Liver Transplant in Turkey

Additional Information Regarding Liver Transplant

The blood type of the recipient should be the same type (matching) with the donor. Blood Group Matching is as
follows: O Rh = O Rh , A Rh = A Rh + 0 Rh, B Rh = B Rh + 0 Rh , AB Rh = All

After first examination and advanced tests, if the patient and donor are suitable for liver transplantation, the
necessary arrangements will be done.
Official documents that indicate the degree of relationship between the patient and donor should be presented before
the transplantation.
According to the Turkish Laws, the donor should be a legal relative of the patient up to 4th degree. If patient does not
have a related donor the patient and donor’s case should be reviewed by the ethical committee.

Liver Transplant in Turkey

A liver transplant surgery is required when a patient’s liver stops functioning properly and all other treatment methods are not effective. The operation involves removing the entire diseased liver of the patient and placing a part of or whole healthy donor liver.

Hepatic failure can occur quickly or over a long period of time. A liver failure that happens suddenly, is considered acute liver failure in a matter of weeks. Acute liver failure is a rare condition usually resulting from complications from certain medications.

A variety of conditions can cause chronic Liver failure. The most common cause of chronic hepatic failure is liver scarring (cirrhosis). When cirrhosis occurs, scar tissue replaces normal liver tissue and fails to function properly in the liver. Cirrhosis is the most common explanation for a hepatic transplant.

Major causes of cirrhosis leading to liver failure and liver transplant include:

• Hepatitis B and C.
• Alcoholic liver disease, which causes damage to the liver due to excessive alcohol consumption.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition in which fat builds up in the liver, causing inflammation or liver cell damage.
• Genetic diseases affecting the liver, including hemochromatosis, which causes excessive iron buildup in the liver, and Wilson’s disease, which causes excessive copper buildup in the liver.
• Diseases that affect the bile ducts (the tubes that carry bile away from the liver), such as primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and biliary atresia. Biliary atresia is the most common reason for liver transplant among children.

Liver Transplant cost in Turkey

Types of organ donors for liver transplant

Deceased donor 

The donor can be person who is brain-dead or had a cardiac death. Brain death usually occurs due to a large stroke, massive head trauma from a blunt injury, for instance, from a motor vehicle or a road accident, or a penetrating injury, such as a gun shot wound. The trauma will cause all the brain functions to stop (making them brain dead) but their other organs including the liver may continue to function normally.

Living donor 

Liver has a unique ability to regenerate itself and form a complete new organ. This property of the liver allows a living person to donate a part of his/her healthy liver to the patient. The removed liver segment and the remaining part will grow over time to develop a fully functional organ. A living donor liver transplantation allows the recipient to have a timely treatment and avoid some possible complications that might occur while waiting for a deceased donor transplant. Studies have also indicated a longer survival rate for the living donor organ than the deceased donor.

Liver Transplant cost in Turkey Hospitals

Liver transplant Process

Liver transplants usually last about six to twelve hours. The patient’s liver would be removed during the procedure, and replaced with a donor liver. Because it is a major operation, general anesthesia is provided to the patient and a substantial recovery period may occur.

A catheter is inserted inside the patient’s bladder to remove urine. Within a few days post-operation it will be withdrawn. The tubes in the abdomen help to drain blood and fluid from the liver and are removed after one week. In the surgery, the anesthesiologist will monitor you and the vital functions such as heart rate, respiration, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels.

The steps for liver transplantation 

• The skin over the surgical site will be cleaned using a sterile or antiseptic solution.
• The surgeon will make an incision just under the ribs on both sides of the abdomen, extending for a short distance over the breastbone, to access the liver.
• After separating the diseased liver from the surrounding organs and other structures, the attached arteries and veins will be clamped to stop the blood flow into the diseased liver.
• The blood vessels will be cut off from the organ and the diseased liver will be removed.
• Before transplanting the new liver in the body, surgeon will check the donor liver to ensure it is viable
• The donor liver is attached to the blood vessels and the blood flow is directed to the new liver. Once the sutures have been analysed for any bleeding, the new liver will be attached to the bile ducts.
• After this, the surgeon will close the incision with stitches or surgical staples. A drain will be placed in the incision site to remove the fluid and reduce swelling.
• The surgeon will place a sterile bandage or dressing over the incision.

Post Liver Transplant Surgery

The patient will be in an Intensive Care Unit ( ICU) following Liver Transplant Surgery for monitoring to keep a track of their heart and lung function.

The patient is transferred to a standard recovery room, and routine blood tests are done to check the new liver. There will also be examinations to determine liver, lung, and circulatory functions.

The antibiotics should continue with anti-rejection drugs or immunosuppressants to avoid new liver complications.

The transplant team will remind you of the precautions before the discharge, and will give you guidance about how to take care of yourself when you get home. Timetable for medical follow-up appointments will be clarified

Best Liver Transplant Hospitals in Turkey