Expectations

The first liver transplants began during the 60’s in the United States.  They were quite heroic efforts, with very complex surgeries.  During those years, organ donation was very hard to achieve, and the results were very precarious.  It was an experimental stage, with great pioneers and few satisfactory results.

Currently, the success of surgeries is measured in that, statistically, the transplant receivers have a long term survival rate in over 80% of the cases.  Taking into consideration that they are patients with terminal liver disease and that, without a transplant, they face a life expectancy under six months.  Even in these types of patients, there are no support measures such as dialysis in the case of kidney failure, specially on a pediatric level.

There are currently no age limits for suggesting a transplant.  Surgeries are performed on newborns as well as in 60 year old adults.  In every case and having survived the first year or having passed at least two years since the transplant, when all the rejection complications are under control, the survival rate is excellent.  They are people who reach normal life standards.

The only difference is they must have periodical check-ups and take the medication that lowers defenses, for life.  A usual question is how long does the transplant last.  There is no stipulated period.  Each case is particular and when a patient survives the procedure, it is for life.  There are patients who received transplants more than 30 years ago.

For example, women with a sick liver have ovulation problems.  Surgeon Oscar Imventarza, chief of liver transplants of the Pediatric Hospital SAMIC “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”, of Buenos Aires, says that there have been teenagers with this surgery who have had their first menstruation during intensive care and others that, once adult, have had perfect pregnancies and are raising their children today.

Collaborated in this article: Dr. Oscar Imventarza

Liver transplantation · Part I: Success is due to the liver’s versatility.

The latest development for the treatment of eczema is a cream medication which doesn’t contain corticoids.