The number of available livers for transplants continues to decrease

The New York Daily News recently had a great write-up about liver disease and the current shortage of livers available for liver transplants.  The article highlighted the work of Dr. Sander Florman, who is a surgeon specializing in abdominal and hepatobiliary surgery.  He discusses how the liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself and is responsible for many vital functions in the body, such as breaking down hormones like insulin.  However, specific diseases override the liver’s ability to function properly and regenerate.  The last stage of disease, called cirrhosis, is when the liver loses the ability to heal itself or develops scar tissue.  It is also the main reason for liver transplants.

Unfortunately, the number of cirrhosis patients is rising, while the number of available livers for transplants is decreasing.  The article notes that in 1998 the number of liver related deaths was just fewer than 4,000.  Dr. Florman and others expect that number to triple in the upcoming years and by 2030 there will be over 13,000 deaths attributed to liver disease.  The reason for the proliferation of the disease is that until 1986, blood banks were not required to test for Hepatitis C, which causes most of the cases of liver disease, and which, during that period of time infected thousands of people.  Individuals can also get infected with Hepatitis C through tattoos, drug use, and sharing needles.  Once an individual develops liver disease, it may be difficult to detect as it has a long latency period and usually only discovered through blood tests.  Although most people living with liver disease can manage the condition with drugs, the most effective treatment is to have a liver transplant.

Dr. Florman notes that year after year there are more people needing liver transplants than there are available livers.  Currently, almost 20,000 people are on a waiting list for a liver transplant.  You can have a liver transplant from a deceased donor or from a living donor, in which a portion of liver is transplanted, as it can regenerate itself.  Fortunately, most people feel the effects of a liver transplant immediately and report a great increase in strength.  With monitoring at home and consultations with your doctor, you can go back to living a regular life after a transplant.

If you are looking into having a liver transplant, be sure to discuss all of the options with your health care provider and ask about various surgical options available.  Also, make sure to ask about returning to your regular activities and when or if you feel normal again after the transplant.  The article lists four things that you can do when faced with liver disease.  First, protect your body from alcohol and too much medication, such as Tylenol, which may have an adverse effect on your liver’s function.  Second, modify your diet to reduce fats.  Third, if you develop liver disease, find a good hepatologist and a transplant center.  Finally, if you are interested in receiving a liver or donating one, you can visit the United Network for Organ Sharing, www.unos.org .