Who Needs a Liver Transplant?
A liver transplant is a complex procedure that is generally reserved for patients with severe liver disease when other treatments have failed. The following groups of individuals may require a liver transplant:
- Cirrhosis: The most common reason for a liver transplant is cirrhosis, which results from chronic liver damage caused by alcohol abuse, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease.
- Acute Liver Failure: Sudden loss of liver function can occur due to viral hepatitis or overdoses of medications like acetaminophen, necessitating an urgent transplant.
- Liver Cancer: Some patients with early-stage liver cancer may qualify for a transplant if the cancer has not spread beyond the liver.
- Genetic Disorders: Conditions such as Wilson's disease and hemochromatosis can lead to severe liver dysfunction, indicating the need for a transplant.
- Cholestatic Diseases: Disorders like primary biliary cholangitis or primary sclerosing cholangitis may progress to liver failure, requiring transplantation.
Ultimately, the decision to proceed with a liver transplant depends on the patient's overall health, the severity of their liver disease, and their eligibility based on specific criteria set by transplant centers.