What Is Liver Transplant - When Is Liver Transplant Done - Types Of Liver Transplant
On the occasion of World Liver day, Dr. Rajvilas Narkhede sends across a wonderful message to everyone with this excellent overview on liver transplantation and organ donation in a very simple and lucid language to clear the misconceptions related to Liver transplantation as well as to spread awareness and reduce the fear associated with this surgery.
ALSO CHECK OUT - World liver day message by Dr. Prasad Wagle on FAQs on liver cirrhosis and liver cancer: https://youtu.be/g4YlAZ2dzdU
As we are aware, liver transplantation is the only definitive management option for end-stage liver disease. Though it is a complex procedure, in hands of experienced teams, it is reasonably safe.
However, there are a lot of myths related to liver transplantation and a few very commonly asked questions by our patients in the outpatient department. This video serves as a piece of patient information and awareness video to clear these doubts, increase awareness on liver transplantation as well as organ donation and summarizes the intricacies of this complex procedure in a very simple manner.
He begins by answering the commonly asked question of when is a liver transplant indicated? The broad indications of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and acute or fulminant liver failure are described.
This is followed by a very simplified explanation of the two types of liver transplant viz. Deceased donor liver transplant or cadaveric liver transplant and living related living donor liver transplant. He then discusses the entire process from the patient assessment which includes liver volumetry to anesthesia fitness and then the actual surgical procedure or how a liver transplant is done is also described in brief.
After this, he clarifies the common myths related to donor safety in living related liver transplant as well as recipient risk and safety of liver transplant procedure. He emphasizes that liver transplant is not a one-step solution and hence the need for long-term immunosuppression and follow-up. He then appeals for consenting to organ donation as that is the only means to procure more donor livers and save more lives.
This video is definitely a patient education video to view for each and every person in the community and for our patients considering a liver transplant, especially for understanding the liver transplant process, the risks, and the benefits. So, do share the video with your colleagues, friends, and family and spread awareness on this complex procedure as well as organ donation.
Thus, in summary, liver transplantation and liver donation are safe, organ donation is a good deed of humanity and a privilege and should be done when feasible so as to save the lives of patients needing liver transplantation.