Liver Transplant Surgery: A Lifesaving Milestone in Modern Medicine

When Molisha and her husband, Dipendu Roy from Assam, came to Hyderabad, their life was at a juncture that seemed impossible to cross. Molisha had started vomiting blood around six months ago and was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. The only option left was a liver transplant. However, the very thought of the procedure was daunting – from health concerns and finding a donor to the financial implications.

Meeting Dr Raghavendra, senior liver transplantation and hepatobiliary surgeon at Star Hospitals, Hyderabad, was a turning point in their life. He counselled the couple on multiple aspects of the surgery and instilled confidence in them. Dipendu was ready to be the donor for Molisha. The surgery was performed by a team of experts, including committed surgeons and nurses. Exceptional post-operative care was ensured, aided by the state-of-the-art technologies available at the hospital. Both the wife and the husband have now completely recovered from the surgery and are returning to their life with hope and happiness.
 

Rajesh from Vizag also has a similar story of hope and healing to share. This middle-aged businessman was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease after having suffered from chronic hepatitis B. His family approached Dr Raghavendra at Star Hospitals with a lot of anxiety over his rapidly deteriorating health. His brother was ready to be Rajesh’s donor. Dr Raghavendra, along with the healthcare experts at Star Hospitals, performed liver transplantation surgery successfully on the patient. Both the donor and the recipient recovered from the surgery quickly and have returned to their daily lives with rekindled hope and joy.
 

These are only two of the many success stories of Star Hospitals and Dr Raghavendra in the field of liver transplant and hepatology. The STAR Centre for Advanced Liver Care and Transplantation is headed by Dr Mettu Srinivasa Reddy, who has over 20 years of experience in transplant and hepatobiliary surgery and a track record of over 2000 liver transplants, and is guided by Dr K Ravindranath, one of the pioneers of liver transplantation in India. The centre ensures advanced treatment facilities and holistic care for patients suffering from liver health issues, as well as support and assurance to their loved ones.
 

Here is a comprehensive guide on what you need to know about liver transplants:
 

A liver transplant involves surgically replacing a diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure becomes necessary when the liver fails to function adequately and other treatments are ineffective.
 

-          Deceased Donors: Individuals who have recently passed away and donated their organs.

-          Living Donors: Healthy individuals, often close relatives or friends, who donate a portion of their liver. Remarkably, the liver can regenerate, allowing both donor and recipient to regain full liver function within weeks.
 

Several serious liver conditions can lead to the need for a liver transplant, especially when they cause irreversible liver damage or liver failure. This includes chronic hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver, and acute liver failure due to infections or toxic exposure.
 

The severity of liver disease is assessed using the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, which predicts the risk of death without a transplant.

The absence of active infections and ongoing substance abuse is a must to qualify for a liver transplant. The overall health of the patient is also analysed.
 

1.  Removal of the Diseased Liver: The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to access and remove the failing liver.

2.  Implantation of Donor Liver: The healthy donor liver is placed in the body.

3.  Connection of Blood Vessels and Bile Ducts: The surgeon connects the donor liver to the recipient's blood vessels and bile ducts to restore normal function.

4.  Closure: The incision is closed, and the patient is moved to the intensive care unit for monitoring.
 

Post-operation, the hospital stay might vary from a week to a month, depending on the health condition of the patient. Immunosuppressants need to be taken for a long time to ensure that no organ rejection happens. Regular check-ups are essential to assess liver function and overall health. Patients must also adhere to a healthy diet, avoid alcohol and smoking, and engage in appropriate physical activity to support recovery.
 

The patient's age, overall health, adherence to post-operative care, and the quality of the donor’s liver can affect the success rate of liver transplants. Liver transplants usually have a high success rate, with 85–90% of patients surviving the first year post-transplant and 70-80% surviving beyond 5 years. 
 

Liver transplantation offers a second chance at life for patients with severe liver disease. With advancements in surgical techniques and post-operative care, the procedure boasts high success rates and improved quality of life for recipients. However, it requires a lifelong commitment to medical care, lifestyle changes, and emotional resilience. If you or your loved one is facing a critical situation in life concerning your liver health, Star Hospitals welcomes you with open arms. Book an appointment today and take the first step towards better health and an improved quality of life with Star Hospitals.