By-Dr. Vikram Kumar, Principal Consultant, Paediatric Liver Transplantation, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Max Hospital, Saket.
Guwahati : When someone’s liver is not working well, a liver transplant may be the best option to help them recover. This type of surgery is needed when the liver can no longer do its job—helping with digestion, storing energy, and clearing out toxins. Liver transplants aren’t just for adults; children sometimes need them too says Dr. Vikram Kumar, Principal Consultant, Paediatric Liver Transplantation, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Max Hospital, Saket.
Why Do People Need a Liver Transplant?
Liver failure can happen for different reasons. In adults, it’s often caused by long-term alcohol use or chronic diseases. For children, it’s usually due to genetic problems or infections. When the liver isn’t working well and there’s no other way to treat the problem, a transplant can be a lifesaver.
A liver transplant replaces the damaged liver with a healthy one. Sometimes, the whole liver is replaced, but other times only a part of it is used. In either case, the transplant helps restore the liver’s functions and can improve the person’s health.
How Does a Liver Transplant Work?
There are two main types of liver transplants:
● Whole Liver Transplant: This is when the entire liver is taken from a recently deceased donor and transplanted into the patient.
● Living Donor Liver Transplant: In some cases, a living person donates a portion of their liver. This works because the liver is unique—it can grow back over time. So, both the donor and recipient end up with full-sized livers after a while.
A smaller liver portion from a living donor can often work just fine for children, as their bodies need less liver tissue than adults.
What is Involved in the Process?
Getting a liver transplant isn’t a quick process. First, doctors check to make sure the person really needs a new liver and is healthy enough for surgery. If so, they are put on a waiting list, which can take time since there aren’t always enough donors available.
When a donor’s liver is found, surgery can begin. The operation itself takes several hours. After the surgery, the patient will spend a few weeks in the hospital. During this time, they are closely monitored to make sure everything is working well with the new liver.
Recovery and Life After Surgery
Even after being discharged from the hospital, recovery continues at home. It may take several months to fully recover and adjust. Patients will also need to take medicines for the rest of their lives to prevent their body from rejecting the new liver.
For children, liver transplants often mean they can go back to enjoying activities and just being kids. Adults can also look forward to returning to their routines, although recovery can be different for each person.
The Risks and Benefits
Liver transplants, like any major surgery, have risks. These can include infection, bleeding, or rejection of the new liver. But many people find that a successful transplant gives them back their health and freedom.