Liver Transplant Surgery - Dr. Shailendra Lalwani

Need Of Evaluation Before Liver Transplant

Liver transplant surgery is a complex surgery with a risk of complications. Thus, the patient must undergo a thorough check-up before the surgery. Following are some of the reasons for requiring evaluation before liver transplant surgery:

Criteria for surgery: Not all patients with liver disease are eligible for liver transplant surgery. The patient should comply with various criteria. The patient with metastatic liver cancer and underlying serious medical conditions ineligible for a liver transplant.
Overall health evaluation: The medical team will perform a comprehensive health evaluation of the patient to ensure that all the vital parameters are in a healthy state.
Patient to take life-long medications: The patients have to take the medicines. Some medicines may be taken lifelong. The doctors evaluate if the patient is willing to take medicines as prescribed that is essential for the success of liver transplant surgery.

Need Of Taking Good Care After Liver Transplant

For the successful outcome of liver transplant surgery, the patient has to take good care of himself. Following are the benefits of taking adequate care after liver transplant surgery:

Increase the chances of successful operation: To avoid any risk of rejection and increases the chances of a positive outcome, post-operative care plays a critical role. The patient should strictly follow the advice of hepatologists.
Accelerates recovery: Good care after liver transplant surgery enhances the speed of recovery. The patient can live a healthy life and resume the routine work shortly after the surgery.
Reduces complications: Better care and medicines, before surgery, may avoid complications after liver transplant surgery. These include infections, organ rejection, thrombus formation, and other complications.
Improve overall quality of life: Adequate care after liver transplant surgery improves the overall quality of life of the patient.

Care Before Liver Transplant

Preparing for liver transplant surgery helps in improving the outcome of the liver transplant.

Take the prescribed medications: The doctor may prescribe you certain medicines before the liver transplant surgery. These medications may help in avoiding complications during and after the surgery.
Keep the doctor informed about any change in your health: If you experience any change in your health, update your hepatologists so that you may undergo re-evaluation as soon as possible.
Be ready for liver transplant: You may be immediately called to the hospital for liver transplant in case there is a cadaver liver donor. Thus, you should always be ready, both physically, and psychologically for the liver transplant.
Avoid stress and anxiety: Avoid taking surgery-related anxiety and stress. Because of the advanced technology, the rate of successful liver transplant has significantly increased. Spend time with your family and friends.

Care After Liver Transplant

Following are some of the guidelines to be followed by the patients after liver transplant surgery:

Taking medications as per schedule: The patient should take the medicines as prescribed by the doctor.
Healthy diet: Drink plenty of water and avoid processed food. Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet. Avoid alcohol and quit smoking.
Visit the hospital for a check-up: The doctor will call the patient for a regular check-up. The patient should never skip the scheduled appointment.
Exercise: Exercise improves physical and mental health.