LIVER TRANSPLANTATION IN TURKEY

Liver transplantation is a surgical procedure in which a diseased or damaged liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a deceased or living donor. It’s a complex operation performed when the liver is failing and other treatments are no longer effective.
Here’s a breakdown of key aspects of liver transplantation: Why is a Liver Transplant Needed? A liver transplant is typically considered when a person has end-stage liver disease or liver failure, meaning the liver is no longer able to perform its essential functions. Some common reasons for needing a liver transplant include:

• Chronic viral hepatitis (B and C): Long-term infection can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.
• Alcoholic liver disease: Excessive alcohol consumption can severely damage the liver.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): The buildup of fat in the liver can progress to inflammation and scarring.
• Autoimmune hepatitis: The body’s immune system attacks the liver.
• Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC): Diseases that affect the bile ducts within the liver.
• Genetic liver diseases: Such as hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
• Acute liver failure: Sudden and severe liver damage, often caused by drug overdose or toxins.
• Liver cancer: In some cases, a liver transplant may be an option for certain types of liver cancer.

Types of Liver Transplants:

• Deceased donor liver transplant: The most common type, using a liver from someone who has recently died.
• Living donor liver transplant: A portion of a healthy liver is taken from a living donor and transplanted into the recipient. The donor’s liver regenerates over time.
• Split-liver transplant: A deceased donor liver is divided between two recipients, typically an adult and a child.

The Liver Transplant Process:

1. Evaluation: Extensive testing is done to determine if a person is a suitable candidate for a transplant.
2. Waiting List: If approved, the patient is placed on a waiting list for a deceased donor liver. The waiting time can vary depending on the severity of the illness and the availability of suitable organs. Living donors can sometimes expedite the process.
3. Surgery: The diseased liver is removed and replaced with the healthy donor liver. This is a major surgical procedure that can take several hours.
4. Recovery: After surgery, patients spend time in the intensive care unit (ICU) and then a regular hospital room. Recovery time varies but can be several months.
5. Immunosuppressant Medications: Lifelong immunosuppressant medications are necessary to prevent the body from rejecting the new liver.

Risks and Complications:

• Rejection: The body’s immune system may attack the new liver.
• Infection: Immunosuppressant drugs increase the risk of infection.
• Bleeding: Significant bleeding can occur during or after surgery.
• Blood clots: Clots can form in the blood vessels of the new liver.
• Bile duct complications: Problems with the bile ducts can occur after transplant.
• Primary graft non-function: The new liver may not work properly immediately after transplant.

Long-Term Outlook: Liver transplantation can significantly improve the quality of life and extend survival for people with end-stage liver disease. However, it’s a major procedure with potential risks and complications. Long-term success depends on several factors, including the underlying cause of liver disease, the patient’s overall health, and adherence to the post-transplant care plan.

If you have specific questions about organ tranplantation its management, or anything related, feel free to ask! We will be pleased to help you with our wide hospital & clinic network all over the Turkiye.