“In my experience with a liver transplant, I was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The doctors told me that I wouldn’t survive long enough to reach my turn on the deceased donor waiting list, so I informed my son, who was working in a distant area, and he traveled immediately.”

“We underwent the required tests as part of the liver transplant process, and no issues appeared. We proceeded with the surgery, and now I live with my son in good health — both of us recovered well from the surgery.”

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Liver Transplant

The liver has a unique and highly beneficial feature in transplantation — its remarkable ability to regenerate. A healthy person can donate part of their liver, and that part will regrow, while the transplanted portion also regenerates inside the patient’s body.

The liver performs vital, irreplaceable functions, making a transplant essential in certain cases. Its main functions include:

• Playing a key role in digesting and storing nutrients.
• Producing bile necessary for fat absorption.
• Synthesizing essential proteins that enable blood clotting and stop bleeding.
• Protecting against bacteria and regulating immune system functions.

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Steps of a Liver Transplant

Organ transplantation is an extremely delicate procedure, involving strict steps before, during, and after surgery.

Donation Options

There are two donor types: deceased donor and living donor.

• Deceased donor: An individual who consents during their lifetime (via a donor card). After death, the liver is allocated to a patient on the waiting list. However, some countries do not permit post-mortem donation.
• Living donor: The patient brings a family member willing to donate part of their liver. Tests are conducted to confirm donor health and compatibility, ensuring minimal risk of rejection and complications.

Surgical Steps

• An incision is made in the patient’s abdomen, and the abdominal cavity is checked to rule out contraindications (e.g., tumors, infections).
• The liver’s blood vessels are clamped.
• The diseased liver is removed.
• The new liver is implanted and connected to the patient’s blood vessels, ensuring proper blood flow.
• The incision is closed after verifying no bleeding.

Duration: The surgery typically lasts 6 to 12 hours.

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Life After Liver Transplant

The transplant process does not end with surgery; post-operative care is critical.

Since the immune system attacks foreign bodies, immunosuppressive drugs must be taken long-term, such as:

• Corticosteroids
• Cyclosporine
• Mycophenolic acid
• Daclizumab

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Complications

During/after surgery:

• Bleeding
• Wound infection
• Hepatic artery thrombosis
• Biliary complications (leaks, blockages)
• Graft rejection
• Seizures

Side effects of immunosuppressants:

• Weight gain
• Osteoporosis
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Frequent infections
• Headaches, nausea, vomiting

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Indications for Liver Transplant

Patients typically require a transplant due to chronic liver failure, often caused by:

• Hepatitis B or C
• Alcohol-related liver disease
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (linked to obesity)
• Genetic diseases (e.g., Hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease)
• Primary biliary cholangitis
• Acute liver failure (e.g., overdose of certain medications)

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Contraindications

Not suitable for patients with:

• Severe heart or lung disease (e.g., pulmonary hypertension)
• Cancer outside the liver
• Alcohol or drug addiction
• Sepsis
• Brain death
• HIV/AIDS

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Survival Rates After Liver Transplant

Because of its complexity, liver transplants have slightly lower success rates than kidney transplants:

• 89% survive the first year
• 75% survive five years

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Cost of Liver Transplant in Turkey

Turkey provides liver transplants at a fraction of Western costs, with advanced hospitals and skilled surgeons.

• USA: up to $500,000
• Turkey: $70,000 – $80,000

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Choosing the Right Hospital

When selecting a hospital, ask:

• How many liver transplants are performed annually?
• What are the hospital’s success rates?
• What are the total costs (including stay and follow-up)?
• Does the hospital use the latest international surgical techniques?

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Liver Transplant in Turkey – Key Advantages

• Advanced technology (laparoscopic and robotic techniques)
• Experienced surgeons with high success rates
• Comprehensive care (pre-op, surgery, and post-op)
• Affordable costs compared to Western countries

Estimated cost: $25,000 – $50,000 depending on the hospital and surgeon.

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✅ With Dr. Al-Akkad’s team, patients can access top medical centers in Turkey, ensuring safety, transparency, and excellent post-op support.

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