A Comprehensive Guide to Liver Transplant: Types, Risks, and Complications

Dr.Saurabh Singhal, 3 mins read

A liver transplant is a life-saving surgery performed to replace a failing liver with a healthy one, either from a deceased donor or a portion of a healthy liver from a living donor. This surgery is primarily used as a treatment for individuals with severe complications from end-stage chronic liver disease, although in rare cases, it may also be performed for acute liver failure in an otherwise healthy individual. This article delves into the types of liver transplants, associated risks, and potential complications.

What is Liver Transplant?

A liver transplant addresses severe liver dysfunction, either due to acute or chronic liver failure. While acute liver failure occurs suddenly, often in an otherwise healthy individual, chronic liver failure develops gradually over months or years, commonly caused by liver scarring (cirrhosis). Cirrhosis replaces healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, impairing the organ’s ability to function and necessitating transplantation.

Types of Liver Transplants

• Deceased Donor Transplant: This involves transplanting a liver from a recently deceased individual.
• Living Donor Liver Transplant: A portion of a healthy liver is taken from a living donor who is usually a relative. Remarkably, the liver regenerates in both the donor and recipient, restoring full function.
• Split Donation: In this procedure, a deceased donor’s liver is divided into two portions and transplanted into two recipients. Each part can grow to a normal size over time, making this an efficient option to help multiple patients.

Risks associated with liver transplant can be:

Short-term risks:

• Bile leakage: It happens when bile leaks out of the bile duct and into the abdominal cavity. It most often resolves itself.
• Infection: Some living-liver donors can get an infection at the site of surgery.
• Organ damage: In rare instances, liver failure, which may require transplantation, and death may occur.

Some other risks are:

• Pain and discomfort
• Nausea
• Blood clots
• Pneumonia
• Hernia
• Scar tissue formation
• Allergic reaction to anaesthesia

Long-term Complications of Liver Transplants

• Chronic Rejection: The recipient’s immune system may attack the transplanted liver despite immunosuppressive therapy.
• Renal Failure: Over time, immunosuppressive medications can impair kidney function, leading to renal failure.
• Diabetes Mellitus: The recipient can develop diabetes post-surgery, although it settles with time.
• Dyslipidemia: It can cause abnormal lipid levels in the blood.
  Malignancy: Also, there is an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, although it is extremely rare.

Conclusion

A liver transplant can be a life-saving intervention for individuals with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure. However, it is a major surgery with significant risks and potential long-term complications. Understanding these risks and working closely with a healthcare team can help optimize outcomes. If you or a loved one is considering liver transplantation, consult with a specialist to explore your options and ensure comprehensive care.