Liver transplant guidelines in india

Liver Transplantation: the reasons behind and the process

We all know that the liver is the largest internal organ in the human body. This particular organ can perform almost 500 different functions and at the same time, it can produce more than 1000 enzymes and other proteins that are very essential to good health.

One cannot stay well with a bad liver and so when a liver fails to function properly one needs liver transplantation. One needs to find the best liver transplant surgery in India for the surgery and in the case of transplantation, a donor is needed we have brought this article for Liver transplant guidelines.

The blood enters the liver from 2 channels. One is the hepatic artery and the other is the portal vein which can bring nutrients and oxygen to the liver cells.

Then the blood leaves the liver through the hepatic veins and then immediately enters the heart.

The lover makes bile which is a liquid that helps to dissolve fat and eliminate the toxins and metabolic wastes through the intestine. Each hepatocyte creates bile and excretes it into microscopic channels that join to form bile ducts.

Now, there are a few reasons why liver transplantation is needed.

• Liver failure has happened due to some metabolic disorders.
• If there has been a long-term infection that has remained active in form of Hepatitis.
• A clot is there due to Thrombosis.
• Liver damage has happened due to cirrhosis of the liver or biliary cirrhosis.

Now it has been said earlier that liver transplantation needs a proper functioning lover which has to be donated. It can be a liver from someone who has died or it can also be from a living donor.

The organ and its functions

The liver is located right at the upper abdomen and just below the diaphragm. It has some major body tasks to do.

Here are some as follows:

• It converts the nutrients from food into important enzymes, minerals, vitamins, hormones, and other molecules that the body requires to function properly.
• It stores all the molecules like glycogen which is a form of stored energy for cells, vitamins, and minerals till they are needed for other organs.
• It helps in breaking down all the harmful substances like poisons, alcohol, and other harmful things.
• It also produces bile which is a fluid it helps in digesting nutrients and fats.
• It removes bacteria and toxins from the blood.
• It can process all the nutrients, medications, and hormones.

A liver is an internal organ that is actually capable of full regeneration. Sometimes 25 percent of a liver can regrow into a full liver again. This regenerative property is the actual good thing because in the case of live donor liver transplantation.

A procedure in which a portion of a donor’s liver is transplanted into a recipient; both the livers will grow in size and return to normal function in a time of few weeks.

Diseases that lead to liver transplantation

• Chronic viral hepatitis both B and C can cause inflammation and chronic damage to the liver.
• An acute liver failure mainly happens due to a form of virus from ingesting a poisonous substance.
• Alcoholic liver.
• Autoimmune hepatitis where the immunity system of a human body suffers and destroys the liver tissues.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases and some diseases related to fat deposits on the liver.
• Hepatitis liver tumors.
• Metabolic and genetic disorders, are inherited and include diseases such as alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, and polycystic liver disease

How a liver transplantation does take place?

The first thing that one needs in case of liver transplantation is a healthy liver from a recently deceased donor and it has to be preferably from someone who has never faced any liver disease.

Also, it is very important that the donated liver or the liver segment has to be accepted by the patient’s body.

So it can also be done by taking liver tissue from a close relative as it mostly matches with the recipient’s immune system. Also, the liver has a lot of regenerative faculties.

That is why; a close family member can always donate a segment of the lover to save their close one’s life. This transplantation surgery can take up to 12 hours.

The tampered lover is removed by making an incision in the upper abdomen. Then the donor liver or the liver tissue is attached to the patient’s bile ducts and the blood vessels.

Risks associated

One has to remember that this surgery also involves a lot of risks. There can be bile duct complications, bleeding, shrinking of bile ducts, blood clots, infection, failure of the donated liver, rejection of the donated liver, and recurrence of liver diseases.

Liver transplant guidelines

Now whether one needs liver transplantation or not has to be evaluated by specialists from several fields. The best liver transplant specialist in India reviews the patient’s surgical, medical, and psychosocial history to decide. Many health care facilities offer an interdisciplinary approach to selecting a candidate for liver transplants.

The transplant coordinator specializes in the care of liver transplant patients. Then there is a psychiatrist who helps the patient deal with that issue so that the patient does not suffer from depression.

Then there is also a nutritionist who can help with the diet chart of the patient both before and after the surgery.

Once the liver transplantation is done successfully, the receiver can live a happy and healthy life but the only thing is they will need medications forever.

The new liver will be a bit strange to the recipient’s body and so one has to take drugs to keep their immune system intact so that the body can fight against all the germ attacks.

But these medications sometimes come with side effects like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. But apart from that, liver transplantation if successful can give a new life to the patient.

Best Foods you should start eating after Liver Transplant

After a liver transplant, you have to focus on your diet like never before. As you already know, the liver is a vital organ that stores carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and produces proteins.

When you go for liver transplantation, your new body part needs to get used to your diet. Taking an improper diet after the procedure can cause many problems.

To keep your liver healthy and your body in good shape, you have to take care of your diet. You have to start eating healthy food after a liver transplant in India.

Here is a list of foods, which are very beneficial for the liver after the transplantation procedure.

Coffee

According to studies, coffee is an irreplaceable drink when it comes to promoting liver health. For people with chronic liver disease, this beverage helps lower the risk of cirrhosis or permanent liver damage. Coffee has shown positive results on inflammation and liver disease.

Collagen and fat are the two main factors responsible for liver diseases. So, what coffee does is prevent the build-up of both collagen and fat to a greater extent. Moreover, it increases the levels of antioxidants in the liver.

Coffee has shown many health benefits, so a person who has undergone liver transplantation should definitely drink a cup of coffee in the morning

Tea

Tea is said to be a very healthy drink. In the case of the liver, it has specific benefits.  According to a Japanese study, it is found that the blood markers of liver health are increased when a person drinks 8 to 10 cups of green tea per day.

People who drink green tea on a regular basis are not likely to get liver diseases. Drinking special tea, which is high in antioxidants, will reduce fat deposits and oxidative stress in the liver and enhance liver enzyme levels. People who drink tea 3 to 4 times a day are less likely to develop liver cancer.

Grapefruit

Naringin and Naringenin are the two major antioxidants present in grapefruit and both help in protecting the liver from any kind of disease. Due to chronic inflammation,

hepatic fibrosis is developed i.e., connective tissues are formed in the liver, which is considered very harmful to the liver. So, basically both the antioxidants help in reducing the development of hepatic fibrosis. 

Cranberries and Blueberries

Anthocyanins and Antioxidants are found in both cranberries and blueberries which are beneficial for liver health. You can eat whole cranberries and blueberries or drink juice made using these fruits.

Either way, they can help the liver to be healthy. Plus, blueberries help in the increased cell response of the immune system. Its extract likewise controls the growth of liver cancer cells.

Grapes

Studies indicate that grapes help in increasing antioxidant levels, preventing damage, and lowering inflammation. It is considered to be a liver-friendly food that benefits your liver in many ways including protecting it from any damage.

Prickly Pear

It is believed that people who drink alcohol should certainly add prickly pear to their diet as it helps in protecting the liver from damage caused by alcohol consumption. It reduces inflammation, which might help in hangover symptoms.

Beetroot Juice

Beetroot increases the natural detoxification enzymes, which help in protecting the liver from inflammation and oxidative damage.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables also increase the natural detoxification enzymes. Further, they also improve blood levels of liver enzymes and help in protecting the liver from any damage.

 Nuts

The level of enzymes in the liver can be improved by eating nuts. Antioxidant vitamin E is present in nuts, so it is very helpful for a healthy liver.

Fatty Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids are present in fatty fish, which is beneficial to reduce inflammation and also reduce the risk of heart disease. It is important to maintain the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fats in your body. But higher ratio can also promote liver disease. So, have a check on what you consume.

Olive Oil

Olive Oil has positive effects on metabolic health and the heart. It is fat but a healthy fat, which has many health benefits.

Fat and liver enzymes level can be improved by consuming a single teaspoon of olive oil a day. The blood flow in the liver is also improved along with less fat accumulation.

Take care of your diet after undergoing a liver transplant in India by consuming the above-mentioned food. All these foods will help your liver to function better and stay healthy.