Which is better- living or deceased donor liver transplant ?

The choice between a living donor liver transplant and a deceased donor liver transplant depends on various factors, including the recipient's medical condition, the availability of suitable donors, and the specific circumstances of the case. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Living Donor Liver Transplant: Advantages: Timeliness: Living donor transplants can be scheduled in advance, which may reduce the waiting time for a suitable organ. Better Organ Quality: The liver from a living donor is typically healthier and less damaged than organs from deceased donors, which can improve the chances of successful transplantation. Avoiding Waiting List: Living donor transplantation bypasses the need to wait on the deceased donor organ waiting list, which can be especially beneficial for recipients with rapidly deteriorating health. Lower Risk of Organ Rejection: Since the donor and recipient can be closely matched, there might be a lower risk of organ rejection. Disadvantages: Surgery Risks for Donor: The living donor undergoes major surgery with associated risks and potential complications. Donor's Health Impact: Although the liver regenerates, there might still be long-term health effects on the donor's liver function. Availability of Suitable Donors: Finding a suitable living donor within the recipient's circle can be challenging. Deceased Donor Liver Transplant: Advantages: Less Risk to Donor: There is no risk to a living person, as the liver comes from a deceased donor. Suitability for Certain Recipients: Deceased donor livers can be a better option for recipients who require a whole liver (as opposed to a portion) or for those with medical conditions that make living donation less feasible. Reduced Impact on Donor's Life: The procedure does not require a healthy individual to undergo surgery. Disadvantages: Waiting List: Deceased donor transplants rely on the availability of a suitable organ, which can result in a longer waiting time. Organ Quality: Deceased donor livers might have varying degrees of damage due to factors like organ preservation and the donor's medical history. Risk of Organ Rejection: The risk of organ rejection might be slightly higher compared to a well-matched living donor transplant. Both potential recipients and donors have thorough discussions with their medical teams to make an informed decision based on their individual circumstances. What is the success of living donor liver transplant ? The success of a living donor liver transplant varies based on several factors, including the expertise of the medical team, the health of the donor and recipient, the compatibility of the donor-recipient pair, and the overall management of the transplantation process. Success is typically measured by the rate of graft (transplanted liver) survival, patient survival, and the absence of complications. It's crucial to work closely with the best liver and hepatobiliary surgeons in Delhi and India, like Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals Delhi, to monitor liver health, manage the condition, and make informed decisions.