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You are most at risk for infection or liver rejection in the first few months following Liver Transplant surgery. The number of liver transplant centres in India has increased dramatically in the past ten years. Currently, 135 centres conduct 1500–2000 transplants annually, with 10% of those being paediatric cases. India is currently a major regional liver transplant hub in South and Southeast Asia, with a survival rate of 90%¹. This blog post discusses tips to help recover after a Liver Transplant.
Synopsis
About Liver Disease
One of the body's most important organs, the liver, is essential for removing toxins from circulation. However, its filtering function makes it susceptible to toxins, which can outweigh its capabilities. Damage to the liver can frequently be attributed to chronic liver disease, which is brought on by viral infections, toxic poisoning, and certain metabolic disorders. The liver's ongoing efforts to repair itself may eventually fail to keep up, even with its remarkable capacity for regeneration. At this stage, the normal functioning of the liver is compromised, and it is termed liver failure.
Symptoms of Liver Failure
It might take years for liver failure to manifest. In its early stages, liver failure can be difficult to identify since its symptoms frequently resemble those of other illnesses. As your failing liver continues to weaken, your symptoms will grow worse.
If the liver disease progresses, it may exhibit the following symptoms:
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Tiredness
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Emesis
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Diarrhoea
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Spitting blood
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Stool with blood
As the condition progresses, the severity of symptoms also increases. Later-stage liver failure symptoms might include:
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Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
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Excessive fatigue
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Disorientation (uncertainty and bewilderment)
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Accumulation of fluid in your arms, legs, and abdomen
What causes Liver Damage?
Liver diseases such as drug-induced liver disease, autoimmune diseases, fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, and hereditary disorders can all have an impact on the liver. Other causes include:
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Hepatitis
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Chronic alcoholism
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Liver cancer
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Drug-induced toxicity
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Cirrhosis
Who needs a Liver Transplant?
Typically, Liver Transplant surgery is the final option to treat:
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Liver dysfunction or failure (chronic or acute).
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Primary hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver cancer.
Types of Liver Transplants
Based on the donor, there are mostly 3 types of Liver Transplants, namely,
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Orthotopic transplants involve removing the entire liver from a deceased donor while ensuring no transmissible illnesses or cancers are transmitted to the recipient.
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Living donor transplants involve removing either the left or right side of the liver, with the right lobes recommended for adults and the left lobes for children.
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Split donation involves splitting the donated liver into left and right lobes, with the adult receiving the larger right lobe and the child receiving the smaller left lobe. The transplanted portions of the liver grow back to their original size, benefiting two people at a time.
Common Complications After Receiving a Liver Transplant
Healthcare professionals who treat patients following Liver Transplantation frequently deal with several medical issues. These consist of:
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Rejection, either acute or chronic.
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Immunosuppressive consequences include infections, cancer, hypertension, infections, various dermatological disorders, and metabolic illnesses including obesity, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and bone disease.
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Inborn errors of metabolism.
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The original liver disease reappears.
Tips for Keeping the Liver Healthy Post-Transplant Surgery
Post-transplant surgery care can be divided into two phases: recovery in the hospital and taking the necessary care at home. Both of these phases play a crucial role in how well the patient responds to the transplant and in the efficacy of the Liver Transplant procedure.
Recovery in the Hospital
Following a Liver Transplant, patients should be informed about symptoms, emergency contact information, testing and medication regimens, and post-discharge precautions.
Post-Transplant Care at Home
You can follow some simple steps to maintain good overall health post-transplant surgery, which include:
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Defend against Infections: You are more susceptible to infections following a Liver Transplant because of the suppression of your immune system. Maintain proper hygiene by not touching ill people, cleaning your hands often, and taking the required vaccines to protect yourself. Notify your healthcare staff right away if you have fever or flu-like symptoms, which are indicators of infection.
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Medication Management: It's important to take care of your medications. To keep your liver healthy and avoid rejection, take your immunosuppressants exactly as directed by your physician. To keep organised and never forget a dosage, use smartphone applications or pill organisers.
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Nutrition for your Liver: Nutrition is very important. Adopt a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and other nutrients. Avoid processed foods, too much salt, and sugar.
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Rejuvenate through Movement: Include regular exercise in your regimen to strengthen your immune system, keep your weight in check, and improve your general well-being.
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Shield your liver: Steer clear of alcohol and smoke to safeguard your newly acquired liver. These behaviours can damage your liver and cause drug interactions.
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Remain alert and remain Healthy: Any indications of rejection, including fever, jaundice, black urine, or stomach discomfort, should be closely monitored. Notify your healthcare staff of any unexpected symptoms as soon as possible.
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Regular Wellness and Surveillance: It's critical to schedule regular follow-up appointments. To make sure everything is proceeding as planned, your medical team will keep an eye on your liver function and general health.
Liver Transplant surgery is a boon for end-stage liver disease and has a high success rate in terms of lifestyle improvement and overall health. Although there are many challenges when it comes to post-transplant care for the patient, a Liver Transplant provides aid for good health as the liver is the major metabolic organ of the body. But along with finding a fit donor, it is equally crucial to take good care of the liver post-transplant to ensure the long-term health benefits of a Liver Transplant. Post-transplant care includes maintaining a balanced and healthy diet and adequate exercise. As alcohol consumption causes major damage to the liver, complete alcohol cessation should be followed. Manipal Hospitals provide you with comprehensive treatment, including the transplant procedure and aftercare.
FAQ's
The most challenging times after transplantation are those immediately 3 months later. The body is getting used to the "new" liver and all of the drugs required to keep it healthy. Patients may take care of themselves after hospitalisation but with some modest limitations. After a transplant, most patients can resume their jobs three to six months later. It is feasible to socialise, play sports, receive regular exercise, and travel for both work and pleasure.
Some liver disorders can recur in the replacement liver. Hepatitis C is one such instance. You can get information from the transplant team on the likelihood of certain liver conditions returning. The transplant team will keep a careful eye on you in situations where there is a chance of recurrence to help you avoid it.
After a Liver Transplant, there is usually some pain, although not as much as after other abdominal procedures. This is because the initial abdominal incision causes nerves to be severed, which results in numbness surrounding the abdomen. Over the next six months, these nerves rebuild, and the sensation returns.
Following a Liver Transplant, most patients spend seven to ten days in the hospital. After that, individuals usually recover at home before going back to work or school three months later.
Side effects are common with many drugs. Increased blood pressure, mood swings, hair growth or loss, high blood sugar, bone and muscular weakness, renal malfunction, and hypersensitivity reactions are some of the commonly reported adverse events following a Liver Transplant.
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