A liver transplant is a surgical procedure performed to replace the diseased liver with a healthy liver from either a deceased or a living donor. Transplant may give you better quality of life and help you live longer. However, it’s important that you are aware of the risks related to major surgery, organ rejection, and possible side effects from the medications you’ll need to take after transplant.
Some of the common diseases that may lead to transplantation include:- Acute liver failure
- Biliary atresia
- Cirrhosis
- Hepatitis (viral, autoimmune and idiopapathic)
- Liver tumors
- Metabolic diseases
- Portal hypertension
- Primary biliary cirrhosis
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
At Stanford Hospital, our liver transplant team closely examines the quality and compatibility of every donor organ to ensure the greatest transplant success. We also provide support and education for patients and their families at each stage of the process.
As you consider liver transplantation, keep in mind that this treatment option is a choice. Receiving a new liver is a precious gift that needs to be treated with much care and respect.
The Donor Shortage
As of October 2010, over 16,000 people were on the waiting list for a liver in this country. While the number of people waiting for a liver transplant increases every year, the supply of available donor organs does not. This leads to longer waiting times, sicker patients, and decreased transplant success.
Today, just over 7 million people have become registered organ donors in California. Find out more about organ donation and consider sharing this important message with family and friends.