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A liver transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces a liver that is diseased or no longer functions properly with a liver from a deceased donor or a portion of a healthy liver from a living donor. The living donor can be:
Someone who is emotionally related to the recipient such as a good friend, a significant other, or a spouse.
A family member of the recipient, such as a parent, adult child, brother, or sister.
Other biologically related relatives, such as an aunt, uncle, or cousin.
A person who has heard about the transplant candidate’s need.
Altruistic donation or non-directed living-donor. This means that the donor does not know or name the recipient of the donated liver. The match is based on blood type compatibility and medical need. The donor may choose not to know the recipient or may meet if both agree.
When the living donor is a family member, it is called a living related donor liver transplant.
Living related donor liver transplant is usually used as an alternative to waiting for a deceased donor liver or an altruistic donation to become available. A liver transplant from a living donor is possible because the human liver can regenerate and return to its normal size, capacity, and volume within a couple of months after surgical removal of part of the organ. The transplanted liver portion in the recipient will grow and restore normal liver function as well.
Not everyone can be a living related donor. The donor has to be healthy and able to safely undergo major surgery. In addition, the donor’s blood type, age, and organ size are critical considerations in determining whether the recipient and the donor are a match. Extensive health and psychological evaluation are required to make sure that the donor and the recipient are a match, as well as to assess the donor’s mental and physical health.
A liver transplant surgery from a living donor is usually scheduled in advance.
The surgeons will first operate on the donor. The surgery is done under general anesthesia, a portion of the donor's liver is removed through an incision in the abdomen. Both the left and right lobe of the liver can be used for donation. The specific part of the liver donated depends on the donor liver’s size and the recipient’s needs. Around 40% to 70% of the donor’s liver is removed for transplantation.
Once the donor's liver is ready, the surgeons will perform the liver transplant on you (the recipient). During this surgery, an anesthesiologist will give you a general anesthetic. After you are anesthetized, the surgeons will create an incision under the ribs on both sides of your belly and separate the diseased liver from the nearby organs and structures to carefully remove it. Then, the donated liver portion will be placed in your body by connecting the bile ducts and blood vessels to the new liver. The final step is closing the incision with stitches or surgical staples.
After a living related donor liver transplant, you should expect to spend 5 to 10 days in the hospital. Expect to stay in Cyprus for at least a month after you are discharged from the hospital as you need to attend follow-up checkups. Your liver transplant team will design a checkup schedule for you. Laboratory blood tests are typically obtained twice a week after transplantation and will be reduced gradually. You must attend all of the follow-up checkups and blood tests because your doctor needs to check your condition.
The recovery period depends on the severity of your condition before your liver transplant surgery. In general, the full recovery time until you feel fully healed after your liver transplant surgery can take around six months or more. However, you should be able to return to some of your normal activities, including work (office job) within 2 to 4 months following your surgery. Simple activities of daily living may be resumed within a few weeks.
You will take medication for the rest of your life – the medications are called immunosuppressant (anti-rejection medicines), which works by keeping your immune system from attacking your new liver. They are used to help the transplanted liver survive in your body.
You will take other medications – you may need other types of medications to help reduce the risk of other complications.
Avoid crowds or anyone who has an infection – anti-rejection medicines affect your immune system, increasing your risk of infections. Therefore, you need to avoid contact with anyone who has an infection or crowds for the first few months.
Eat a well-balanced diet –to help you recover and keep your new liver healthy. A dietitian from your transplant team will discuss your nutrition and diet needs. In general, your diet should be low in fat, salt, cholesterol, and sugar. You also need to avoid alcohol.
Exercise regularly – walk as much as you can soon after your transplant. Then, start to incorporate more physical activity into your daily life. Make sure to check in with your transplant team before starting an exercise routine.
The success rate of the liver transplant depends on your specific situation. In general, around 75% of people who have a liver transplant live for at least five years. People who receive a liver from a living related donor usually have longer survival rates than those who receive a deceased donor liver. Also, people who have a living related donor liver transplant seem to experience fewer medical problems.
The risks and side effects associated with liver transplant include rejection of the donated liver, bleeding, bile duct complications, failure of donated liver, infection, mental confusion, seizures, and recurrence of liver disease in the transplanted liver.
There are currently no alternatives to a liver transplant. However, the alternative to living related donor liver transplant is to wait for a deceased donor liver or an altruistic donation to become available. Make sure to discuss with your doctor the best option for your case.
Before a living related liver transplant, you may have acute or chronic liver failure, which may be caused by a variety of conditions, or you may have certain cancers that originate in the liver. After the procedure, these conditions may be cured. Your survival rates will be increased significantly after the procedure.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Cyprus is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea. The country is famous for its mineral wealth, splendid wines, dazzling beaches, and compelling culture. In addition, Cyprus is filled with classical ruins and century-old monasteries, and as the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, it is also steeped in mythology. Due to its huge array of modern private medical centers equipped with excellent service, cutting-edge technology, and skilled doctors, Cyprus is also a thriving medical tourism destination. Foreign patients from all around the globe come to this country for a vast range of medical treatments, particularly bariatric surgery, cardiology, cosmetic and plastic surgery, and fertility treatments. Its spa and well-being resorts are also welcoming an increasing number of international medical tourists.
The majority of tourists start their trip to Cyprus in Larnaca, it is the oldest city in Cyprus. It has a vast array of historical monuments, including Ayios Lazaros (the Church of Saint Lazarus), Stavrovouni Monastery, and Larnaca Medieval Castle. Besides its ancient buildings, Mackenzie Beach and Larnaca Marina are also popular among tourists. Not too far from Larnaca is Paphos, a charming city with exquisite natural beauty and all sorts of ancient ruins. The most popular attractions in this city include the Tombs of the Kings, the Old Town, Early Christian Basilica-St Paul’s Pillar, and Paphos UNESCO Archaeological Park. Nicosia, Cyprus’ capital, is also a popular destination.
Cyprus experiences a Mediterranean climate with four seasons and over 300 days of sunshine a year. The summer is long, warm, and dry, lasting from mid-May to mid-October. The winter starts in December and ends in February, bringing mild temperatures and more rain showers. Autumn and spring are short, but there is good weather.
The main international gateway to Cyprus is Larnaca International airport. It serves international flights to many cities around Europe and the Middle East, including Kyiv, Abu Dhabi, London, and Moscow. In the south, the intercity bus system is reliable and great, but in the north, the bus services are often unreliable and do not seem to follow a timetable. Taxis are a safe and relatively inexpensive option. In the south, there are three types of taxi services: urban, trans-urban or interurban (shared and can be booked), and rural. In the north, taxis are only available in the main towns. Inside towns, buses are the best way to get around for those looking for a more affordable option. Taxis are more expensive, but they do offer more flexibility.
Nationals of EU countries, the United States, Australia, Canada, Britain, Iceland, Japan, and several other countries do not need a visa to visit and stay in Cyprus for up to 90 days. Other countries not listed in the visa-free agreement need to apply for a visa before entering Cyprus. It is best to consult the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs or contact the embassy to learn more about visa requirements.