Question 1

When is a liver transplant recommended?

Accepted Answer

A liver transplant is generally recommended for end-stage liver disease or liver failure that can no longer be managed with medication or other treatments, commonly caused by cirrhosis from hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or alcohol-related liver damage, as well as for certain liver cancers confined to the liver and acute liver failure. Doctors use specific scoring systems, based on blood tests reflecting liver function, to help determine transplant urgency and priority.

Question 2

What is the difference between living donor and deceased donor liver transplant?

Accepted Answer

In a living donor liver transplant, a portion of a healthy living person's liver, often a family member, is removed and transplanted into the recipient; both the donor's remaining liver and the transplanted portion then regenerate to near-normal size within a few months. A deceased donor transplant uses a whole liver from someone who has passed away and consented to organ donation. Living donor transplant can significantly reduce waiting time compared to relying on deceased donor availability, though it requires a suitable, willing, healthy donor match.

Question 3

What are the risks of liver transplant surgery for the recipient and donor?

Accepted Answer

For the recipient, risks include bleeding, infection, organ rejection, and complications related to the new liver's blood vessel and bile duct connections. Lifelong immunosuppressive medication is needed to prevent rejection, which carries its own risk of increased infection susceptibility. For a living donor, risks include the general risks of major surgery along with a small risk of liver-specific complications, though most donors recover well and their liver regenerates fully. Both the donor and recipient undergo thorough evaluation to minimise these risks before surgery.

Question 4

What is the recovery process like after a liver transplant?

Accepted Answer

Recipients typically spend one to two weeks in the hospital initially, including some time in intensive care for close monitoring, followed by frequent follow-up visits during the first few months to monitor liver function and adjust immunosuppressive medication. Full recovery and return to most normal activities generally takes about three to six months. Living donors usually recover within six to eight weeks, with their liver regenerating to near-full size and function within a few months after surgery.

Question 5

What lifelong precautions are needed after a liver transplant?

Accepted Answer

Liver transplant recipients need to take immunosuppressive medication for life to prevent organ rejection, which requires regular blood tests to monitor drug levels and liver function, along with increased vigilance around infection prevention, since the immune system is deliberately suppressed. Avoiding alcohol, following dietary guidance, and attending all scheduled follow-up appointments are also essential. With consistent adherence to this care plan, most liver transplant recipients go on to lead full, active lives for many years after transplant.

Liver Transplant