Liver surgery is a medical procedure that involves the use of instruments or other devices to treat various disease of the liver. It can be performed through open surgery or laparoscopically, and it can be elective or emergency. During liver surgery, a small incision is made in the abdominal wall to access the liver. The surgeon can then remove damaged or diseased tissue, or a portion of the liver, and replace it with a healthy piece of liver donated by a living donor or obtained from a deceased donor.
Type of Liver Surgery in Chennai
The types of liver surgery primarily focus on treating various liver diseases and conditions. These surgeries range from removing diseased parts of the liver to replacing the entire organ in the case of severe liver failure. Here are the main types of liver surgery:
The most common types of liver surgery are hepatectomy and liver transplantation. Depending on the liver disorder, the best liver transplant surgeon like Dr.Magnus Jayaraj Mansard will choose the treatment option that best suits your needs in order to perform liver surgery in Chennai using advanced methods.
Hepatectomy
This involves the surgical removal of a part of the liver. Hepatectomies are often performed to remove liver tumors or damaged portions of the liver due to conditions like cirrhosis or cancer. The liver’s remarkable ability to regenerate allows for a part of it to be removed without significantly impacting overall liver function.
Types Liver Transplantation
This is a procedure where the diseased liver is entirely replaced with a healthy liver from a donor. There are two primary types of liver transplantation:
- Living Donor Liver Transplantation (LDLT): A portion of the liver is taken from a living donor and transplanted into the recipient. The donor’s and recipient’s livers will eventually grow to a normal size due to liver regeneration.
- Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation (DDLT): This involves transplanting a liver from a deceased donor. This is the more common form of liver transplantation.
Other Types of Surgery
Other types of liver surgery may include biopsy, bile duct exploration, or shunt placement. During a biopsy, the surgeon removes a small sample of tissue from the liver for examination.
Bile duct exploration involves inserting a tiny camera into the bile ducts to check for any blockages. Finally, shunt placement involves placing a tube into the liver to help drain fluid buildup from cirrhosis.
No matter what type of surgery is necessary, it’s important to trust your surgeon to make sure the liver surgery in Chennai is done safely and effectively. With the right care and attention, you can feel better and resume your routine activities.
Laparoscopic Liver Surgery
Also known as minimally invasive liver surgery, this technique uses small incisions and specialized instruments to perform liver surgery. This approach is used for various procedures, including hepatectomy, and is favored due to its benefits like reduced recovery time and minimal scarring.
Biliary Surgery:
This type of surgery is performed to treat diseases of the bile ducts, which are tubes that transport bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines. It includes procedures to remove blockages or repair bile ducts.
Liver Resection for Metastases:
This surgery is done to remove metastatic tumors that have spread to the liver from other parts of the body, most commonly from colorectal cancer.
Ablative Therapy:
Though not a traditional surgery, ablative therapy like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation (MWA) is often used for treating liver tumors. This involves using heat to destroy cancer cells.
Shunt Surgery:
This is used to treat complications of liver diseases, such as portal hypertension. It involves creating a new connection between two blood vessels in the liver.
Other Procedures:
There are various other specialized procedures for specific conditions, including Tumor Embolization (blocking blood flow to a liver tumor) and Portal Vein Embolization (to increase the size of the liver that will remain after surgery).
Diagnostic Tests
Prior to liver surgery, several diagnostic tests may be ordered to evaluate the patient’s liver function, anatomy, and any underlying medical conditions. The specific tests ordered may vary depending on the individual patient’s medical history and the reason for the surgery, but some common tests include:
- Blood Tests: These may include liver function tests to assess how well the liver is working, as well as tests to check for hepatitis or other infections that could affect the liver.
- Imaging Tests: These may include an ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which can help to identify any tumors or abnormalities in the liver.
- Endoscopy: This is a procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the digestive tract to check for any abnormalities in the liver or other organs.
- Biopsy: This involves removing a small sample of liver tissue for analysis under a microscope, which can help to diagnose certain liver conditions.
- Cardiopulmonary Evaluation: This may include tests to assess the patient’s heart and lung function, as liver surgery in Chennai can put stress on these organs.
These tests help the medical team to determine the best course of treatment and surgical approach for the patient, as well as to identify any potential complications that may arise during or after the surgery.
Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with a liver condition or disease, our liver doctor will recommend the best treatment for you. The most common treatments include lifestyle modifications, medication, and/or surgery. In cases where your condition requires surgical intervention, it is best to consult with our surgeon Dr. Magnus Jayaraj Mansard for the best course of action.
Surgery can be either open or laparoscopic which is done here at the Clinic of liver surgery in Chennai. Open surgery is an invasive procedure where our surgeon makes an incision in your abdomen to access the liver.
Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive, using tiny incisions and tools inserted through them to operate. The type of procedure our doctor recommends depends on the severity and complexity of your condition.
In addition to traditional surgery, our doctor may also suggest other forms of treatment such as interventional radiology, which uses minimally invasive techniques to help diagnose and treat conditions in the liver.
This could include radiofrequency ablation, where our doctors use heat to destroy tumors or tissue that is damaged. There are also newer treatments that our doctors may prefer to do, such as trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE), which combines chemotherapy with embolization to target tumors in the liver.
What happens after liver surgery?
After liver surgery, patients typically undergo a period of recovery and rehabilitation. Here’s what happens after liver surgery:
1. Hospital Stay: Patients are closely monitored in the hospital for a few days following the surgery to ensure proper healing and recovery.
2. Pain Management: Pain management techniques are employed to help alleviate discomfort during the recovery process.
3. Follow-up Care: Patients will have follow-up appointments with their surgical team to monitor their progress and address any concerns.
4. Rehabilitation: Depending on the extent of the surgery, patients may undergo rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility.
5. Lifestyle Changes: Patients may be advised to make lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications and exercise to support liver health.
6. Long-term Monitoring: Long-term monitoring is essential to detect any potential complications or recurrence of liver issues.
For expert liver surgery and comprehensive care, consider liver surgery in Chennai, where experienced surgeons provide personalized treatment and support throughout the recovery journey.
Benefits
- The benefits of undergoing liver surgery in Chennai are immense.
- It can help with life-threatening diseases, such as cirrhosis and cancer.
- It also helps improve the overall functioning of the liver, which in turn can improve the quality of life.
- Additionally, it can also help reduce pain, as well as symptoms caused by liver diseases.
Risks
When considering liver surgery in Chennai, some potential risks should be taken into consideration. Generally, the risks are considered to be minor in comparison to the benefits. It is important to discuss these risks with our liver surgeon to determine if the procedure is right for you.
Some of the risks that are associated with liver surgery include:
- Bleeding – During a liver transplant surgery, bleeding can occur which can sometimes be serious making the liver have a difficult time clotting blood.
- Infection – Any type of surgery increases the risk of infection, especially in an organ like the liver which has a high concentration of bacteria.
- Organ Damage – There can always be a risk of damaging other organs in the body during liver surgery.
- Blood Clots – If clot forms in the veins or arteries it can be life-threatening.
- Damage to Bile Ducts – The bile ducts can be damaged during the surgery causing further complications.
- Anesthetic Reactions – Allergic reactions to the anesthesia can occur. So, it is important to inform your doctor of any allergies or medical conditions before undergoing surgery.
You should work with a knowledgeable and experienced liver surgeon at Magnus Gastro & Liver Clinic because the expert here will help to minimize any potential risks and ensure a safe and successful outcome.
Eligibility Criteria for a Liver Transplant
| Overview | Specialists across various medical fields assess the need for a liver transplant, reviewing the patient’s medical history. Candidates are placed on a waiting list for either a live or deceased donor match, with priority determined by MELD (Model of End-stage Liver Disease) and PELD (Pediatric End-stage Liver Disease) scores. |
| Evaluation Process | The order of priority on the waiting list is based on three blood tests (creatinine, bilirubin, and INR), with higher scores indicating a greater need for a transplant. |
| Procedure Details | Upon identification of a suitable liver, the transplant coordinator contacts the patient. Pre-surgical assessments include an electrocardiogram, blood tests, and a chest x-ray. The patient will also meet with a surgical resident and an anesthesiologist. Compatibility of the donor liver is assessed. |
| After Surgery | The liver transplant surgery can last 6 to 12 hours, during which various tubes are inserted to assist the body in performing normal functions. |
Recovery
After the surgery is complete, your recovery will depend largely on the type of liver surgery you had. Generally, a person can expect to be in the hospital for 4-7 days post-surgery, during which they will be carefully monitored. Additionally, a patient may be required to stay at home for a few weeks afterward and avoid strenuous activities. During this time, you should follow dietary guidelines and take any medication prescribed to you by your doctor.
Our Doctors
At Magnus Gastro & Liver Clinic in Chennai, our highly skilled and experienced liver surgeon Dr. Magnus Jayaraj Mansard provides the highest quality of care. We strive to make sure that the treatment and recovery process is as comfortable and safe as possible for our patients.
Who Requires a Liver Transplant?
Liver transplantation is typically considered for individuals with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure who have exhausted all other treatment options. Several conditions may necessitate a liver transplant:
1. Cirrhosis: Liver cirrhosis, resulting from chronic conditions such as hepatitis B or C, alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, or genetic disorders like Wilson’s disease, can progress to end-stage liver disease.
2. Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Liver cancer may require transplantation if the tumor is confined to the liver and meets specific criteria for size and number.
3. Acute Liver Failure: Sudden and severe liver dysfunction, often due to drug overdose, viral hepatitis, or autoimmune reactions, can rapidly lead to liver failure and necessitate urgent liver surgery in Chennai.
4. Inherited Metabolic Disorders: Certain genetic conditions, like hemochromatosis, primary hyperoxaluria, or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, can cause liver damage and require transplantation.
5. Biliary Atresia: This congenital condition affects newborns and results in the absence or obstruction of the bile ducts, leading to progressive liver damage.
The decision for liver surgery in Chennai is made based on various factors, including the severity of the liver disease, the overall health of the patient, the availability of suitable donor organs, and the patient’s ability to withstand transplantation surgery and post-transplant care.
How Much Liver Can Be Donated?
In a living donor liver transplant, the donor typically provides a portion of their liver to the recipient. The liver has a unique ability to regenerate, allowing both the donor and recipient to eventually have fully functional livers. The specific portion of the liver transplanted depends on the surgical technique used and the health of the donor and recipient.
In most cases, the right lobe of the liver is the portion donated because it is larger. The left lobe is also an option, particularly in cases involving pediatric recipients or when a smaller portion is suitable for the recipient’s needs. The exact amount of liver tissue transplanted varies, but it’s typically around 30-60% of the donor’s liver.
Conclusion
Liver surgery requires a skilled surgical team, state-of-the-art facilities, and thorough pre-operative and post-operative care. It offers hope for individuals with liver diseases, providing them with a chance for a better quality of life and a longer lifespan. However, it is important to consult with the expert liver specialist in Chennai – Dr. Magnus to determine the most appropriate treatment plan and to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be a liver donor?
It’s important to note that each transplant center may have slightly different criteria and protocols for liver donation. The evaluation process of liver surgery in Chennai is done thoroughly to prioritize the safety and well-being of both the donor and the recipient. If someone is interested in becoming a liver donor, they should reach out to a transplant center to discuss the specific requirements and begin the evaluation process.
What is the success rate of Liver Surgery?
Liver Surgery is a highly successful procedure, with high survival rates for both the recipient and the transplanted liver. The success rate of liver surgery in Chennai can vary depending on several factors, including the overall health of the recipient, the underlying condition requiring transplantation, the quality of the donor organ, and the expertise of the transplant center.
Are life-long medicines necessary after Liver Surgery?
Yes, life-long medications are typically necessary after liver surgery in Chennai. These medications are known as immunosuppressants or anti-rejection medications. The immune system has the natural ability to recognize and attack foreign substances, including transplanted organs. To prevent the immune system from rejecting the transplanted liver, immunosuppressive medications are prescribed to suppress the immune response.