Life after a Liver Transplantation: Second innings in Life

Liver transplantation is a surgical procedure during which a diseased liver is replaced with a healthy one from a donor. A liver transplant may be necessary for people with liver failure or liver disease that cannot be treated with other treatments.

What is the Success rate of Liver Transplants?

The success rate of liver transplantation varies depending on several factors, including the person's overall health and the condition of their liver at the time of the transplant. In general, however, the success rate of liver transplants is quite high.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, the one-year survival rate for liver transplant recipients is more than 90-95%, and the five-year survival rate is more than 70%. These rates are similar to those for other types of organ transplantation procedures.

Life after liver transplantation

For most people, liver transplantation greatly improves their quality of life and allows them to return to many of the activities that they enjoyed before their liver condition made them sick. However, it is important to note that recovering from liver transplantation can take around 3 months’ time before a person can fully return to their normal routine.

After the transplantation, the person will need to take medications to help prevent their body from rejecting the new liver. These medications can have side effects, such as an increased risk of infection, nausea, and diarrhoea. The person will also need to follow a healthy diet and avoid alcohol to help protect their new liver.

In general, life after liver transplantation is likely to be much healthier and more active than it was before the procedure. However, it is important for transplant recipients to be aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with the surgery, and to work closely with their medical team to ensure the best possible outcome.

Do's and Don'ts after a Liver Transplantation

• To ensure success aft a liver transplantation, here are a few dos and don'ts:
• It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions for taking your medications after a liver transplantation. This will help prevent the rejection of the transplanted liver.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet low in fat and high in protein. Your doctor or a dietitian can provide you with specific dietary guidelines to follow. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, eggs, or shellfish as these may contain harmful infection-causing bacteria. Ensure you thoroughly cook every food before you eat.
• Drinking alcohol after a liver transplantation can be very dangerous, as it can damage your new liver and increase the risk of rejection
• Regular exercise can help improve your overall health and speed up recovery after a liver transplantation. Your doctor will be able to recommend an appropriate exercise plan for you.
• Visit your doctor for your follow-up appointments as it will allow them to monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan.
• After a liver transplantation, it is important to avoid activities that could put your new liver at risk. This may include activities such as contact sports or heavy lifting. Talk to your doctor about what activities are safe for you to do.

Getting Your Life Back on Track

Getting back to work after a liver transplantation can vary depending on your liver condition at the time of the transplantation, the extent of surgery and your overall health. However, most people can return to work within a few weeks after their transplantation.

As you begin feeling better, you can begin working part-time, and this will allow you to gradually adjust to your new routine and build up your strength and stamina.

Key Takeaway

Though undergoing a liver transplantation is challenging, with the right support and care, most people can successfully recover and return to a healthy and active life. Transplantation recipients need to take their medications as prescribed, follow a healthy diet, avoid alcohol, and attend follow-up appointments with their doctor.

If you need to know more about a liver transplant, contact our expert hepatologists at the best liver transplant hospital in Chennai, Gleneagles Global Health City at Perumbakkam, Sholinganallur – one of India’s most renowned multi-organ transplant centres. For appointments: 044 44777000