Liver transplant in the only curative option available for patient who develop cirrhosis of liver due to any cause ( Chronic Hepatitis B , Chronic Hepatitis C, Alcoholic Cirrhosis, NASH etc). Once patient has been diagnosed with cirrhosis it can not be reversed with any non-surgical treatment . Over a period of time patient may develop worsening in liver function resulting in complications of cirrhosis (bloody vomitus, black stools, jaundice , altered sensorium, renal dysfunction, abdominal swelling etc) labeled as  decompensated cirrhosis . These patients require Liver transplant at the earliest and should be reffered to a liver transplant centre immediately. Ideally all patient diagnosed with cirrhosis should be under the follow-up of a gastroenterologist/Hepatologist. The source of graft liver can be from two sources namely from a deceased brain-dead donor or a Living-related donor and termed respectively as DDLT ( Deceased donor liver transplant) and LDLT ( Living Donor Liver Transplant) . However both DDLT and LDLT have nearly 90% success rate and both the procedures have their own benefits and lacunaes. Also the decision to go for DDLT and LDLT may vary for any particular patient. 

Before the Liver transplant 

All recipient and Living donor go thorough evaluation before the transplant process that includes blood investigations, Imaging studies, Cardiac and pulmonary fitness tests, multidisciplinary consultation before the clearance for liver transplant is achieved. The healthcare provider will explain the entire procedure. The healthcare provider is also supposed to answer all your questions. You would be needed to sign a consent form that allows the doctor to do the surgery. Eating food is not allowed at least 8 hours before the surgery. If you cannot stay relaxed before the surgery, a sedative will be given. 

After the Liver Tranplsant 
The recipient surgery lasts for anywhere between 12-16 hrs and donor surgery for 8-12 hrs. After the surgical procedure is complete, you will be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU)and will be closely watched for several days. 

Immediately After the Surgery 
You will most likely have a tube in your throat. This is so that you can breathe with the help of a machine (a ventilator) until you can breathe on your own. The ventilator tube will be removed on next morning when all parameters are found to be satisfactory. All parameters are monitored by round the clock critical care doctors and staff for a few days. The recipient has to stay in the hospital for three weeks and the donor is discharged in one week. 

Blood samples will be collected on a regular basis to check the functioning of the new liver. Antibiotics will be infused via IV channels to prevent you from infections. The area where the operation was done should always be kept clean after you have reached home. Any stitches or surgical sutures will be removed at a follow-up visit.

Complications that may arise 
Blocked blood vessels to the new liver, bleeding, an infection, leakage of bile or blocked bile ducts, or the new liver not working for a short time right after surgery are a few complications that may arise. Not to aggravate the condition, in the case of a complication, it is imperative to visit your doctor.

Liver Transplant - What To Expect Before & After The Procedure?

The liver is the largest internal organ in our body which performs multiple functions and it is the only gland that can regenerate quickly when it is healthy. The main role of the liver is to clean and filter blood coming via digestive tract previous to it flows to remaining body parts. Liver failure results in reduced ability of blood clotting, thereby causing severe problems in case of injuries. Apart from that, alcohol and viruses are also significant factors that stop the liver from functioning properly.

Liver Transplantation
Liver Transplantation enables even the people at the final stage of liver failure to lead longer and happier life. The success rate of Liver transplantation has increased drastically due to advanced surgical techniques. Liver transplant is the best option when the liver is damaged partially or entirely. It is a surgery that involves replacing a failed liver in a recipient with a healthy liver of a donor.

Who should go for it?
The main cause of liver failure in infants is Biliary Atresia. This occurs when bile ducts are absent or partially/fully blocked. Whereas in adults, liver disease is caused due to Cirrhosis - a condition in which liver is scarred and becomes dysfunctional in the worst case. Most common reasons for Cirrhosis are Hepatitis B and C, genetic disorders, alcohol consumption, toxic metals and obesity. One should immediately seek advice from a doctor when he/she suffers from following symptoms:

Fatigue
Nausea
Weakness
Weight loss
Jaundice
Fever
Abdominal Pain
Itchy Skin
Liver Transplantation Surgery
Two kinds of the liver transplant are available: 

Deceased donor transplant 
Living donor transplant
There are not enough deceased donor livers available to match all the liver transplant needs. Any living donor with a matching liver can donate a part of their organ to the person undergoing the liver transplant. As the liver can regenerate itself to its normal size in healthy people within a few months, there are no side effects of donating a part of the liver. A thorough physical and mental health examination will be performed for both the donor and the recipient to ensure that they can cope with the process and are aware of the risks involved. This includes psychological tests and blood tests. Patients are added to a waiting list as per their priority score. The score is assigned to a patient based on three blood samples creatinine, bilirubin and INR.

The priority score is termed as MELD (model of end-stage liver disease) in adults and PELD (pediatric end-stage liver disease) in children. The patient cannot undergo liver transplant if he/she has contracted cancer in any other part of the body or is suffering from heart disease or severe infections.

During the liver transplantation procedure, the surgeon removes some part of the liver from a donor and replaces damaged liver in the recipient with it. Both recipient's and donor's liver re-grow rapidly and reach normal size within months. As per statistics, recipients who receive the liver from living donor have a higher survival rate than those who receive it from deceased donors.

After surgery, both donor and recipient should maintain healthy and clutter-free life and follow strict diet rules and get vaccinated as per the chart provided by the doctor. They also need to avoid consumption of alcohol entirely and talk to a medical practitioner before taking any medications.

Liver Transplant Surgery - Who Should Go For It?

In modern day societies of intense stress and work pressure, the average diet mostly comprises of street foods, packaged fast foods and processed foods. Such stress and overexposure to a lot of toxins (present in the processed food, fast foods, and street foods) disable the liver from performing its primary function of cleansing the toxic materials through the skin, the respiratory and the digestive system. Besides, this overexposure to toxins also disrupts bile formation, which hinders the absorption of necessary nutrients, resulting in a severe disruption in health. Also, liver is responsible for the proper functioning of the eyes, the brain, the kidneys and the joints in the body. Thereby, it is necessary to include these 7 foods in your diet which help to detoxify your liver from the excessive toxins and allow it to function properly.

    Avocado: Avocados contain a rich amount of the antioxidant glutathione, which helps the liver to fight against the toxins.
    Garlic: Garlic contains a rich amount of selenium and allicin, which helps to cleanse the liver. A little amount of garlic helps in the activating liver enzymes which in turn helps to eliminate the toxins from the body.
    Green tea: Green tea contains a rich amount of the plant antioxidant known as Catechin, which help the liver to function properly. It also helps to protect the liver from the toxins.
    Beets and Carrots: Beets and carrots contain a rich amount of beta - carotenes and plant flavonoids which help to regulate the overall function of the liver.
    Turmeric: A little amount of turmeric in your daily meal helps in the cleansing the liver by helping the enzymes to get rid of the toxic carcinogens.
    Green Vegetables: Green Vegetables like spinach, bitter gourd and chicory contains a rich amount of detoxifying components, which helps in the neutralization of heavy metals which in turn regulates the cleansing ability of the liver. Green vegetables also help in the simulation of the flow of bile.
    Grape Fruit: Grape fruit contains a rich amount of vitamin C and antioxidants which initiates the cleansing process of the liver. Grape fruit also help in the formation of enzymes that destroys toxins like carcinogens.

Cleanse Your Liver - 7 Natural Foods that Will Help You 

The liver is a vital organ within the body, which functions as a filter for the blood that comes from the digestive system. One of the conditions that afflict this organ is fatty liver, which occurs due to the accumulation of triglycerides within it. There could be multiple reasons behind this, such as alcoholism, obesity, pregnancy, hepatitis among many others. Homeopathy has some great treatments for fatty liver disease, depending on the cause.

1. Nux vomica: one of the major reason of developing a fatty liver is alcoholism. While drinking moderate amounts of alcohol isn't harmful, the tendency to drink very regularly will lead to fatty liver disease. In such cases you may feel pain in the abdomen, especially a few hours after eating. You may also suffer from constipation with cravings for fatty and spicy food. Nux vomica is thus prescribed in these conditions.

2. Phosphorus: fatty liver has many symptoms, which may manifest differently in different people. Many people complain about indigestion and sour belching. Your liver area may be painful and you may also vomit. You may constantly crave for foods such as ice-creams, juices and cold drinks. In such case, s you may feel weak after passing stool. Phosphorus is a great remedy in such cases.

3. Chelidonium: this is one of the best overall remedies for fatty liver. Some of the symptoms where chelidonium may work are as follows:
A) pain in upper right abdomen
B) enlargement of liver
C) constipation
D) jaundice along with fatty liver
E) feeling excessively weak
F) craving for hot drinks and hot foods

4. Calcarea carb: if you are obese or fairly overweight and suffer from fatty liver, calcarea carbonica can be very effective in treating the symptoms. Some of the symptoms exhibited by the patients where this medication is effective would be a yearning for eggs, profuse sweating and sensitivity to air if it's cold.

5. Lycopodium: this medication is very effective in treating fatty liver disease, especially if you suffer from gastric issues and acidity. You may have symptoms like, bloating of the stomach, burning of the esophagus when belching or burping and pain in the upper right abdomen. You may also exhibit cravings for hot drinks and sweets.

5 Homeopathic Remedies for Fatty Liver

A number of health problems today are caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. One such condition is a fatty liver or collection of fat in the liver. The buildup of fats in the liver is known as Fatty Liver. The liver processes everything that you eat or drink and filters harmful substances from the blood. If too much fat has accumulated in the liver, this process gets interfered with. These fat cells cause inflammation of the liver tissues which in time can lead to scarring and liver fibrosis. On its own, a fatty liver is relatively harmless but when it reaches this stage, it can be life threatening.

The reasons for Fatty Liver can be alcoholism, incorrect diet, obesity, diabetes, or even excess use of medication.

If ignored or left untreated, many liver diseases will lead to permanent and irreversible damage to the liver and can be a significant threat to your health. But, there is no standard form of treatment for a fatty liver. If diagnosed in its early stages, treating the underlying cause can stop the progression of the disease and even resolve it. Homeopathy addresses the underlying causes of a disease and hence is an ideal form of treatment for a fatty liver. It can reduce the symptoms of this disease, improve liver functioning and even reverse the condition if treatment is started early.

The Homeopathic medicines, which are made of natural substances, are given to patients after studying the unique symptoms experienced by each individual. Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. Homoeopathy is very proficient in managing all the symptoms of Fatty liver disease and furthermore plays a vital role in preventing relapse of the condition.

Some of the most common homeopathic medicines for fatty liver are

    Chelidonium: This is often used to treat a fatty liver accompanied by right upper abdominal pain. In such cases, the liver may be enlarged and the patient also usually suffers from constipation or experience nausea and vomiting. The patient will also probably suffer from excessive weakness and have a desire for hot food and drinks.

    Lycopodium: A fatty liver accompanied by acidity can be treated with this type of homeopathic medication. In such cases, the patient will also complain of bloating and belching with a burning sensation. These symptoms tend to worsen n the evening and the patient may have an intense craving for sweets and hot drinks.

    Phosphorus: This is used to treat cases of fatty acid which triggers regurgitation accompanied by sour belching. In some cases, the patient may also experience pain in the liver and excessive flatulence. Vomiting may also occur along with weakness while passing stool.

    Calcarea carb: Obese patients suffering from this condition can be treated with calcarea carb. These people often have a distended abdomen, are lactose intolerant and suffer from chronic constipation. They are also overly sensitive to cold air and sweat excessively from the head.

    Nux Vomica: homeopathic remedy for fatty liver with pain in abdomen after eating.

Nux vomica is great for any abdominal problem including fatty liver caused by excessive consumption of alcohol. These patients often suffer from abdominal pain a few hours after eating with sour or bitter tasting belches. They may constantly feel the urge to pass stool but are unable to do so.

Though homeopathic remedies have negligible side effects when taken in low dosages, they should never be self-prescribed. If you suffer from a fatty liver, consult a homeopathic doctor immediately who can diagnose it properly and treat you accordingly.

The liver is a key organ in metabolism and will have some amount of fat. However, excessive fat accumulation in the liver can be abnormal and is referred to as fatty liver. If the fat content exceeds anything more than 5% to 10% of the liver s weight, it would be referred to as fatty liver.

Types - There are mainly two types based on causes:

Alcoholic fatty liver: This is very common in people who consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Even a one-off instance of binge drinking can cause increased fat accumulation in the liver, but it would not produce any symptoms though. Preexisting hepatitis, pregnancy, obesity, and genetic predisposition may also lead to alcoholic liver disease.
Non-alcoholic liver disease: This is the less common type of fatty liver, and there would be no alcoholic abuse history here. However, there could be genetic predisposition, obesity, autoimmune liver disease, malnutrition, which can lead to this condition.
Symptoms

Fatty liver disease is a chronic condition with insidious onset (meaning to say, the exact time of onset cannot be pinpointed). However, as the disease condition progresses, symptoms will become evident, which can trigger a medical evaluation to identify the fatty liver. Some of the symptoms include:

Excessive fatigue and weakness
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Trouble focusing and concentrating
Impaired judgment
Constant, slow enlargement of the liver can cause pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen (where the liver is)
There could be jaundice, where the skin and the white of the eyes turn pale yellow
Symptoms of liver failure, including increased levels of proteins in the chemical tests.
Diagnosis

As noted earlier, it is not easy to identify liver disease, as there are no specific symptoms. However, the above symptoms could point to a potential fatty liver.

Blood tests, especially for liver enzymes
Ultrasound, where the liver is imaged to look for any structural changes
Biopsy, where liver tissue is extracted to confirm the diagnosis of fatty liver
Treatment

There is no specific treatment for fatty liver. It can be managed through the following, where symptoms reduce in severity, and overall prognosis improves.

Diabetes control: There is a relation between how well diabetes is controlled and severity of fatty liver. Improving diabetes control ensures fatty liver does not progress.
Alcohol: Cutting down or even better quitting alcohol, definitely helps improve symptoms. If it is alcohol induced fatty liver, alcohol should be stopped.
Weight management: Obesity and fatty liver are related, so weight management is essential.
Healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen also helps improve symptoms of fatty liver.

Fatty Liver - Signs You Are Suffering From It!

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