Liver transplant is a sophisticated surgical procedure aimed at replacing a diseased or failing liver with a healthy liver obtained from either a deceased or living donor. Below is an overview of the liver transplant process, relevant to the Indian context:

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1. Evaluation and Pre-transplant Assessment: Before undergoing a liver transplant, patients undergo a thorough evaluation conducted by a multidisciplinary team of specialists. This evaluation includes medical history review, physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and consultations with hepatologists, transplant surgeons, and other experts.

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2. Waitlisting: Eligible patients are registered on the liver transplant waiting list maintained by institutions like the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) in India. For deceased donor transplants, patients await a suitable donor liver based on factors such as blood type compatibility, urgency, and availability of donor organs. For living donor transplants, potential donors from the patient's family undergo an evaluation to assess compatibility with the recipient.

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3. Organ Allocation and Matching: Deceased donor livers are allocated based on criteria such as blood type compatibility, medical urgency, and waiting time.

Living donor transplants involve matching the donor and recipient based on blood type compatibility and other factors, and generally have very little delay between first presentation and the surgery.

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4. Transplant Surgery: When a suitable donor liver becomes available, the transplant surgery is performed. For deceased donor transplants, the recipient is prepared for surgery, and the diseased liver is replaced with the donor liver. In living donor transplants, both the donor and recipient undergo surgery simultaneously, with the donor donating a portion of their liver to the recipient.

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5. Post-transplant Care: Following surgery, patients receive intensive care and close monitoring in specialized transplant units. They are prescribed immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection of the transplanted liver and undergo regular follow-up appointments for monitoring, medication management, and addressing any complications.

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6. Recovery and Rehabilitation: Recovery from liver transplant surgery involves a period of rest and rehabilitation under the guidance of healthcare professionals. Patients gradually resume normal activities and adhere to medication regimens, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle modifications to promote long-term health.

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7. Lifelong Follow-up: Regular medical follow-up is essential for monitoring the health of the transplanted liver, managing potential complications, and adjusting treatment as needed. Patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including dietary modifications, physical activity, and avoidance of substances harmful to the liver.