Liver transplant

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Liver transplant

A Liver transplant (pronounced: /ˈlɪvər trænsˈplɑːnt/) is a surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased or failing liver with a healthy one from a donor. The term originates from the Latin words trans (across) and plantare (to plant), indicating the transfer of a living tissue from one body to another.

Procedure

The liver transplant procedure involves the removal of the patient's diseased liver and replacing it with a whole or partial healthy liver from a donor. The donor can be either deceased (cadaveric transplant) or living (living donor liver transplant). The liver's unique ability to regenerate allows for living donor transplants.

Indications

Liver transplants are indicated for patients with chronic liver disease, acute liver failure, or liver cancer that cannot be treated with other interventions. Common diseases leading to liver transplant include cirrhosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and alcoholic liver disease.

Risks and Complications

Like any major surgery, liver transplant comes with potential risks and complications. These include infection, bleeding, rejection of the new liver, and bile duct complications.

Post-Transplant Care

After a liver transplant, patients need lifelong follow-up and medication to prevent rejection of the new liver. This includes regular check-ups and blood tests to monitor liver function.

Related Terms

  • Hepatology: The branch of medicine that incorporates the study of liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas as well as management of their disorders.
  • Immunosuppression: The reduction of the activation or efficacy of the immune system, typically used to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ.
  • Graft: A piece of living tissue that is transplanted surgically.
  • Hepatectomy: The surgical resection of the liver.

External links

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