Liver Transplant

hepatobiliary

Description

Liver transplant replaces a diseased liver with a healthy donor liver, either from a deceased donor (whole liver) or a living donor (partial liver, which regenerates in both donor and recipient). It is the definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease including cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma within Milan criteria, acute liver failure, and metabolic liver diseases. Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has expanded the donor pool significantly, with centers in Asia performing the majority of global LDLT procedures. Survival rates at experienced centers exceed 90% at one year and 75% at five years. Extensive pre-transplant evaluation ensures appropriate patient selection and optimal timing.

What to Expect

Surgery takes 6-12 hours under general anesthesia. The diseased liver is removed and replaced with the donor liver, with meticulous reconnection of blood vessels and bile ducts. ICU stay is 2-5 days for close monitoring. Total hospital stay is 2-3 weeks. Immunosuppression medication begins immediately and continues for life. Living donor surgery takes 4-6 hours, with the donor typically discharged in 5-7 days.

Recovery Information

Weeks 1-3: Hospital recovery with intensive monitoring of liver function, immunosuppression levels, and infection surveillance. Weeks 3-8: Outpatient recovery near the hospital with frequent lab tests and clinic visits (2-3 times per week). Months 2-3: Gradual return to light activities, lab visits reduce to weekly. Months 3-6: Most patients return to normal activities and work. Lifelong immunosuppressant medications, regular blood tests, and annual follow-up are required. Living donors recover fully in 4-6 weeks with the liver regenerating to near-normal size within 8-12 weeks.