Maksansiirtymä

Maksansiirtymä refers to the transplantation of a liver. This surgical procedure involves replacing a diseased or damaged liver with a healthy one from a donor. It is a complex operation typically performed when a patient's liver function is severely compromised and other treatments are no longer effective.

The reasons for needing a liver transplant can vary widely. Common conditions include cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver, often caused by viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B and C) or alcoholic liver disease. Liver cancer that has not spread beyond the liver is another frequent indication. Other causes may include acute liver failure, certain metabolic diseases, and genetic disorders affecting the liver.

The process involves a thorough evaluation of potential recipients to determine their suitability for the surgery and the lifelong post-transplant care required. Donors can be either deceased individuals or living individuals who donate a portion of their liver. Living donor transplants are more common in some regions and offer advantages like planned surgery and reduced waiting times.

Following the transplant, recipients require lifelong immunosuppressant medication to prevent their body from rejecting the new organ. Regular medical follow-ups are essential to monitor the health of the transplanted liver and manage any potential complications. Despite the challenges, liver transplantation can significantly improve the quality of life and survival rates for individuals with end-stage liver disease.