Living Donor Liver Transplant
Due to shortage of cadaver liver there is a long waiting list to get a cadaver liver. Many patients are too unwell or have tumour in their liver and they may not be able to wait long for cadaver liver. Many patients die waiting for a cadaver liver. In living donor liver transplant a portion of liver is surgically removed from a live donor and transplanted into a recipient, immediately after the recipient’s liver has been entirely removed. Live donor liver transplantation is possible because the liver, unlike any other organ in the body, has the ability to regenerate, or grow. Both sections of the liver regenerate within a period of 4 to 8 weeks after surgery.
Cadaver Liver Transplant
Organs for liver transplant are obtained from deceased donors, after they or their families have given consent to be an organ donor. A liver transplant is a big step to take, but it can save your life. You will be able to take better care of your new transplant if you understand your illness and your treatment. You will need to reach certain goals in your recovery. It is very important that you understand what you must do to make your transplant work. You must take your medicines as told, keep your appointments, and stay in close touch with your doctors.
Pancreatic Transplant
The healthy pancreas is taken from a donor who is brain dead, but is still on life support. The donor pancreas must be carefully matched to the patient who is receiving it. A portion of the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum, is transplanted with the donor pancreas. The healthy pancreas is transported in a cooled solution that preserves the organ for up to 20 hours. The patient’s diseased pancreas is not removed during the operation. The donor pancreas is usually placed in the right lower part of the patient’s abdomen. Blood vessels from the new pancreas are attached to the patient’s blood vessels. The donor duodenum is attached to the patient’s intestine or bladder. The surgery for a pancreas transplant takes about 3 hours. However, the operation is usually done at the same time as a kidney transplant in diabetic patients with kidney disease. The combined operation takes about 6 hours.
Kidney Transplant
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on each side of the body, just beneath the ribcage. Their main role is to filter waste products from the blood before converting them to urine. If the kidneys lose this ability then waste products can build up, which is potentially dangerous and can be life threatening. Loss of kidney function is known as end stage chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, which is the most common reason for a kidney transplant. When an individual’s kidneys fail, three treatment options are available: hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation. Many patients feel that a successful kidney transplant provides a better quality of life because it allows greater freedom and often is associated with increased energy levels and a less restricted diet. In making a decision about whether this is the best treatment for you, you may find it helpful to talk to people who already have had a kidney transplant. You also need to speak to your doctor, nurse and family members.