Liver Transplantaion

Liver transplantation is considered when the liver no longer functions adequately (liver failure). Liver failure can occur suddenly (acute liver failure) as a result of infection or complications from certain medications or it can be the end result of a long-term problem.

In the  surgery the diseased or damaged liver is replaced with a liver from a donor who has died. In some cases, a portion of the liver of a living, related donor may be used.

A liver transplant is done to treat a liver that is not working and cannot be fixed. This may be caused by:

 

• Cirrhosis
• Hepatitis A , B , or C
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Primary biliary cirrhosis
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis (disease of the bile ducts)
• Sudden liver failure
• Congenital defects (eg, biliary atresia)
• Liver tumors
• Metabolic defects (eg, Wilson’s disease )
• Poisoning or drug-induced damage

After the transplant, most patients are able to return to normal activities in 6-12 months