Who Needs a Liver Transplant? Expert Insights on When Liver Transplants Are Necessary
World Liver Day 2024: If you suffer from a serious liver condition such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer, a liver transplant could be a life-saving solution. Dr Gaurav Chaubal (Director of the Liver, Pancreas, Intestine Transplant Program, and HPB Surgery, Gleneagles Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai) explains when and who should consider a liver transplant.
The liver is a crucial organ in your body, playing a vital role in overall functioning. It helps eliminate toxins, keeps the blood clean, and protects and maintains your body's health. The liver produces bile, which aids digestion and breaks down fats, facilitating the absorption of fats and nutrients. It's also the storage site for vitamins and minerals, helping to balance blood sugar levels through nutrient storage and release. However, when the liver fails to function properly, a liver transplant may become necessary.
What is a liver transplant? A liver transplant is a major surgical procedure performed when the liver fails. It involves replacing the recipient's damaged liver with a healthy liver from a donor. There are various types of liver transplants, including:
- Living donor liver transplantation
- Paediatric liver transplantation
