Liver Transplant Flashcards
What is an orthoptic transplant?
Whole liver from a deceased patient
What is a living donor transplant?
Portion of the liver from a healthy donor, as it can regenerate to give to fully-functioning livers
What is a split donation?
Split a whole, deceased liver into two and let it regenerate in two recipients
What are the indications for liver transplant?
- Acute liver failure
- Chronic liver failure
What happens with acute liver failure Pts that need a transplant?
More urgent, straight to top of the list
What commonly causes acute liver failure?
- Acute viral hepatitis
- Paracetamol OD
Why might someone be unsuitable for a transplant?
- Significant co-morbidities e.g. heart disease
- Alcoholic (need at least 6 months abstinence
- Excessive WL and malnutrition
- Active Hep B/C etc.
- End stage HIV
What incision is used in liver transplant?
‘Rooftop’ along the lower costal margin for an open surgery
What will a patient require lifelong?
Immunosuppression e.g. steroids, tacrolimus
What conservative measures must the patient take?
- Alcohol and smoking abstinence
- Treat any infections (immunosuppressed)
- Monitoring for disease recurrence
- Monitoring for cancer (higher risk if immunosup.)
What may indicate transplant rejection?
- Deranged LFTs
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Fever
