What Happens During Liver Transplant Surgery?

 Your liver is the organ that bears the burden of your fast-paced lifestyle. Severe atmospheric pollution coupled with the consumption of fast food and alcohol harms it unimaginably. Patients with chronic liver diseases might require a liver transplant. You might have wondered what the process looks like. Let us take a look at what happens during a liver transplant in India.

The Process Of Liver Transplant

The doctors make an incision on the belly. It is in the shape of a reverse Y. There are small bulb-shaped drains near the cut. They are called Jackson Pratt drains and help in bringing out the fluid from around the liver. The doctors place a T tube in the bile duct of the patient. It drains the bile outside the body into a pouch known as the bile bag.

The patient’s bile can be dark green to a golden brown. The doctors will keep a tap on the amount produced. The tube and the bag will remain till three months after the transplant. It is a good sign if bile production starts immediately after the surgery. That shows that the body has accepted the new organ.

After the surgery, the patient stays on ventilation. During this time, they are unable to breathe on their own. So, a respirator is needed till the patient regains consciousness. When the patient is awake enough, they undergo several blood tests and other examinations. Then they get shifted to the general bed from the ICU. However, the patient has to stay in the hospital for about a week or two before going home.

Life After The Transplant

 

The success rate of liver transplant in India is increasing rapidly. However, it does not grant5 the liberty to the patient to lead an unhealthy lifestyle. They should follow the advice of the doctors and stay away from fast food. Regular checkups are also mandatory.