Liver Transplantation - Is That An Option?

The liver is an incredible organ that has a remarkable ability to regenerate itself. However, through disease or liver injury, the organ can sustain severe damage that can't be reversed. If you have suffered acute liver failure and must undergo liver transplantation, then it is important that you get as much information as possible. While this procedure can be life saving, patients and their families should be aware of the risks. In this article, we'll examine the extraordinary transplant procedure.

If the doctors believe that a patient with symptoms of liver disease is not likely to live for one more year, then he or she would become a candidate for liver transplantation. This is, however, a very complex issue and must be decided on a case by case basis. Patients must undergo a variety of liver function tests and consultations. Usually, a committee comprised of doctors, nurses, transplant coordinators, psychologists and social workers will decide whether the patient is a viable candidate. This is to help them decide whether a liver transplant is the best choice. Once this is determined, the patient is placed on the waiting list for a liver transplant.

Not everyone is a viable candidate for a liver transplant. Doctors will evaluate patients to see if they are healthy enough to undergo surgery and post-transplant treatments, are willing and able to take medications as directed, and have sufficient emotional stamina to undergo the wait for a donor organ. If liver failure is the result of alcohol or drug abuse, then the patient will be evaluated. It must be determined if they can practice alcohol control, if they have received adequate chemical dependency treatment and if they are at risk of using alcohol or drugs after the transplant.

During a liver transplant, the diseased liver is removed through an incision in the upper abdomen. The donor liver is then placed inside the abdomen, and blood vessels from the body are attached to those of the new liver. The bile duct of the donor liver is attached to the patient's bile duct or to a segment of intestine so that bile can drain into the small intestine. The procedure usually takes approximately 3 to 5 hours. After the surgery, patients experience some pain, which is treated with medications. Recovery often involves a five to ten day hospital stay and the patient will undergo frequent assessments.

Post liver transplantation treatment focuses on preventing rejection, managing unwanted side effects and maintaining enough disease-fighting power to ward off infection. Your doctor will monitor treatment closely and adjust it as necessary. Along with taking medication, patients are expected to follow a diet and exercise routine designed to keep the new liver healthy. Sometimes transplanted livers lose their ability to function because of organ rejection. If this happens, then the patient can be considered for a second transplant depending on their health and ability to undergo surgery.

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Alcoholic Liver

Most doctors recommend a drastic change in lifestyle when they are treating someone with alcoholism. Studies have shown that abstaining from alcohol and adhering to a healthy diet can greatly benefit patients.