Swap Liver Transplant Surgery in Bangalore

The liver has critical functions such as processing nutrients and medication, producing bile, making proteins, removing harmful bacteria from the blood, and preventing infection, thus regulating the immune response. However, you might need liver transplant surgery when the liver stops functioning properly.

Liver transplant surgery is an end treatment for those with chronic liver disease or failure of the liver. During the procedure, the liver is removed and replaced with a donor’s healthy liver. However, not all donors can donate their liver to those in need because of a mismatch of blood groups.

There are several ways to treat and replace the liver with a new one. One of the most recently used techniques is a swap liver transplant.

What is a Swap Liver Transplant?

A swap liver transplant is a procedure where a donor is willing to donate a part of their liver. The procedure is also called Liver Paired Donation.

During this process, the surgery of the donor and recipient is performed at the same time. Then, a part of the donor’s liver is cut and transplanted into the recipient.

Before the Procedure

To begin the surgery, you must pick a good healthcare centre. This is because the type of hospital you choose contributes to the factors affecting the success rate of the surgery. At Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, we offer the best treatment with world-class technologies and a team of renowned, skilled doctors.

Pre-surgery, you will be asked to do some diagnostic tests to evaluate your condition. For example, there might be blood or urine tests to assess your liver’s and other organs’ health. You will also be asked to undergo an ultrasound test for imaging tests and ECG or EKG to check your heart rate. Moreover, the doctor will evaluate your overall health based on your past medication, family history, and other existing conditions.

Now that the evaluation is done, you will be required to wait for the donor. Once someone agrees to donate a part of the liver to you, the donor will undergo blood and urine tests, imaging tests, etc., to ensure they are not suffering from any condition and the liver is safe from toxins. Living donors typically consist of close family and friends who are willing to donate.

During this period, you must keep yourself healthy and hydrated. Eat well and take your prescribed medicines on time.

During the Procedure

During the procedure, the first one to go for the surgery would be the donor. The donor will be given anaesthesia, and a portion of the liver will be removed.

After the liver is extracted from the living donor, the recipient undergoes surgery. The doctors make a small incision on the upper abdomen to remove the diseased liver and replace it with the donated one. The new liver is then connected to the recipient’s blood vessels and bile ducts to restore proper blood flow and bile drainage. Once all the connections are secure, the incision is closed. The entire process typically takes several hours and the recipient may require a short stay in the hospital for recovery.

After the Procedure

After the liver transplant, the donor and the recipient are kept under observation for 24 – 48 hours, or even more, depending on the condition. Once both are stabilised, they are discharged from the hospital. The doctor will prescribe several medications for pain management and inflammation.

Recovery

To recover well, you must take care of your health. Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking. Also, avoid any heavy lifting. After a few weeks, revisit the doctor to ensure that there are no further complications. Consult your doctor if and when you can resume your daily tasks.

Complications and Risks

Liver transplant surgery involves significant risks, some of which can be severe. The following are the risks involved in swap liver transplant –

• Blood clots
• Bleeding
• Bile duct complication, which might lead to leakage or shrinkage of the bile duct
• Infections
• Mental confusion or seizures
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Bone thinning
• High cholesterol.

Who is Not Eligible?

You might not be eligible for a liver transplant because of the following:

• You are suffering from a chronic infection that cannot be treated.
• Individuals with metastatic cancer are generally not eligible for liver transplant, but they may be able to undergo cancer treatment to address the issue.
• Have severe health conditions.
• If you can’t follow the doctor’s advice.
• Drink too much alcohol.

Treatment at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

At Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, we ensure you are well looked after the Swap Liver Transplant. Our expert team of doctors and professional staff will keep you under observation to ensure there is no further bleeding. Our doctors are skilled and know what they are doing. Thus, with us, you are in safe hands. So, book an appointment and meet our specialist for further information.