When do you need a liver transplant?

 A liver transplant is a major operation done when the liver can no longer work properly because it’s too diseased or damaged. The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body which helps in digestion, detoxification, metabolism and storage of nutrients. This can lead to the liver being too damaged to repair and can lead to life threatening complications. Doctors say in these cases the best option for treatment may be a transplant. Most of the patients come to Liver Transplant in Chennai for advanced medical treatment and specialized help for correct diagnosis and treatment.

A liver transplant is generally recommended when all other types of treatment have not improved liver function. One of the most common indications for transplantation is chronic liver disease. Chronic liver diseases Liver diseases include liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease and genetic liver diseases. During the progression of the disease, the liver becomes damaged and is unable to perform important tasks. This is where medication and lifestyle changes can fail.

The major diseases to be transplanted are : Liver Cirrhosis. Cirrhosis occurs when scar tissue replaces normal liver tissue and interferes with blood flow and liver function. Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) Swelling in the abdomen Fatigue, confusion, nausea Weight loss Internal bleeding Signs of cirrhosis. In case the symptoms are severe and it causes disturbance in the daily activity, the doctors will search for the Liver Transplant in Chennai to improve the survival and quality of life.

Acute liver failure which may require an urgent liver transplant is another very serious condition. Acute liver failure develops quickly, over days to weeks. This may be due to viral infections, drug overdose, poisoning or autoimmune disease. Patients can develop jaundice, bleed, become confused and their organs can fail very quickly. This can be fatal if you don't get emergency treatment so seek medical attention immediately. In some life-threatening situations, the only way to save a life is by transplantation.

Some inherited or genetic liver diseases may also need transplant. Other causes of long term liver injury are Wilson’s disease, haemochromatosis, biliary atresia and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. These conditions can affect both adults and children. Sometimes it means a transplant, taking out the diseased liver and replacing it with a healthy liver from a donor, and letting the patient have a healthier, more active life.

In some patients with cancer of the liver, transplantation may be considered. If the cancer is only in the liver and has not spread beyond it, doctors may recommend transplant surgery to remove the cancer and the diseased liver. This may improve long-term survival in suitable candidates.

Typically, specialists will do detailed assessments before recommending surgery. It also includes blood tests, general health checkups and imaging tests.

There are many medical tests to decide if a patient should get a transplant. They check liver function, kidney health, heart condition, infection and fitness. Blood tests, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound imaging and psychological evaluation are done before patients are placed on the transplant waiting list. Special scoring systems are often used by doctors to judge the severity of a person’s liver disease and help decide which cases need to be treated urgently.

A liver transplant requires a healthy donor organ to be successful. The donor may be living or deceased. Living donors donate a part of their own liver. Both the donor and recipient portions of the liver can regenerate . The liver can grow back to normal size over time . The use of living donors for transplantation is on the rise due to the shorter waiting time and better treatment outcome.

Patients will require lifelong medical treatment and monitoring after the procedure. You will be given medicines to suppress your immune system to try to prevent your body from rejecting the new liver. Good liver function after transplantation is maintained through blood tests, regular follow-up visits and lifestyle changes. Patients should avoid drinking alcohol, smoking or eating unhealthy foods. This will help protect their transplanted liver.

Every transplant surgery recovery is different. Some patients will recover within a few months, others will require long-term rehabilitation and medical supervision. Long-term recovery is based on healthy diet, regular exercise and compliance with medication and infection prevention measures. “Most patients will have an improved energy level and quality of life after a successful transplant.”

In severe liver disease early diagnosis and prompt treatment is very important. Any time lost in treatment can cause further complication and less chance of successful treatment. Liver Transplant in Chennai is performed in the most sophisticated healthcare facilities with the latest surgical techniques and experienced transplant surgeons with a full-fledged post-operative care for complete support to the patients during their entire course of treatment.

If the liver is not working properly, and other treatments have not worked, then a liver transplant is needed. Other candidates for transplantation may include patients with severe liver damage due to chronic liver disease, acute liver failure, genetic disorders or liver cancer. With appropriate medical treatment, follow-up and timely treatment, many patients can go on to live healthier and more productive lives after a transplant.