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A Liver Transplant is a major surgery required for people with liver cancer or liver failure that cannot be managed with other treatments. According to a 2022 report, India conducts more than 1,800 Liver Transplants annually. Living after a Liver Transplant can be life-changing, offering the recipients a second chance at health. Although it requires six months or more for recovery, many patients can return to their normal lives. However, Liver Transplantation also comes with a few adjustments, and patients have to follow certain precautions to lead a healthy life.
In this blog, we will explore more about Liver Transplants, the precautions to be followed before and after the procedure, and the effective ways to enhance recovery for a smooth return to daily life.
Synopsis
What is a Liver Transplant?
A Liver Transplant involves replacing a damaged liver with a healthy one from a donor. The donor can be either a deceased person or a compatible family member. At Manipal Hospitals, both the patient and the donor undergo thorough testing by our experts to ensure a successful transplant.
Assessment of Patients and Donors for Liver Transplant
Before a Liver Transplant, the patient must undergo a series of tests to assess their suitability for the procedure, which include:
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Blood investigations, including liver and kidney function tests
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CT and MRI of the abdomen
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Endoscopy
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Doppler ultrasound of the abdomen
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Dobutamine stress echocardiogram
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Pre-transplant infection screening
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Pulmonary function test
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Psychological evaluation
Donors can be either a compatible family member or a deceased donor. If a family member chooses to donate, they undergo tests to ensure they are a good match. The liver is unique in the fact that it naturally grows back to its original size in a few months. Hence, both the donor and the patient can recover fully.
How to Improve Your Health Before a Liver Transplant?
If you are waiting for a Liver Transplant or have a scheduled surgery date, it is important to prioritise your health for a successful transplant and recovery.
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Take all prescribed medications on time and consult the transplant coordinator if you miss a dose or have any concerns.
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Maintain a balanced diet with proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while avoiding processed foods.
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Stay active with moderate exercise like walking, cycling, or swimming to improve fitness for surgery.
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It is also vital to quit alcohol and smoking, as both can negatively impact your surgery and recovery.
Living After Liver Transplant: How to Recover Effectively?
After your Liver Transplant, you will need about two weeks of post-operative care in the hospital. For the first 3 to 4 days, you will stay in the transplant ICU, where family members can visit, though the medical team may limit visitors to reduce infection risks. Within a day or two after surgery, you will be encouraged to take short walks with the help of a physical therapist and perform deep breathing exercises to expand your lungs.
Throughout your recovery after a Liver Transplant, the doctors will closely monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels. Routine blood tests will be conducted to check your liver and kidney function. You may also require an ultrasound or Liver Biopsy to ensure your body is accepting the new liver.
Once you leave the hospital, you are starting a new chapter with your new liver. To ensure a smooth recovery, follow these simple steps:
Take Your Medications: You will need to take prescribed medicines for life, including immunosuppressants to prevent rejection and other medications to avoid complications.
Maintain Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, avoid crowded places, and stay away from sick individuals. When going out or visiting the hospital, wear a mask to reduce infection risks.
Attend Follow-Ups: Regular checkups and tests are essential. Make sure to attend all scheduled appointments.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Your appetite will gradually improve after surgery. Follow a high-protein, balanced diet to help with wound healing and liver recovery. Our dietitian can help create a meal plan for you.
Avoid Heavy Activities: Do not lift heavy objects or do intense exercises for three months. However, you can start driving and return to work after this period.
Start Light Exercise: Begin walking two days after surgery. Gradually, you can add activities like swimming, cycling, or jogging as you recover.
Physiotherapy Helps: Breathing exercises and light movements guided by a physiotherapist can improve your mobility and aid recovery.
Conclusion
Liver transplantation is a life-saving surgery for people with chronic liver conditions such as liver cancer or liver failure. Although it is a safe procedure, life after a Liver Transplant can be challenging. However, with proper precautions and a healthy lifestyle, patients can successfully return to their normal routines.
The Liver Transplantation Department at Manipal Hospitals is home to some of the country’s best Liver Transplant surgeons. For expert guidance and queries regarding Liver Transplants, visit Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar.
FAQ's
Liver Transplant candidates come from all age groups and backgrounds. They include adults with end-stage liver disease, children with congenital liver conditions like biliary atresia, patients with untreatable liver cancer, and those with acute liver failure from infections or drug reactions. Each case is evaluated individually to determine the need for a transplant.
The leading cause of Paediatric Liver Transplant is biliary atresia, which is a rare condition. Biliary atresia is a condition where a baby's bile ducts are blocked, preventing bile from flowing from the liver to the small intestine.
During a Liver Transplant, a surgical incision is made in the abdomen to remove the damaged liver. A healthy donor liver is then placed, and the bile ducts and blood vessels are reattached before closing the incision. The procedure usually takes 6 to 8 hours.
A healthy family member or a compatible deceased donor can donate a liver. If a family member volunteers, they undergo tests to ensure suitability. The liver naturally regenerates, allowing both donor and recipient to recover fully.
If no suitable donor is found, the patient is placed on a waiting list, which may take days to months. During this period, the transplant team provides continuous health monitoring and support.
You can schedule an appointment with a Liver Transplant surgeon at Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, by contacting us or visiting our website.
Visit: https: //www.manipalhospitals.com/bhubaneswar/specialities/liver-transplantation-surgery/
Contact no: 0674 666 6600
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