Orthotopic liver transplant

Orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) is a surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased or failing liver with a healthy liver from a donor. The procedure is considered the definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease, which can be caused by various conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver cancer.

Procedure

The orthotopic liver transplant procedure involves the removal of the patient's diseased liver and the placement of the donor liver in the same anatomic location. The procedure is complex and requires a multidisciplinary team, including hepatologists, transplant surgeons, and anesthesiologists. The operation can take between 6 to 12 hours to complete.

Donor Selection

The selection of a suitable donor is a critical aspect of the orthotopic liver transplant process. Donors can be either deceased or living. In the case of living donors, a portion of their liver is removed and transplanted into the recipient. The liver's unique ability to regenerate allows both the donor's and the recipient's liver to grow to a normal size within weeks of the procedure.

Post-Transplant Care

After the transplant, patients require lifelong follow-up and medication to prevent organ rejection. This includes immunosuppressive drugs and regular check-ups with the transplant team. Complications such as infection, bleeding, and bile duct complications can occur, and must be promptly addressed.

History

The first successful human liver transplant was performed by Dr. Thomas Starzl in 1967. Since then, advances in surgical techniques, donor selection, and post-transplant care have significantly improved the outcomes of orthotopic liver transplant.

See Also

• Liver disease
• Liver transplantation
• Organ transplantation