It is common knowledge that the liver is the largest internal organ weighing about 3 pounds and acts as a storage house by removing toxic byproducts of certain medications. Liver Transplant is an operation that replaces a diseased liver with a healthy liver or a segment of a liver from another person called the donor. The most common technique is Orthotopic Transplantation in which the liver is removed and is replaced by the donor organ in the same anatomic location as the original liver. Liver failure can occur suddenly or as a result of complications from certain medications. Liver transplants are the most accepted treatment for end-stage liver disease and acute liver failure. After a transplant, the patient will be free from the disease and lead a fairly normal life. Liver Transplants are classified as

• Deceased Donor Liver Transplant (DDLT): The full liver is used when the donor organ comes from a brain dead but the heart-beating donor.
• Living Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT): A half (or hemi) liver is used when the donor organ comes from a living donor.
• Auxiliary Transplantation: In this, a part of the liver of a healthy adult donor (living or cadaver) is transplanted into the recipient. The patients’ diseased liver remains intact until the auxiliary piece regenerates and assumes function and then the diseased liver may then be removed.

Liver Transplant Procedure The procedure involves a few steps :

The surgery usually takes 5 to 6 hours

Liver Transplantation is performed under general anesthesia.

Prior to surgery, a tube is placed through the mouth of the patient into the windpipe to help to breathe during the operation.

A Y-shaped incision in the abdomen is made and the diseased liver is removed. The donated liver is then inserted and attached to the major blood vessels and to the bile ducts. The incision is then closed at the end of the surgery.

Advantages of Liver Transplant :-

It provides a chance for a longer active life.

If the transplant is performed before the recipients’ health deteriorates then they are able to tolerate the surgery and recovers more quickly.

The recovery can sometimes become difficult but the anti-rejection makes the process easy.

The donors will discharge in a week and recipients in 2 to 3 weeks.

Post-Liver Transplant :-

The process involves carrying out daily life activities and recovering to the level of health. The process can be slow which includes simple activities like walking, deep breathing to ensure the lungs stay healthy to prevent pneumonia, well-balanced diet and exercise to build up the muscles weakened by illness.