Liver transplant: Overview
A liver transplant is surgery to give you a healthy liver from another person. You may get a whole new liver or just part of a new liver. A whole liver comes from a person who is deceased. If you get a part of a liver from a live donor, the parts will grow back to full size in you and in the donor.
Before the transplant, you'll have tests to see how well the donor liver matches your tissue type and blood type.
Choosing a transplant center
Your doctor can refer you to an organ transplant center. You can get information about different centers and talk with your doctor about your best option. When choosing a transplant center, consider things like cost and payment options, location and travel, family support, and what types of organ transplants are offered. Learn as much as you can about each center.
Why is a liver transplant done?
You may need a transplant if your liver doesn't work as it should. Slowly over time, the liver may stop working (chronic liver disease). Normal liver tissue may be replaced by scar tissue. This is called cirrhosis. It may be caused by things such as hepatitis, long term alcohol use, or fatty liver disease.
Sometimes the liver suddenly stops working (acute liver disease). This can happen because of an infection like hepatitis or other viruses, an injury, or an overdose of acetaminophen (Tylenol).
A transplant may also be done for liver cancers.
How is a liver transplant done?
To do the surgery, the doctor makes a cut (incision) in your upper belly. Then the doctor removes your liver. Next, the blood vessels of the new liver are connected to your blood vessels. The bile duct of the new liver is connected to your bile duct or intestine. The doctor finishes the surgery by closing your incision with stitches or staples. The stitches will dissolve inside your body. The staples will be removed a few weeks after surgery. The incision will leave a scar that will fade with time.
After liver transplant: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have trouble breathing.
- You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
- You have severe pain in your belly.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You are sick to your stomach or vomiting or cannot keep down fluids or your anti-rejection medicines.
- You have a fever, chills, or body aches.
- You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
- You are bleeding through the bandage.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the incision.
- Pus draining from the incision.
- Your body shows signs of rejecting the new liver, such as:
- Pain or swelling in the belly.
- Sudden weight gain.
- Yellow color of the skin or whites of the eyes.
- Dark urine.
- Headache, crankiness, or lack of energy.
- Light-colored or bloody stools.
- You have trouble passing urine or stool, especially if you have pain or swelling in your lower belly.
- You have symptoms of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Swelling in the leg or groin.
- A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish, depending on your usual skin color.
- You have any problems with your anti-rejection medicine.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have questions.
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