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The liver is the organ which helps make digestive enzymes for fat digestion in the body. It is roughly the size of a rugby ball, located on the right side of the abdomen. It also serves to detoxify the blood from drugs and alcohol.
When a liver is damaged or diseased, it is unable to perform its functions properly. When the liver is unable to perform well, the digestion system is disrupted. Fats are not digested properly, nor metabolized for storage. Further, the body is unable to get rid of metabolic toxins and thus health suffers. If the extent of damage is beyond healing, the doctor may prescribe complete removal of the infected liver tissue and a transplant of a healthy liver into the body.
Liver Transplant
When a liver or part of the liver is implanted into the body of a person, it is called a liver transplant. This may be done due to several medical reasons such as injury, disease or failure of their original liver. The liver may be donated by close family members and or compatible donors. Patients may also receive a liver donation from a deceased donor. A liver transplant is a medical procedure, which involves the introduction of a foreign living material and its incorporation into the body. Hence, multiple tests are performed before the surgery to ensure compatibility and reduce the chances of graft rejection.
These procedures are generally safe and successful. Most patients and live donors can return to their daily routine shortly after the procedure is done at the best liver transplantation surgery hospital in Delhi. In rare cases, it may take up to a year for a patient to recover fully. Most people may live for 10- 20 years post-surgery. Certain health precautions need to be followed by patients who have received a liver transplant. Some are listed below:
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Proper medication
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Regular Check-Ups
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Health Care
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Exercise
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No Alcohol
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No Smoking
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Reduce Stress
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Medicine Management
The patient is advised to take certain medications to prevent the body from rejecting the transplanted organ. Many of the medications given to patients (Immunosuppressants) may have side effects which can impact other organs. Therefore, regular monitoring of health is very important.
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Health Checkup
The patient must go for regular checkups with their healthcare provider to ensure optimum health and detect any risks timely. Since the medications meant to prevent complications can have side effects on the Kidney, and increase chances of secondary infections, and certain types of cancers, therefore, one must be watchful of their health.
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LifeStyle
Post-operative care must be followed and overall hygiene must be maintained for patients. Further, patients with prior habits of alcohol consumption must avoid alcohol consumption. Quitting smoking habits is also recommended to prevent health complications.
Including healthy fats in controlled amounts, green vegetables and only doctor-recommended health supplements should be consumed.
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Workout
Patients can resume physical activity after 3-4 weeks of surgery. Mild exercise is recommended to patients post-recovery to maintain a healthy body weight and keep the body healthy. Mild exercise helps keep you healthy.
When to see a doctor?
Taking good care of yourself or your loved one who has received a liver transplant is important. Also, it is important to look at health indicators and or symptoms of bodily distress, to ensure timely treatment. Contact your transplant doctor or seek medical help immediately if you see symptoms like:
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High fever and chills
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Nausea and vomiting
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Diarrhoea
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Yellowing of skin or eyes
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Unusual-coloured, pale Stool
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Unusually dark urine
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Swollen abdomen
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Swelling around ankles
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Itchy skin or breakouts
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Redness, and swelling around wounds
These symptoms could be indicators of liver infection or a problem with your liver area which might need treatment on an urgent basis. Precautionary care is important in the case of transplant receivers as they anyway have a lowered immunity. Hence, infections need to be tackled proactively.
At Manipal Hospitals Dwarka, we have some of the best liver transplant surgeons in Delhi. Our team of Gastro Sciences has the best surgeons and physiologists in Delhi. For any queries about transplant surgery for a liver walk into your nearest Manipal Hospitals or book an appointment online with our expert consultants.
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