Users' questions

Where is the incision for a liver transplant?

Where is the incision for a liver transplant?

The standard incision used for the liver transplant is called a “chevron incision.” It starts at the right side of the midsection just under the ribs and extends to the left edge of the abdomen. There is also a short incision starting under the sternum (breastbone) which extends to meet the horizontal incision.

What is orthotopic liver transplant?

An orthotopic transplant is the most common type of liver transplant. The whole liver is taken from a recently deceased donor. This is usually from a donor who has pledged his or her organs for donation prior to death and has not transmissible illness or cancers that may be transmitted to the recipient.

Who is the longest living liver transplant recipient?

Alyssa is the first-ever living donor liver transplant recipient in the United States, and 30 years later, these milestones take on a whole new meaning of hope. When Alyssa was only 11 months old, she was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a life-threatening congenital liver condition.

What does liver transplant rejection look like?

If rejection occurs, you may experience some mild symptoms, although some patients may continue to feel fine for a while. The most common early symptoms include a fever greater than 100° F or 38° C, increased liver function tests, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and fatigue.

How is an orthotopic liver transplant different from a living liver transplant?

Orthotopic liver transplantation is distinct from living related liver transplantation with regard to surgical technique, postoperative anatomy, and some complications. This article reviews the imaging appearances of different sur- gical techniques as well as the early and late complications of orthotopic liver transplantation.

What are the side effects of liver transplantation?

Orthotopic liver transplantation is an established treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure. Complications of liver transplantation include vascular throm- bosis and stenosis; arterial pseudoaneurysm; biliary leak, stric- ture, and obstruction; liver ischemia, infarction, and abscess;

Which is the most common method of liver transplantation?

The most commonly used technique in liver transplantation is orthotopic transplantation, in which the native liver is removed and replaced by the donor organ in the same anatomic location as the original liver.

When does thrombosis occur after a liver transplant?

Hepatic artery thrombosis is the single most common vascular complication of orthotopic liver transplantation, occurring in 2%–12% of cases ( 8 – 10 ), and has been reported to occur between 15 and 132 days following transplantation ( 6 ).