The liver is the body's largest internal organ, weighing about 3 pounds in adults. It is located below the diaphragm on the right side of the abdomen.
The liver performs many complex functions in the body, including
Makes most proteins needed by the body
Metabolizes, or breaks down, nutrients from food to make energy, when needed
Prevents shortages of nutrients by storing certain vitamins, minerals, and sugar
Makes bile, a compound needed to digest fat and to absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K
Makes most of the substances that regulate blood clotting
Helps the body fight infection by removing bacteria from the blood
Removes potentially toxic byproducts of certain medications
When Is a Liver Transplant Needed?
A liver transplant is considered when the liver no longer functions adequately (liver failure). Liver failure can happen suddenly (acute liver failure) as a result of infection or complications from certain medications, for example. Liver failure can also be the end result of a long-term problem. The following conditions may result in chronic liver failure:
Chronic hepatitis with cirrhosis.
Primary biliary cirrhosis (a rare condition where the immune system inappropriately attacks and destroys the bile ducts)
Sclerosing cholangitis (scarring and narrowing of the bile ducts inside and outside of the liver, causing the backup of bile in the liver)
Biliary atresia (a rare disease of the liver that affects newborns)
Alcoholism
Wilson's disease (a rare inherited disease with abnormal levels of copper throughout the body, including the liver)
Hemochromatosis (a common inherited disease where the body has too much iron)
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (an abnormal buildup of alpha-1 antitrypsin protein in the liver, resulting in cirrhosis)
Liver cancer
How Are Candidates for Liver Transplant Selected?
Specialists from a variety of fields are needed to determine if a liver transplant is appropriate. Many health care facilities assemble a team of such specialists to evaluate (review your medical history, do tests) and choose candidates for a liver transplant. The team may include the following professionals:
Liver specialist (hepatologist)
Transplant surgeons
Transplant coordinator, usually a registered nurse who specializes in the care of liver-transplant patients (this person will be your primary contact with the transplant team)
Social worker to discuss your support network of family and friends, employment history, and financial needs
Psychiatrist to help you deal with issues, such as anxiety and depression, which may accompany a liver transplant
Anesthesiologist to discuss potential anesthesia risks
Chemical dependency specialist to aid those with history of alcohol or drug abuse
Financial counselor to act as a liaison between a patient and his or her insurance companies
