Hepatitis delta

Hepatic Transplant

A Hepatic Transplant, also known as a Liver Transplant, is a surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased or failing liver with a healthy liver from a donor. Most liver transplant operations use livers from deceased donors, though a procedure using a portion of a liver from a living donor is also possible.

Indications

The most common indication for a hepatic transplant is Cirrhosis, a condition in which the liver slowly deteriorates and malfunctions due to chronic injury. Other conditions that may necessitate a hepatic transplant include Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Acute Liver Failure, and certain genetic conditions such as Wilson's Disease and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.

Procedure

The procedure involves the removal of the patient's liver and the placement of the donor liver in its place. This is connected to the patient's blood vessels and bile ducts. The operation can take up to 12 hours and requires a team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses.

Post-Transplant Care

After a hepatic transplant, patients are typically required to take Immunosuppressive Drugs to prevent their immune system from rejecting the new liver. Regular follow-ups and monitoring are also necessary to ensure the success of the transplant.

Risks and Complications

Like any major surgery, a hepatic transplant carries risks, including complications from the procedure itself, rejection of the donor liver, and side effects from the immunosuppressive drugs. Other potential complications include Infection, Bile Duct Complications, and Hepatic Artery Thrombosis.

See Also

• Organ Transplant
• Liver Disease
• Liver Failure
• Liver Donor