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What is a Liver Transplant?

A liver transplant is a surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased or malfunctioning liver with a healthy liver from a deceased or living donor. It is considered a robust treatment for end-stage liver disease and certain liver conditions that cannot be effectively managed with medications or other interventions. At the Institute of Liver Science in SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai, Liver transplantation offers a chance for improved quality of life, prolonged survival, and resolution of liver-related symptoms for eligible candidates.

Common Indications for Liver Transplant

End-Stage Liver Disease (ESLD)

Advanced liver failure is characterized by a significant decline in liver function, resulting in symptoms such as jaundice, ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen), hepatic encephalopathy (confusion or altered mental function), and coagulopathy.

Chronic Liver Conditions

Chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis, primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), autoimmune hepatitis, and alcoholic liver disease that progress to end-stage liver failure despite medical therapy.

Acute Liver Failure

Sudden and severe loss of liver function due to acute liver injury, hepatitis (viral or drug-induced), or fulminant liver failure, which can rapidly lead to hepatic coma and multi-organ failure.

Pre-Transplant Evaluation and Screening

Before undergoing a liver transplant, candidates undergo a comprehensive evaluation and screening process to assess their eligibility, evaluate their overall health status, and identify any potential risks or contraindications. This evaluation typically includes:

  • Medical history and physical examination
  • Laboratory tests, including liver function tests, blood tests, and imaging studies (such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI) to assess liver function, tumor burden, and vascular anatomy
  • Assessment of cardiovascular health, pulmonary function, infectious disease status, and other organ systems
  • Psychosocial evaluation to assess mental health, social support, and adherence to post-transplant care requirements
  • Evaluation of potential living donors (if applicable) to assess compatibility and suitability for liver donation

Pre-Transplant Care and Follow-Up

After a liver transplant, recipients require lifelong medical management and follow-up care to monitor graft function, prevent rejection, and manage complications. This includes:

  • Immunosuppressive medications to suppress the immune system and prevent rejection of the donor liver
  • Regular monitoring of liver function through clinical assessments, blood tests, imaging studies, and surveillance for complications such as infection, rejection, biliary complications, or recurrence of liver disease
  • Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, healthy diet, smoking cessation, and adherence to medication regimen
  • Management of post-transplant complications such as infection, rejection, medication side effects, biliary strictures, hepatic artery thrombosis, or recurrent liver disease
  • Ongoing support from a multidisciplinary transplant team, including hepatologists, transplant surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals

Surgical Procedure​

During a liver transplant surgery, the diseased liver is removed, and the donor liver is implanted into the recipient’s body. The donor liver may come from a deceased donor (through organ donation) or a living donor (such as a family member or altruistic donor) in select cases. The surgical team carefully connects the donor liver’s blood vessels and bile ducts to the recipient’s blood vessels and bile ducts, ensuring proper blood flow and bile drainage. The surgery typically lasts several hours, and the recipient is placed under general anesthesia during the operation.

Whom to Consult?​ and When to Seek Medical Advice?

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of advanced liver disease or have been diagnosed with liver failure, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation and appropriate management at SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai.

Schedule an appointment with Liver Transplant Today

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Consult our healthcare experts immediately if you experience​​

  • Severe or worsening symptoms of liver failure, such as jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or signs of infection or bleeding requiring urgent medical attention or intervention.
  • Signs of complications such as rejection, biliary complications, hepatic artery thrombosis, or recurrent liver disease requiring prompt evaluation and management.

Common FAQs About Liver Transplant

Q: How long does a liver transplant surgery take?

A: The duration of a liver transplant surgery typically ranges from six to twelve hours, although it may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the type of donor liver (deceased or living), and individual patient factors.

Q: What is the survival rate after a liver transplant?

A: The survival rate after liver transplant surgery has improved significantly over the years, with approximately 85-90% of recipients surviving the first year post-transplant and about 70-80% surviving five years or more. Long-term survival rates continue to improve with advancements in transplant techniques, immunosuppressive medications, and post-transplant care.

Q. How is a liver transplant performed?

During a liver transplant surgery, the recipient's diseased liver is removed, and the healthy donor liver is implanted and connected to the recipient's blood vessels and bile ducts. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and it may take several hours to complete.

Q. How long is the recovery period after a liver transplant?

The recovery period after a liver transplant can vary depending on individual factors, including the recipient's overall health, the success of the surgery, and any potential complications. Generally, recipients will spend several days to weeks in the hospital recovering from the surgery, followed by a gradual rehabilitation and recovery process at home.

Q. How long does a transplanted liver last?

The lifespan of a transplanted liver can vary from patient to patient. While some recipients may enjoy many years of improved liver function and quality of life with the transplanted liver, others may experience complications or rejection that may necessitate further treatment or, in some cases, re-transplantation.

Q. Can I lead a normal life after a liver transplant?

Many liver transplant recipients can lead fulfilling and active lives after surgery, although certain lifestyle modifications and ongoing medical care are necessary. Regular follow-up appointments with a transplant team, adherence to medications, monitoring for signs of rejection or complications, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential for long-term success and well-being.

SRM Global Hospitals Pvt Ltd strives to deliver exceptional patient care with world-class expertise supported by next – gen medical and digital technologies because you deserve the quality care and are at the core of everything we do.

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