Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Explore this section to learn more about liver transplant surgery, the circumstances under which it is necessary, and its long-term effects.Why is the liver important?he liver is the second largest organ in your body and is located under your rib cage on the right side. It weighs about three pounds and is shaped like a football that is flat on one side.The liver performs many jobs in your body. It processes what you eat and drink into energy and nutrients your body can use. The liver also removes harmful substances from your blood.What is a liver transplant?A liver transplant is the process of replacing a sick liver with a donated, healthy liver. Liver transplants require that the blood type and body size of the donor match the person receiving the transplant.Currently more than 6,000 liver transplants are performed each year in the United States. Liver transplant surgery usually takes between four and twelve hours. Most patients stay in the hospital for up to three weeks after surgery.How do donated livers become available?Donated livers come from living and non-living donors. Living donors donate a part of their livers. The donated and the remaining part of the donor’s liver will grow to the size the body needs in weeks.Most donated livers come from people who recently died and had no liver injury. Non-living donors either have agreed to be organ donors or their families decide after they have passed away.After being referred by a doctor to a transplant center, the transplant team evaluates the person’s overall physical and mental health, plan to pay for transplant related medical expenses, and emotional support family and friends will provide. Based on the findings, the team decides if the person is eligible for a liver transplant.If the person is eligible, the center will add him or her to the national transplant waiting list. The waiting list is prioritized so the sickest people are at the top of the list.

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants

Liver Transplants