
Liver Transplant in Iran Health: A Life-Saving Procedure
A liver transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased or failing liver with a healthy liver from a donor. It is typically considered for people with end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, or certain liver cancers.
What is liver and what does it do in the body?
The liver is a large, vital organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen, beneath the rib cage. It is the body’s largest internal organ and performs essential functions necessary for survival. The liver is responsible for processing nutrients, filtering toxins, and producing vital substances that keep the body functioning properly. It receives blood from both the digestive tract and the heart, allowing it to regulate metabolism and maintain overall balance within the body.
Due to its regenerative properties, the liver can heal itself to some extent, but excessive damage from diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease can impair its function, which in turn, if not treated well may need a Liver Transplant in Iran Health.
One of the liver’s primary functions is detoxification, where it filters harmful substances such as alcohol, drugs, and metabolic waste from the bloodstream. It also plays a crucial role in digestion by producing bile, a fluid that helps break down fats and absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, the liver regulates blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose as needed.
It synthesizes important proteins like albumin, which maintains blood pressure, and clotting factors, which help prevent excessive bleeding. The liver also stores essential vitamins and minerals, supports the immune system, and aids in hormone regulation. Without a properly functioning liver, the body would struggle to manage toxins, digest food, and maintain energy balance and sometimes a Liver Transplant in Iran Health is needed.
Functions of the Liver:
The liver performs over 500 essential functions, including:
- Metabolism & Energy Production
- Processes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
- Stores and releases glucose as needed to regulate blood sugar.
- Detoxification
- Filters toxins, drugs, and harmful substances from the blood.
- Breaks down alcohol and medications.
- Bile Production & Digestion
- Produces bile, which helps digest fats and absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
- Storage of Nutrients
- Stores vitamins, minerals (iron, copper), and glycogen (a form of stored sugar).
- Protein Synthesis
- Produces essential proteins like albumin (helps regulate blood volume) and clotting factors (helps stop bleeding).
- Immune Function
- Helps fight infections by removing bacteria and producing immune-related proteins.
What Happens When the Liver is Damaged?
If the liver is diseased (e.g., due to hepatitis, alcohol, or fatty liver disease), it can lead to:
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes due to excess bilirubin)
- Swelling (ascites) (fluid buildup in the abdomen)
- Liver failure (life-threatening loss of function)
Types of Liver Transplant in Iran Health:
- Deceased Donor Transplant – The liver comes from a recently deceased person.
- Living Donor Transplant – A portion of the liver is taken from a living person (usually a family member or close match).
- Split Liver Transplant – A deceased donor’s liver is split and shared between two recipients.
Common Reasons for a Liver Transplant in Iran Health:
- Cirrhosis (due to hepatitis B/C, alcohol, or fatty liver disease)
- Liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
- Acute liver failure (e.g., from drug toxicity like acetaminophen overdose)
- Genetic diseases (e.g., Wilson’s disease, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency)
- Biliary diseases (e.g., Primary Biliary Cholangitis, PSC)
Process of Liver Transplant in Iran Health:
- Evaluation & Listing – Tests to determine eligibility, then placement on the organ transplant list (UNOS in the U.S.).
- Waiting Period – Patients wait for a matching donor based on MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score.
- Surgery – The procedure takes 6–12 hours, requiring ICU recovery.
- Recovery & Medications – Lifelong immunosuppressants are needed to prevent organ rejection.
Risks & Complications:
- Organ rejection
- Infection
- Bile duct complications
- Bleeding & clotting issues
- Side effects from immunosuppressive drugs
But here at IranHealths we do our best to minimize these risks and have a successful Liver Transplant in Iran Health.
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