What is the success rate of a liver transplant?
Liver transplant surgery has proven to be a life-saving procedure for many people suffering from end-stage liver failure that cannot be treated with other options. The operation involves removal of the deceased or damaged liver of a person with a portion or whole liver from a donor.
The new liver is derived either from a deceased or brain dead person with heart beating known as Cadaveric (Deceased) Donor Liver Transplant or it is taken from a living donor and the procedure is called Living Donor Liver Transplant. In case of a deceased donor, the complete liver may be removed and transplanted into the recipient while in case of a living donor, only a portion of the liver (30-70%) is taken. Living donor transplant is successful because of the unique characteristic of the liver to regenerate itself.
Liver transplant is known to have a high success and survival rate. However, the particular situation of an individual and other factors play a crucial role in the success of liver transplant surgery. Some of the factors that can influence the success of a liver transplant are:
Age of the patient
Body Mass Index (BMI): the survival rate in lower in people who are overweight and at times they are not even considered for the surgery
Overall health of the person before the surgery
Severity of liver failure and impact on other organs, especially kidneys: The severity of liver condition is measured according to the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, or pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD) score in children.
The cause of their liver failure: a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, suggests that people with liver failure that is caused due to some genetic conditions have higher survival rates in comparison to those with liver failure caused by lifestyle choices or infection.
Medical history of the patient
Additional medical conditions
Generally, about 70 percent of people who undergo liver transplants are reported to live for at least five years. It is also known that people who receive a liver from a living donor mostly have a better survival rate in comparison to that with deceased-donor liver. This is partly attributed to the fact that often with a living donor there is a shorter waiting time for a transplant and recipients aren't as sick as those in case of a deceased-donor liver.
According to statistics from John Hopkins Medicine centre the survival rates for liver transplant recipients varies for adult and pediatric patients. The list is given below:
For adults patients-
One Year Patient Survival
Deceased-Donor liver is 90%
Living-Donor liver: 84%
Three Year Patient Survival
Deceased-Donor liver: 78%
Living-Donor liver: 96%
For Pediatric patients -
One Year Patient Survival
With Deceased-Donor liver: 92.68%
With Living-Donor liver: 100%
Three Year Patient Survival
With Deceased-Donor liver: 96.97%
With Living-Donor liver: 100%
Liver transplant in India is performed at high-tech specialized transplant facilities that boasts of an excellent success rate. Living donor liver transplant (LDLT) programs in the country globally known for their excellence and achievements.
The best liver transplant hospitals in India perform living donor liver transplant surgery for all types of recipients with a high success rate of 95% and low incidence of post-surgery and biliary complications. The affordable cost of liver transplant in India in combination of the best facilities and top surgeons makes India a highly sought after destination for patients from all around the world.
Stringent patient selection criteria for liver transplant surgery also plays an important role in the overall success and survival after liver transplant. The doctor assesses the patient's condition, medical history and other factors before determining how successful will the surgery be for an individual.
Who is not a candidate for liver transplant surgery?
A person may not qualify for a liver transplant because of any of the following reasons:
Ongoing alcohol or substance abuse: people who are actively involved in alcohol or substance abuse may continue to live an unhealthy lifestyle that led to their liver damage. In such cases, transplant surgery will only result in failure of the new transplanted liver
Currently have cancers (types of cancer that may affect any location)
Diseases of significant organs, including heart, kidneys and lung. These may cause additional problems in patients and prevent them from surviving even after the transplant.
Severe infection can be a threat to the success of a liver transplant procedure.
A massive liver failure that is accompanied by brain injury due to an increase in fluid in brain tissue.
AIDS/HIV infection
To maintain a healthy liver after the transplant:
After a liver transplant, the doctor usually recommends some lifestyle changes which includes regular exercising and having a healthy diet. This can contribute in increasing the lifespan of the transplanted liver and allows the patients to enjoy long-term benefits of the transplant surgery.
Here are some tips that can help you limit the risk factors that contribute to a liver disease:
Excessive alcohol consumption
Smoking
Substance abuse and overdose with acetaminophen
Obesity (high BMI)
Increased cholesterol level