The liver transplant surgery is a medical operation performed when the liver is damaged extensively and has the inability to heal by itself. The liver is a vital organ in the body as it has a “silent but critical function every day.” It performs several functions in the body such as removing toxins and assists in the process of digestion in addition to managing the energy of a person by working in collaboration with other organs.

This is not a surgical procedure that is preferred first. The doctors will only consider recommending it when it ceases to work. This is a serious decision since it is made depending on tests carried out by the doctor. The patients are also supported through the process in a manner that they comprehend. This is even though the journey seems serious.

When Is Liver Transplant Surgery Needed

• Liver transplantations as a form of surgery are recommended when the condition reached an advanced stage. This could be a result of chronic damage to the liver, acute liver failure, or genetic liver diseases. Symptoms include weakness, fluid retention, confusion, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.
• Sometimes, there is a severe progression of the disease, and it develops very quickly. An emergency liver transplant is needed to ensure survival. These patients are given priority. The doctors do not hesitate, but careful examination is conducted as well. It is not necessary that patients are given an opportunity in every case. The body should be strong enough to cope with the surgical procedure and healing.

Varieties of Liver Transplant Surgeries

• There are two kinds of liver transplantation surgeries. The first one involves a whole liver from a deceased person. This is the most common type of transplantation. The patients are placed on a list of candidates awaiting a new liver that comes from a donor who matches their needs.
• The next option is live liver transplant surgery. Here, a normal individual donates a portion of the liver. Notably, the donated portion as well as the remaining liver regains full size in the future. This option shortens the waiting list. This may specifically happen when there is an urgent liver transplantation.
• Sometimes patients elect to undergo a private liver transplant. Essentially, this means faster surgical and easy-to-manage schedules are possible. The technical procedure for acquiring a transplant is more or less similar but requires different settings and approaches for support and assistance.

What happens before the liver transplantation Operation

Prior to the liver transplant operation, various tests are conducted on the patients. Blood tests, scan tests, heart checkups, and tests to check if the patients are not infected by any diseases are conducted. Assessments of the psychological and family support aspects are also conducted because the recovery process requires patience and care.

The Surgery and Hospital Stay

• The liver transplant surgery will take several hours. The surgeons remove the faulty liver and position the healthy one properly. After the surgery, the patient is kept under intensive care observation. Pain management is done with the help of medications, and mobilization is started slowly.
• The hospital stay typically is for a few weeks. During this period, the doctors observe for any infections, bleeding, or organ rejection in the patient. Medicines are prescribed in order to ensure that the body accepts the new liver easily. The patient is advised not to miss any medications.