What Is Acute Liver Failure: Learn From The Expert

What Is Acute Liver Failure: Learn From The Expert

Jaundice, weakness, mild confusion, and an eventual coma!

Acute liver failure can jeopardize a life within just a few days. But it takes years of utter negligence on the part of an individual to bring his/her liver to this point of no return. Experts at AILBS India say that India is one of the few nations in the world with a high risk of liver failure.

Hepatitis (B, E, or A virus) infection, as well as alcohol abuse, is the primary reason for India’s growing liver concern. Awareness is the best way forward to fight this menace.

In this blog, we ask our experts at AILBS India, some of the basic questions related to Acute Liver Failure. This article is a great way to get information on this life-threatening condition as well as learn about the ways to keep the liver safe and healthy.

Can Acute Liver Failure Strike Without Notice?

Yes, Acute liver failure strikes fast. A patient may experience a rapid loss of liver function within a matter of weeks. Also, there may not necessarily be any particular symptoms.
However, in case an individual, especially those 30 years and above, notices or feels any of the below symptoms, it is good to see an expert as early as possible.

Acute Liver Failure Possible Symptoms

  • Yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes
  • Abdominal swelling and pain
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Nausea and
  • Vomiting

What Are The Treatment Options?

While it is commonly believed that a transplant is the only treatment option for Acute Liver Failure, it is not always the case. For nearly half of the cases, a well-equipped unit can make a life-saving difference. The first and foremost concern during any Acute Liver Failure case is to prevent the infection from further progression i.e. stop it from damaging the remaining healthy part of the liver.

At AILBS India, we have state of the art Acute Liver Failure Unit with full-time dedicated, and well-trained staff to give the utmost care to all patients. Not every patient requires a transplant; a liver transplant is considered when other measures to prevent infection have not delivered the desired outcomes.

What is the Role of the Hospital in Transplant Success?

A major role!

India is known for its high success rate in Liver transplant. Still, it is a must to ensure that patients are putting their trust experts with a proven track record of a successful liver transplant in India. While in-hospital survival or success rate is nearly 95%, there are always risks of infections and rejection post-liver transplant. There are 3 primary causes of concern post a liver-transplant including:

  • Abnormal narrowing of bile duct
  • Infections like CMV
  • Rejection of the new liver as a threat by the immune system

Compared to other centers, AILBS has the lowest biliary complication rate. The credit for this goes to our consistent research which has helped us introduce new technologies for improving a long-term success rate of the liver transplant.

What Should Be The Timing of Liver Transplant?

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It varies depending on the condition progression of the liver damage. There are several other factors like etiology, age of the patient, the time between jaundice and encephalopathy, and availability of donors which are considered before deciding on a Liver Transplant. In the case of a patient with a high likelihood of mortality, Liver Transplant is always performed as early as possible.

How Long Does an LT Procedure Take and Is it Painful?

A liver transplant procedure takes between 4-8 hours. The patient is, however, hospitalized a night or two before. Also, there is some pain after a liver transplant but it is not as severe as other abdominal surgeries.

What is the Recovery Time Post Liver Transplant?

It takes 6-9 months for complete recovery post Liver Transplant in India. Normal activities can be resumed after 3-4 months. However, this time may vary depending on the health of the individual before the transplant as well as the immunity of the patient after the transplant.

Undergoing a liver transplant is unlike any other abdominal surgery. But the right care and treatment play a key role in ensuring a long-term success rate. If you too are suffering from consistent liver issues, it is time you got it checked by the best.

Dr. Vivek Vij, top 10 gastroenterologists in India, has to his credit 2750 cumulative liver transplants. With 20 years of experience, Dr. Vivek has ensured new levels of excellence in Liver Transplantation & Hepatobiliary Sciences in India. Please visit the link to know more!

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