Increasing Liver Transplant Success Rate

Introduction
A liver transplant is a life-saving surgery. Liver Transplant Success Rate in India has been increased because of the advancement in technology. By following various measures, the chances of success of liver transplant surgery can be increased.

Success Rate Of Liver Transplant
A liver transplant is done to replace a diseased liver with a healthy liver. A liver transplant is an ultimate resort for patients with liver failure. When the other treatment fails to reduce the symptoms of liver disease, a liver transplant is advised. The liver can be obtained either from a healthy donor or a deceased donor. The liver transplant surgery is difficult and complex with the possibility of a variety of complications.

With the advancements in the technology, sophisticated instruments, more information and knowledge about liver and related body parts, comprehensively trained surgeons, and high-quality post-operative care have increased the success rate of liver transplant surgery. It has been estimated that 95% of the patients who undergo liver transplant surgery recover from surgical complications and go home in good health.

Recovery takes place at home and most people return to their normal activities within 3-6 months after surgery. The survival rate after surgery depends upon a variety of factors including age and type of liver donor. The one-year survival rate in patients with liver transplants is 86% while a three-year survival rate is estimated to be 78%. 15-20 years survival rate is 65-70%.

Increasing Success Rate Of Liver Transplant
A liver transplant may have complications and the success of a liver transplant depends upon the severity of complications. One of the major causes of liver transplant failure is the rejection of the liver by the immune system of the recipient. Liver transplant complications include blood clots, bile duct damage, infection, and bleeding.

The success rate of liver transplant can be increased through the following:

Experienced transplant surgeon: Liver transplant surgery should be done by a surgeon who has hands-on experience in liver transplant surgery and obtained comprehensive training in performing such surgeries. The surgeon should have effectively handled the surgery and has also taken part in liver transplant surgery under the guidance of senior surgeons. This will helps in performing the surgery with minimal complications.

Sophisticated infrastructure: Because of the recent advancements in diagnosing and performing liver transplant surgery, the success rate of transplant has been tremendously increased. Thus, the patient, before having liver transplant surgery should ensure the infrastructure and technology of the hospital to increase the success rate.

Liver donor: Success of liver transplant surgery also depends upon the type of donor. A patient who get their liver form the exact match have a high rate of success with fewer complications. It has also been indicated that liver transplant done with liver obtained from a live donor has a high rate of success as compared to the liver obtained from a deceased donor.

Post-surgical care: Post-surgical care of the patient is very important. Patients and care-takers must follow the advice of medical professionals. The patient should avoid taking part in public gatherings and should limit the number of visitors. He should also take a healthy diet.

Medications: Taking the prescribed medications will speed the recovery and reduce the risk of post-surgical complications. The patients may be prescribed with immunosuppressant drugs and antibiotics along with other medications.

Routine Check-up: Routine check-up allow the doctor to monitor three important aspects. First, how the transplanted liver is performing its function; second, evaluate the post-surgical complications, and; third, determining the recurrence of liver disease due to which the liver was damaged.