Livers Transplantation Rates Rise Due To an Increased Diversity of Donors

Liver is one of the most sought after solid organ. In UK there is an increase in demand as there is a rise in the death of number of patients who do not receive transplants.

Hence it was decided that a non-heart beating donor is potentially to increase the supply of organs by as much as 20%. This was reported in the British Medical Journal. They say that it will boost the supply of human organs for transplantation.

In general liver donation rates are poor in the UK. Statistics show that in UK about 60 people die on the waiting list each year and up to 80 are removed from the list as their condition deteriorates.

Doctors use various techniques to increase the number of organs available for transplantation. One such mode is the split liver transplantation where one liver given to two recipients or living donor transplants are performed.

Recently it was found that the non-heart beating donors are a potential source, where organs are retrieved after a period of five minutes during which death is certified. Statistics show that they would add to about 10-20% of the liver donations in UK.

The British Transplant Society has recently given a detailed account and published guidelines on all aspects of non-heart beating donation, including ethical and legal issues.

Current Treatments for Liver Cancer

Current Treatments for Liver Cancer (also known as hepatoma or hepatocellular carcinoma) can result in complete cure of the disease if it is detected early.

Fatty Liver Disease: A Growing Health Problem in India

Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of liver dysfunction worldwide and is a rapidly growing health problem in India.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is the most benign of the hepatitis viruses and usually has no long term side effects. Hepatitis A vaccine is available that is 95% effective in preventing the disease.

Living Donor Liver Transplant: What Are the Risks?

The risk of dying as a result of a living donor liver segment removal is between 0.2-2.0%. The risk of morbidity is anywhere between 1.3% (in highly experienced centers) to 60%.