Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Bangalore
Liver transplantation represents the treatment of choice for end-stage liver disease. In Living donor liver transplantation, a portion of the liver (liver graft) is taken from healthy living donor after proper evaluation. Percentage of liver taken depends upon age and weight of the recipient. Up to 70% of liver can be safely removed from the Healthy Donor. Post the Transplant, this partial liver Regenerates in both the patient and donor. Although the process of regeneration takes a few months, 80-90% of regeneration happens within 4-6 weeks post the Transplant.
Advantages of Living Donor Liver Transplant
- The transplantation can be performed on an elective basis before serious decompensation of the recipient.
- Flexible scheduling allows the transplant to occur sooner. This can save valuable time spent on the liver transplant waitlistand reduce the risk of the liver disease from getting worse
- Grafts are in excellent condition and complications due to preservation injury are absent
- The possibility of LT for recipients who might otherwise not be eligible for standard DDLT still exists.
Who can be a Liver Donor?
Donor may be a relative (Brothers, Sisters, Cousins, Nephew, Niece, Parents) or spouse.
18-50 years of age
Compatible blood group as that of the patient
| Recipient Blood Group | Donor Blood Group |
|---|---|
| O | O |
| A | A or O |
| B | B or O |
| AB | A, B, AB or O |
In good physical and mental health
Not Engaged in active drug or substance abuse
No history of health issues such as
- Diabetes Mellitus, Uncontrolled hypertension, obesity
- Active infection, Tuberculosis, Malignancy
- Significant diseases involving other organs (Lung, Heart, Kidneys)
The donor goes through extensive medical and psychological evaluations to ensure he is medically fit and the surgery involves minimum possible risk.
Usually donor gets discharged from the hospital with in 7 to 10 days of surgery. Within 3 weeks of the surgery (approximately), the transplanted liver grows to its original volume and within a month, most of the donors are physically fit to get back to normal life. Although no medications are prescribed to the donor, the donor is, however, advised to not involve himself in strenuous body activities for about 3 months. Donors can lead the normal healthy physical, psychological, sexual life post liver donation.
Living Donor Liver Transplantation:
Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a surgical procedure in which a portion of a healthy person’s liver is removed and transplanted into a recipient whose liver is failing or diseased. This procedure is typically performed when a suitable deceased donor liver is not available or when the recipient needs a transplant urgently. Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Bangalore is supported by a network of comprehensive liver care doctors who specialize in transplant surgery, hepatology, and post-transplant care, ensuring patients receive high-quality treatment at every stage of their journey.
process of Living Donor Liver Transplantation:
- Donor Evaluation: Potential donors undergo a thorough medical and psychological evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough to donate a portion of their liver and that they fully understand the risks and benefits.
- Recipient Evaluation: The recipient is also evaluated to determine if they are a suitable candidate for a liver transplant and if they would benefit from LDLT.
- Surgery: Once both the donor and recipient are cleared for surgery, the transplant procedure takes place. The donor undergoes a partial hepatectomy, where a portion of their liver (usually the right lobe) is removed. The recipient’s diseased liver is then removed and replaced with the donor’s liver segment.
- Recovery: Both the donor and recipient undergo a period of recovery after the surgery. The donor’s liver typically regenerates to near-normal size within a few weeks to months. The recipient’s body adjusts to the new liver, and immunosuppressive medications are often required to prevent rejection.
How is living donor liver transplantation performed?
- The surgical team will make an incision in the donor’s abdomen to remove a portion of their liver. The size of the liver section to be removed will depend on the recipient’s needs.
- The surgeon will then carefully prepare the donor’s liver segment for transplantation.
- The recipient’s abdomen will also be opened, and their diseased liver will be removed.
- The donor’s liver segment will be placed in the recipient’s abdomen and connected to the recipient’s blood vessels and bile ducts. The incisions will then be closed.
Benefits of living donor liver transplantation
- Living donor liver transplantation can offer several benefits over deceased donor liver transplantation, including:
- Shorter waiting time for a transplant
- Increased chance of survival for the recipient
- Use of a high-quality liver from a healthy donor
It’s only knowledge purpose and essential to seek advice from Liver transplantation doctors in Bangalore healthcare professionals specialized in liver transplantation to fully understand the intricacies of the procedure and its implications for both donors and recipients.