The process involves several steps, ensuring that the new liver is compatible and functions properly after surgery.

Step 1: Donor Matching

The first step in the transplant process is identifying a suitable donor liver. The donor liver can come from:

A deceased donor – In most cases, the liver is obtained from a brain-dead donor whose organ is preserved for transplantation.

A living donor – In some instances, a portion of a healthy liver from a living donor (often a close relative) is used, as the liver has a unique ability to regenerate.

To determine compatibility, several factors are considered:

Blood type – The donor and recipient must have a compatible blood type.

Liver size – The donor liver should match the recipient’s body size to ensure proper function.

Medical history – The donor liver must be free from infections, diseases, or conditions that could compromise the recipient’s health.

Once a suitable donor is found, the organ is prepared for transplantation, and the recipient undergoes pre-surgical evaluation, including blood tests, imaging, and overall health assessments.

Step 2: Surgery

Liver transplant surgery is a highly intricate procedure that can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours. The key surgical steps include:

Removal of the damaged liver – The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen and carefully detaches the diseased liver from surrounding blood vessels and bile ducts.

Implantation of the new liver – The donor liver is placed in the recipient’s body and meticulously connected to major blood vessels (hepatic artery, portal vein, and inferior vena cava) to restore circulation.

Reattachment of the bile ducts – The bile ducts are reconnected to ensure bile flow, which is crucial for digestion.

Closure and monitoring – Once the new liver is securely placed and all connections are checked, the incision is closed, and the patient is transferred to intensive care for close observation.

Step 3: Recovery and Post-Transplant Care

After surgery, the recovery process is closely monitored to ensure the new liver functions properly and the patient’s body does not reject the organ. This phase includes:

Intensive care stay – The patient remains in the ICU for the first few days to monitor vital signs and liver function.

Immunosuppressive medications – To prevent the immune system from attacking the new liver, patients must take lifelong immunosuppressive drugs.

Lifestyle modifications – A healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol or harmful substances are essential for long-term liver health.

Routine follow-ups – Regular check-ups, liver function tests, and imaging scans help detect any complications early.

Liver Transplant