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By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Dr. Hasan L. Lice, on Apr 24, 2023

Who isn't a good candidate for the surgery?

Liver transplantation operation is not suggested for people experiencing heart or lung illness, infections, for instance, osteomyelitis or tuberculosis, cancer, or other life-risking circumstances.

The patient should get into detailed tests before receiving a liver transplant procedure including: 

● Heart tests

● Blood and urine tests

● Health assessments

How is the surgery performed?

Criteria of liver transplant declare that a living donor organ transplant can merely be utilized from kin up to the fourth degree – this incorporates the patient’s family members, the patient’s spouse, and the family members of the spouse. In some health facilities, volunteers can also be donors for liver transplant operations. Other criteria for liver transplant involve: 

  • The donor must be healthy
  • Having a congruent blood type
  • Age in the range of 18 and 60 
  • Being similar to proportions with the receiver

The operation is carried out under general anesthesia. About 55 to 70% of the right lobe of a living donor is detached and stitched onto the receiver prevailing liver. The liver of the donor will begin to revive immediately, achieving full capacity in about 4-6 weeks.

The transplanted liver will likewise return to 100% capacity and proportion, however, it will take extra time – in certain cases, recovery from a liver transplant takes up to a year. After the operation is finished, the receiver should pass two days in intensive care and 21 days in a transplant recovery zone.

The transplant donor will likewise need to stay about 10 days in the hospital. Usually, blood tests will be necessary after the transplant.

Liver Transplant Side Effects

Liver transplantation is a somewhat dangerous operation, and complications may sometimes occur, both for the receiver and donor. Donors can encounter a risk of death with a 0.5 to 1% possibility while or after the procedure.

Complications of liver transplant can involve:

● Bleeding

● The development of blood clots

● Infection

● Donated liver failure

● Donated liver rejection

● Bile duct complications

When the patient carefully follows all the liver transplant rules, and the operation is performed at a reliable, modern center, the odds of these complications taking place are diminished.

Because special immune system depressant medications are used after liver transplantation operation, patients can experience various side effects, involving: 

● Vomiting and nausea

● High blood pressure and cholesterol

● Anemia

● Arthritis

● Diabetes

● Tremors

● Diarrhea and others 

Liver Transplant Success Rate 

The survival rate of liver transplants following five years is 78% for transplants with a living donor, while the life expectancy of liver transplants following 15 years is 58%. The success rate of a liver transplant as well relies upon the sort of disease the receiver conveys, age, and capability to pursue post-operation rules.

What you should avoid before the surgery? 

Liver transplantation receivers must use immunosuppressive medications whole of their lives. Smoking and alcohol are forbidden after a liver transplant operation. Steady cancer tests are necessary also, as immunosuppressive medications raise the possibility of cancer emerging.

The patient should do consistent checkups after a liver transplantation operation – initially week by week and then not as much of frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does a liver transplant last?

In some cases, transplants have lasted up to 30 years. 58% of patients live another 15 years and 48% of patients can live up to 18 years. In recent years, the survival rates of liver transplants have improved greatly.

Does a partial liver transplant provide the same outcomes as a full transplant?

Yes, living donor liver transplants provide the same success rate as a regular full-size liver transplantation procedure.

How many patients usually experience liver transplant rejection?

Liver transplant rejection affects around 15 to 26% of receivers. Immunosuppressive medications are usually administered to all patients.