Liver transplant Description:
Liver transplants are new but are becoming an accepted transplant operation in the U.S. (over 1,000 cases per year). The operation is technically more difficult than a heart transplant or kidney transplant . The healthy liver is obtained from a donor who has recently died but has not suffered liver injury. The healthy liver is transported in a cooled saline solution that preserves the organ for up to 8 hours, thus permitting the necessary analyses to determine blood and tissue donor-recipient matching.
The diseased liver is removed through an incision made in the upper abdomen. The new liver is put in place and attached to the patient's blood vessels and bile ducts. The operation can take up to 12 hours to complete and requires large volumes of blood transfusions.
Indications:
A liver transplant may be recommended for: Liver transplant surgery is not recommended for patients who have:
What to Expect After:
Liver transplants can save the lives of people who might otherwise die. Fifty percent of liver transplants in adults and 60% of liver transplants in children are alive two years after the operation. The major problems with any transplant is: - finding a healthy organ
- graft rejection
- life-long need to take Immunosuppressive drugs, which weaken the body's ability to fight infections
- cost
The patient is encouraged to resume normal activities as soon as possible.
Convalescence:
The recovery period averages 12 weeks. Move legs often to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis . Resume normal activity as soon as possible after consulting with your physician.
Risks:
Risks for any anesthesia are: Risks for any surgery are: Liver transplants carry major risks. There is an increased risk of infection because of the immunosuppressive medications that must be taken to prevent transplant rejection . Call your doctor if there are signs of infection (redness, drainage, fever , swelling , tenderness, jaundice , diarrhea ) or if the condition worsens.
Cost:
The costs of any surgery varies significantly between surgeons, medical facilities, and regions of the country. Patients who are younger, sicker, or need more extensive surgery will require more intensive and expensive treatment.
The cost for a liver transplant surgery starts at about $500,000.
Surgery charges can be separated into five parts: 1) the surgeon's fee, 2) the anesthesiologist's fee, 3) the hospital charges, which includes nursing care and the operating room, 4) the medications, and 5) additional charges.
1. Surgeon's fee: variable
2. Anesthesiologist's fee: averages $350 to $400 per hour
3. Hospital charges: basic rate averages $1,500 to $1,800 per day (more for the intensive care unit (ICU) or private rooms)
4. Medication charges: $200 to $400
5. Additional charges: assisting surgeon, treatment of complications, diagnostic procedures (such as blood or X-ray exams), medical supplies, or equipment use.
Insurance coverage for surgery expenses depends on many factors and should be explored for each individual instance.
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