Liver transplantation is a medical procedure in which a diseased liver is removed and is replaced with a healthy one. When a disease makes the liver stop working, a liver transplant is necessary.
Liver transplantation is commonly performed in adults with cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a disease in which healthy liver cells are killed and replaced with scar tissue. The scar tissues can not perform normal functions. In children, the most common reason for transplantation is biliary atresia. In biliary atresia, the bile ducts are missing or damaged. The bile ducts help carry bile out of the liver.
Other reasons for transplantation are liver cancer, benign liver tumors, and hereditary diseases.
The procedure is often done when other medical treatment cannot keep a damaged liver functioning. Liver transplants usually work. In fact, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), about 80 to 90 percent of people survive liver transplantation.
To prevent rejection of the transplanted liver, the patient will have to take medicines called immunosuppressants. Drugs, such as steroids, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus, suppress the immune system and keep it from attacking and damaging the transplanted liver. However, patients who take immunosuppressants can get infections more easily because these drugs weaken the immune system. The transplant health care team will monitor the effects of these drugs and may provide treatment for complications.
Most people can go back to their normal daily activities after a successful liver transplant. You should consult your doctor about questions that you may have and you may also want to check with them before starting any activity.
For More Information (Links Open in a New Window)
American Liver Foundation
Internet: www.liverfoundation.org
Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI)
Internet: www.hepfi.org
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)
Internet: www.unos.org
References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (March 2003). What I need to know about Liver Transplantation (NIH Publication No. 03–4941). National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/livertransplant_ez/index.htm. Accessed: September 28, 2008
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (February 2001). Liver Transplantation (NIH Publication No. 01–4637). National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/livertransplant/. Accessed: September 28, 2008
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