A malfunctioning or failing liver can be life-threatening. Unfortunately, unlike the kidneys and lungs, we have only one liver. So, when an individual is suffering from a serious liver disease or is diagnosed with the possibility of liver failure, a liver transplant surgery procedure might be advised. This surgery involves replacing the diseased liver with a part of a healthy liver or an entire healthy liver, depending on the severity of the problem and whether the healthy liver comes from a deceased or living donor.

Every liver replacement surgery must be meticulously planned and executed to ensure the best possible outcomes. With a high success rate and an unparalleled track record of satisfied patients, Narayana Health stands tall as one of the best liver hospitals in India. We understand that focusing only on physical recovery is not enough. This is why we follow a multidisciplinary approach to tailor holistic treatment programmes for every patient, based on their unique needs. With our commitment to providing world-class care, we use advanced technologies and individualised treatment approaches to bring about renewed health and vitality.

When is a Liver Transplant Necessary? 

A liver transplant is recommended for a patient when their liver is no longer able to function properly, leading to severe pain, recurring infections and other diseases. Some of the liver conditions that may require a liver transplant procedure include:

Acute Liver Failure

Acute liver failure refers to the rapid decline in the functioning of the liver. This usually happens when the individual does not have any prior liver disease but a drug-induced liver injury, viral hepatitis or an autoimmune disorder leads to liver damage. People with acute liver failure exhibit signs of severe abdominal pain, confusion, jaundice or bleeding. Immediate assessment at the best liver hospital is essential to ensure timely treatment.

Genetic Liver Disease

Genetic mutations in the body can lead to abnormal metabolism of metals, such as copper and iron. When this condition is left untreated, it can lead to liver damage, which in turn can show up as joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain and liver dysfunction. The specialists at Narayana Health ensure thorough clinical evaluation to determine the degree of liver damage and the need for a liver transplant.

Liver Cancer

This type of cancer originates in the liver cells, leading to the aggressive and rapid multiplication of diseased or malignant cells. While certain genetic disorders could be a reason for liver cancer, major risk factors include Hepatitis B & C infections and liver cirrhosis. Individuals with liver cancer might notice a loss in appetite, sudden weight loss, pain in the upper abdominal region, vomiting and nausea. The cancerous tumour can be removed via surgery if it has not spread. However, a liver replacement procedure might be necessary, depending on the number and size of the tumours.

Cirrhosis

This disorder leads to severe scarring in the liver. It can be a result of several conditions, including hepatitis B & C infections, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and long-term alcohol abuse. Individuals with liver cirrhosis tend to get easily bruised, lose their appetite, and experience weakness and fatigue, swelling in the legs and abdomen and, sometimes, jaundice. If left undetected or untreated, cirrhosis often leads to liver failure, necessitating liver replacement surgery.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis can be detected from the inflammation of the liver. This is an infection of the liver, caused by the hepatitis virus. However, it can also occur due to autoimmune disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. The common symptoms of hepatitis include extreme fatigue and abdominal pain, dark-coloured urine, jaundice and pale stool. Immediate treatment at a liver hospital can limit the damage to the liver. However, if hepatitis has progressed to the level that liver failure is imminent, it is important to start the process for a liver transplant immediately.

Types of Liver Transplants

Based on the source and condition of the liver being transplanted, a variety of procedures are done to ensure a successful liver transplant. The most common liver transplant procedures include:

Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

This is the most common liver transplant surgery, in which the diseased liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a deceased donor. The donor liver is placed at the same anatomical location as the original liver in the patient. While this standard treatment has a high success rate, one limitation here is the availability of deceased donor organs, which can lead to longer waiting times for transplant candidates.

Living Donor Liver Transplantation

In this procedure, a portion of a healthy liver is transplanted from a living donor to the patient. The liver is one of the few organs that can regenerate over time to return to its normal size. Therefore, surgically transplanting one lobe of the liver from a living donor into the patient, can help the diseased liver recuperate. While this solves the problem of long waiting periods, the recipient and donor both need to undergo major surgery.

Split Liver Transplantation

This is when a single liver from a deceased donor is divided into two for two separate recipients. The right lobe of the donor's liver is generally allocated to an adult, while the left lobe is often reserved for a paediatric recipient. Although this surgery maximises the availability of livers, some complexities can arise in this type of liver transplant, including a riskier surgery. However, when done at the best liver hospital with meticulous planning and an excellent transplant team, the chances of success can be maximised.

Understanding the Risks Associated with Liver Transplant

Although liver transplant surgery is a lifesaving procedure, like all surgeries, it has its own set of potential complications. The specialists at Narayana Health are well-versed in dealing with the risks associated with this type of surgery. They help patients and their families understand the risks so that they can prepare themselves mentally and physically should any complication arise.

Some of the potential risk factors are:

Risks During Surgery: During the procedure, risks such as significant blood loss, infections or a blood clot in the veins or lungs are some inherent risks one should be aware of.
Risks After Surgery: Post-surgical complications include issues in the bile duct, such as narrowing or leaking, which may require additional procedures. Another common risk is the rejection of the new liver by the recipient’s body. In rare cases, a liver that has been transplanted may not function properly and another transplant surgery might be required.
Long-Term Risks: Some patients may face challenges such as chronic rejection, which gradually damages the transplanted liver over time. Certain diseases can also occur in the transplanted organ, such as hepatitis C, necessitating another transplant.

Recovery After Liver Transplant

The process of recovering from a liver transplant surgery involves multiple stages. Continuous medical attention, with frequent follow-up appointments and stringent post-surgical care at home, is essential. Liver recipients will also need to make certain adjustments to their lifestyle, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet and avoiding alcohol and nicotine products. With the help of tailored physical and occupational therapy programmes, the individual can slowly adapt to their daily activities, ensuring an improved quality of life.

At Narayana Health, we prioritise excellence, innovation and compassion. With a dedicated team of skilled surgeons and experienced support staff, we always strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for every patient.