Liver transplantation consists in replacing a diseased liver with a healthy liver harvested from a compatible donor.
The donor's liver can come from a deceased person who donated her/his organs, or from a living person belonging to the immediate family of the recipient. In the latter case, only a part is removed, since the liver has the capacity to regenerate both in the donor and in the recipient.
When liver transplantation becomes necessary
There are many indications for liver transplantation. Indication for liver transplantation can be the result of chronic (cirrhosis , certain liver cancers) or acute (intoxication, fulminant hepatitis) liver diseases.
The indication for liver transplantation is subject to strict criteria and is discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting. The intervention is carried out by the Division of Transplantation.
To avoid rejection of the transplanted organ, the transplanted person has to be treated with immunosuppressive drugs and undergo lifelong medical monitoring.