Liver Transplantation – A Lifestyle Disease

A liver transplant is usually reserved for patients who are experiencing severe side effects from end-stage chronic liver disease. A liver transplant may be an option in rare cases of unexpected failure of a previously healthy liver.

The number of persons on the waiting list for a liver transplant considerably outnumbers the number of livers available from deceased donors.

A living-donor liver transplant is an alternative to waiting for a deceased-donor liver to become available. Living-donor liver transplants are conceivable because the human liver regenerates and returns to its normal size after surgical excision of a piece of the organ.

Here are the types of liver transplant you should know about before your liver transplant surgery.

Severe liver illness has a major impact on a person's quality of life (QOL) and life expectancy. Many of these disorders are treated with multi-drug regimens, which can come with a variety of side effects. Although prescription drug therapy is often necessary, increasing lifestyle changes can help individuals with chronic liver disease maintain their overall health while also supplementing their medical treatment. Recently published research have expanded our understanding of how various lifestyle treatments may improve the path physiology and symptoms associated with distinct liver disorders, ultimately increasing patients' quality of life.

The liver is your largest internal organ, and it performs a variety of functions, including:

  • Processing of Nutrients, medicines, and hormones.
  • Making bile, which assists the body in absorbing fats, cholesterol, and fat-soluble vitamins?
  • Producing proteins that help in blood coagulation
  • Removing bacteria and toxins from the bloodstream
  • Infection prevention and immune response modulation
Liver Transplantation – A Lifestyle Disease

Knowing the reason for liver damage

Hepatitis B and C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol misuse, and hemochromatosis are only a few of the diseases and disorders that cause liver failure.

A common cause of chronic liver failure is Cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver caused by repetitive or long-term injury, such as heavy alcohol consumption over time or chronic hepatitis infection. To know more about cirrhosis click here. The liver's capacity to operate deteriorates as scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue.

Common causes of acute liver failure include:

  1. Infections caused by viruses, such as Hepatitis B.
  2. Overuse of some pharmaceuticals or poisons, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®), as well as other prescriptions (such as antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-seizure treatments, man-made hormones, and antifungal drugs) and herbs (green tea extract and kava).
  3. Wilson disease and autoimmune hepatitis are examples of metabolic (biologic) or vascular (vessels that carry fluids, such as arteries) illnesses.

Symptoms of liver failure

The onset of liver failure can take years. The symptoms of liver failure are frequently confused with those of other medical disorders, making it difficult to diagnose in its early stages. Chronic liver failure, or liver failure that lasts a long time, can result in:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Appetite loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Blood in the vomit
  • Stool with blood in it

Symptoms of liver failure become increasingly severe as time goes on. Symptoms of liver failure in its later stages may include:

  • Jaundice is a kind of jaundice that develops over time (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Extreme exhaustion
  • Bewilderment (confusion and uncertainty)
  • In the abdomen and extremities, there is an accumulation of fluid (arms and legs)

Acute liver failure is a condition in which the liver fails suddenly. The following are some of the symptoms that people with acute liver failure may experience:

  • Bleeding
  • Alterations in mental health
  • Breath odor (musty or sweet)
  • Problems with movement
  • Appetite loss
  • I'm a touch under the weather right now
  • Jaundice

What effect does alcohol have on the liver?

Your liver can usually handle a tiny amount of alcohol if you only consume a small amount. If you drink a lot of alcohol, your liver will have a hard time absorbing it. When your liver cells are overworked, they can begin to break down. This damage can cause fatty liver, fibrosis (liver scarring), and even cirrhosis (serious liver damage).

  • Have regular alcohol-free days
  • Try low alcohol drinks
  • Each alcoholic drink should be followed with several non-alcoholic drinks
  • Avoid places with pressure to drink
  • Avoid drinking in rounds with friends
  • Finish a drink and then before starting a new one

Those who routinely consume more alcohol than the suggested daily limit should seek medical help before quitting. Withdrawing from alcohol can be dangerous. Women should have no more than one drink per day, while males should have no more than two drinks per day.

To avoid a relapse into consuming alcohol, ongoing counseling may be required. Acamprosate, naltrexone, topiramate, baclofen, and disulfiram are some of the medications that can be used to assist avoid relapse.

Weight loss and quitting smoking may also be advised, as being overweight and smoking have both been linked to the progression of alcoholic liver disease. Taking a daily multivitamin is also a smart idea.

Before and after the therapy, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Before the treatment

Work to stay healthy whether you're waiting for a donated liver or your transplant procedure is already set. It may also assist you in healing more quickly following surgery. Make an effort to:

  • Take your meds exactly as directed.
  • Stick to work out plans and diet plans.
  • Medical team should have all your appointment
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle by resting and spending time with family and friends.

Keep in touch with your transplant team and let them know if your health takes a turn for the worse. If you're waiting for a liver transplant, make sure the transplant team has your contact information at all times. Keep your hospital bag handy, and make transportation arrangements to the transplant centre ahead of time.

After the treatment

You can anticipate the following after your liver transplant:

  • Possibly spend a few days in the intensive care unit. Doctors and nurses will keep an eye on you for any signs of difficulties. They will also monitor your liver function on a regular basis to ensure that your new liver is working appropriately.
  • 5 to 10 days in hospital stay mandatory. Once you've reached a state of stability, you'll be transferred to a transplant recovery centre to continue your recuperation.
  • As you continue to recover at home, see your doctor on a regular basis. For you, your transplant team creates a checkup schedule. You may have blood tests a few times per week at first, then less frequently as time goes on.
  • Medications must be taken for the remainder of your life. After your liver transplant, you'll be on a variety of drugs, some of which will last the remainder of your life. Immunosuppressants are medications that prevent your immune system from attacking your new liver. Other medications can help you avoid issues following your transplant.

After your liver transplant operation, you should expect to be completely healed in six months or longer. After a few months, you may be able to resume normal activities or return to work. The length of time it takes you to recover is likely to be determined by how sick you were before to the liver transplant.