| 1. What is liver transplantation (LT)? |
An orthotopic LT is an operation wherein the diseased liver is removed and replaced by a liver from a cadaver donor or by a part of a liver from a living donor.
|
|
| 2. Why am I considered for a LT? (Indications) |
You may be considered for a LT for any of these reasons:
1. You have severe liver disease which is progressive and eventually fatal, for which there is no satisfactory treatment, or the standard treatment is no longer effective.
2. Your life expectancy is estimated to be less than 2 years.
3. Your quality of life has deteriorated to a level unacceptable to you, with no hope of significant improvement.
|
|
| 3. What are the risks? |
There are certain conditions which make LT more dangerous and/or useless. These are called contraindications:
1. Active systemic infections
2. Cancer affecting organs/tissues outside the liver.
3. Severe cardiopulmonary disease
4. AIDS/HIV positive
5. Other life-limiting, co-existing medical conditions.
6. Inability to comply with post-transplant program.
7. Uncontrolled psychiatric disorder.
There are also lesser or relative contraindications such as age over 60, previous abdominal surgery, hepatitis B with active viral replication, portal vein thrombosis, and marked obesity.
The operation will be done only if you meet the indication criteria and the risk of operation is ascertained to be significantly lower than the risk of your disease. At present, the one-year survival rate of LT approaches 80%, with a five-year survival of 65-70%
|
|
| 4. What can I expect after the LT? |
Most patients resume productive lives and are able to work. Some may have children. The only drawbacks are side effects from medications you have to take to suppress the immune system to prevent rejection of the transplanted liver. Your life will probably be prolonged if you have the discipline to follow a rigid post-transplant program.
|
|
5. Who are involved in taking care of me?
|
The Liver Transplant Team consists of the transplant surgeons, your attending/referring gastroenterologists as needed. They will be aided by nurses, nutritionists, physical therapist, psychologists, and social worker.
All our transplant surgeons have undergone specialized training with the University of Pittsburgh unit of the legendary Prof. Thomas Starzl and/or with Sir Roy Calne in Cambridge University, England.
|
|
