition and overall health. 

• Severity of Liver Disease: Patients with end-stage liver disease or irreversible liver failure are considered for a transplant
• Underlying Diagnosis: The condition of liver disease such as liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune conditions, or metabolic disorders is evaluated 
• Absence of Contraindications: Patients with severe heart disease, active infections, and certain cancers may not be eligible for a transplant.
• Substance Abuse: Patients with a history of substance abuse may not be eligible for transplant. 
• Psychosocial condition: Mental health of patient is important to handle the stress of the transplant process
• Age and General Health: Age is not a barrier, but the patient's overall good health is important for transplant.

Note: The evaluation process for a liver transplant is complex, and not all patients with end-stage liver disease may be eligible.

Treatment

Liver transplant surgery involves several steps:

• Preoperative Care: Detailed evaluation and preparation of the patient, including medications and diagnostics.
• Surgical Procedure: The diseased liver is removed, and the donor's liver is transplanted to the recipient. 
• Postoperative Care: Intensive monitoring, immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection, and regular follow-ups to ensure the new liver functions properly.

Liver Transplant Process 

Pre-Transplant Evaluation

• Medical History and Testing: Patients undergo comprehensive evaluations, including blood tests, imaging, and diagnostics to assess liver disease.
• Psychosocial Assessment: Evaluations to ensure that patient can handle the emotional and psychological demands of the transplant process.
• Financial Counseling: Ensures financial feasibility, confirming patients can cover costs or have adequate insurance.

Surgery

• Recipient Surgery: Performed under general anesthesia, the surgery typically lasts 8-10 hours. The damaged liver is removed and replaced with a healthy donor liver.
• Donor Surgery: Living donors undergo surgery to remove a part of their liver, which is then transplanted into the recipient.

Post-Transplant Care

• Immediate Recovery: Patients are closely monitored in the ICU after surgery.
• Immunosuppression: Lifelong immunosuppressive medications prevent organ rejection.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Regular appointments to monitor progress and adjust medications or treatments as needed.
• Lifestyle Changes: Patients are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and abstaining from alcohol or substances harmful to the liver.

Patient Outcomes

Quality of Life: Many recipients experience significant improvements, resuming normal activities and alleviating symptoms of liver disease.

Complications: Risks include rejection, infections, and medication side effects, managed by the medical team.

FAQ

Q: What are the success rates of liver transplants?
A: Success rates have significantly improved due to advancements in surgical techniques and post-operative care. The one-year survival rate is around 85-90%.

Q: What are the risks associated with liver transplants?
A: Risks include infection, bleeding, rejection of the new liver, and complications from immunosuppressive medications.

Q: How long is the recovery period after a liver transplant?
A: Recovery varies but typically involves a hospital stay of 1-2 weeks, with full recovery taking up to 6 months.

Q: Are lifestyle changes required after a liver transplant?
A: Patients should follow a healthy diet, avoid alcohol, take immunosuppressive medications, and regularly visit a gastroenterologist for checkups.

Q: Does Meditation help in Surgery?
A: While meditation is not a direct treatment for liver conditions, it can play a role in reducing stress and improving overall well-being of the patient.