Liver transplantation is considered one of the most advanced and complex medical interventions in modern medicine. In many cases, it represents the only life-saving option for patients suffering from advanced liver failure. With significant advancements in surgical techniques and medical care, liver transplantation has become a highly successful procedure when performed in specialized centers under the supervision of multidisciplinary medical teams.
Through this comprehensive guide, Macrocare, in collaboration with Memorial Hospital, provides an integrated overview of liver transplantation. The guide covers everything from defining the procedure and its indications to postoperative care, while highlighting Macrocare’s role in supporting international patients at every stage of their treatment journey.
What Is Liver Transplantation?
Liver transplantation is a surgical procedure in which a diseased liver that has lost its ability to perform vital functions is replaced with a healthy liver from a suitable donor. The surgery typically lasts between 6 and 8 hours and may take longer in certain complex cases.
The transplanted liver can be obtained from:
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A brain-dead deceased donor, where the entire liver is transplanted.
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A living donor, in which either the right or left lobe of the liver is transplanted, taking advantage of the liver’s natural ability to regenerate.
When Is Liver Transplantation Performed?
Liver transplantation is considered when the liver fails to perform its essential functions. Liver failure generally falls into two main categories:
Acute Liver Failure
This occurs as a result of rapid and severe damage to liver cells and is often caused by:
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Acute viral infections.
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Certain medications or toxic overdoses.
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Poisoning from chemicals or toxic substances such as mushrooms.
Chronic Liver Failure
This develops gradually over many years and is commonly caused by:
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Hepatitis B and C viruses.
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Long-term alcohol consumption.
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Liver cirrhosis of various causes.
Liver transplantation is also performed in selected cases of primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma – HCC), whether it arises in a cirrhotic liver or in otherwise healthy liver tissue, according to strict medical criteria.
When Is Liver Transplantation Not Performed?
There is no strict upper age limit for liver transplantation. However, patients over the age of 65 require careful evaluation due to increased surgical risks and potential postoperative complications.
Transplantation may be postponed or ruled out in the following situations:
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Presence of an active, untreated infection.
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Lack of patient adherence to medical treatment or follow-up.
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Chronic alcohol abuse, where complete abstinence for at least six months is required, along with participation in a specialized treatment program.
How Is Liver Transplantation Performed?
Liver transplantation requires compatibility of blood type between the donor and the recipient, whether the donor is living or deceased. In deceased donor cases, patient priority is determined based on medical urgency and internationally recognized criteria.
When a suitable living donor is available, the surgery can be planned in advance following a comprehensive evaluation of the donor to ensure optimal health. Conditions that may prevent donation include:
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Heart or kidney disease.
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Uncontrolled diabetes.
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Severe hypertension.
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Psychiatric disorders.
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Certain infectious diseases.
Individuals under the age of 18 are not eligible to donate.
On the day of surgery, two operations are performed simultaneously in separate operating rooms for the donor and the recipient. After transplantation of the appropriately sized liver segment into the recipient, both donor and patient are transferred to intensive care units for close monitoring.
How Long Does Liver Transplant Surgery Take?
Liver transplantation is among the longest and most complex surgical procedures. It typically lasts between 6 and 8 hours but may extend up to 18 hours in certain cases. The success of the procedure depends largely on the experience of the surgical team and the availability of a fully integrated medical infrastructure.
At Memorial Hospital, liver transplant surgeries are performed by highly trained medical teams using the latest advanced medical technologies, ensuring the highest levels of safety and success.
How to Prevent Liver Rejection
Organ rejection is a potential challenge after transplantation, and its risk can be reduced by:
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Strict adherence to scheduled follow-up appointments.
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Taking immunosuppressive medications exactly as prescribed by the transplant team.
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Avoiding any medications or herbal supplements without medical approval.
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Monitoring for unusual symptoms and contacting the medical team immediately.
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Complete abstinence from alcohol.
Postoperative Care at Memorial Hospital
Post-liver transplant care at Memorial Hospital includes a comprehensive follow-up program focusing on:
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Adherence to prescribed medications.
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Monitoring body weight and overall health status.
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Liver and kidney function tests.
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Comprehensive blood tests.
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Monitoring medication levels in the blood.
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Periodic radiological imaging.
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Age-related preventive health screenings.
The Role of Macrocare in the Liver Transplant Journey
Macrocare plays a central role in supporting international patients seeking liver transplantation in Turkey by:
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Coordinating medical care with Memorial Hospital.
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Reviewing medical reports and evaluating each case.
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Organizing consultations and surgical appointments.
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Assisting with travel and accommodation arrangements.
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Providing continuous language support and patient guidance.
Macrocare is committed to making the treatment journey clearer, safer, and more supportive, addressing both the medical and emotional needs of patients and their families.
Memorial Hospital Group is recognized globally as a leader in healthcare, thanks to its specialized physicians, patient-centered approach, and advanced medical infrastructure. Memorial offers a modern healing environment with comfortable patient rooms while adhering to the highest standards of quality and safety.
Because your health is precious, the partnership between Macrocare and Memorial Hospital combines world-class medical expertise with comprehensive human support to deliver the best possible care for liver transplant patients.