What is Deceased Donor (Cadaveric) Liver Transplant
When a patient does not have a family member who can donate a liver, the only option way to obtain a liver is through a deceased or brain death (cadaveric) donor.This type of transplant is referred to as a Deceased Donor Liver Transplant (DDLT).
How is the transplantation done?
Deceased Donor (Cadaveric) Liver Transplant is the most common form of liver transplant where the donated livers come from people who have died suddenly from an accident or bled into the brain. The deceased is either a registered organ donor and/or in some cases, the family members of the deceased decide to donate organs in order to save somebody’s life. As soon as the expected donor is declared brain dead, the liver is surgically removed, preserved in a sterile fluid. The recipient has to be ready for immediate surgery as the liver can be preserved outside the body under strict conditions for up to 12 hours only.Waiting List for Liver Transplant
Patients have to register themselves at Individual centers/NOTTO for cadaveric organ allocation in India. Once a liver is available and matches the patient’s blood group, they are called for a transplant based on their MELD score. Currently, India houses a state-based regulation for organ allocation based on the MELD score & waiting list. If and only if a patient/recipient of a specific blood group is not available in the state, then the liver can be transported outside the state. International patients are at the bottom of the priority list and hence the chances for a foreign national to obtain a liver from a cadaveric donor are rare.Recovery Time
The recovery pattern is similar to that of Living Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT). There are times when patients recover faster due to implantation of full size of the liver as compared to living donor transplants where only a portion of the liver is transplanted. Otherwise, post-operative care and follow-ups are usually the same as in LDLT.
Who needs a transplant
When the liver fails to perform 80-90% of the liver functions, liver transplantation might be the only cure for liver. Indications of liver transplant are different in adults and pediatric population. There are many reasons, why a patient would need liver transplant.Complications after Liver Transplant
A liver transplant is a very complex surgery that can lead to numerous complications. Although not every patient experiences these complications, most of them are preventable if patients strictly follow the instructions and regularly visit for follow-ups.
