The surgical procedures during a liver transplant can vary based on your general health and the specific practices of your medical team. Even at a late stage, the surgery might be canceled if the donor organ is incompatible or due to other complications. Generally, a liver transplant follows these steps:
* You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
* An intravenous (IV) line will be started in your arm or hand. Additional catheters may be placed in your neck, wrist, below your collarbone, or in the groin area (between your abdomen and thigh) to monitor your heart and blood pressure and to draw blood samples.
* You will be positioned on your back on the operating table.
* A catheter will be inserted into your bladder to drain urine.
* After anesthesia is administered, an anesthesiologist will insert a breathing tube into your lungs to assist with ventilation. The anesthesiologist will continuously monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and blood oxygen levels throughout the surgery.
* The skin over the surgical area will be cleansed with a sterile (antiseptic) solution.
* Your surgeon will make an incision across your upper abdomen, typically below the rib cage and potentially extending across the breastbone.
* The diseased liver will be carefully separated from surrounding organs and structures.
* The blood vessels and bile ducts connected to the diseased liver will be clamped or ligated to control blood flow.
* Various surgical techniques may be employed to remove the diseased liver and implant the donor liver, with the specific method depending on your individual situation.
* Once disconnected from the blood vessels, the diseased liver will be removed.
* Your surgeon will carefully inspect the donor liver before transplanting it into your body.
* The donor liver will be connected to your blood vessels, initiating blood flow to the new liver. The surgeon will check for any bleeding at the suture sites.
* The new liver will then be connected to your bile ducts.
* The incision will be closed using sutures or surgical staples.
* A surgical drain may be placed near the incision to manage fluid accumulation and reduce swelling.
* A sterile bandage or dressing will be applied.