Transplant surgery for liver cancer

Who can have a liver transplant?

There are strict rules about who can have a liver transplant. You might be able to have a liver transplant if you have:

• a single tumour no more than 5cm across

• a single tumour that is 5 to 7cm across and has not grown for at least 6 months

• no more than 5 small tumours, each no larger than 3cm across

• a level of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) less than 1000

Find more detailed information on who can have a transplant for liver cancer

You will need to travel to a specialist transplant centre to have your surgery.

How your surgeon does your operation

To have a liver transplant your surgeon makes a large cut into the top part of tummy (abdomen). This often looks like a long curved line, a backwards L, or an upside down Y.

Your surgeon removes your liver and your gallbladder. They cut the main blood vessels to your liver, as well as the bile duct. Sometimes your surgeon might use a machine to move blood back to your heart while the blood vessels are cut. This is called a bypass.

Once your liver has been removed, the new liver will be put in its place. The gallbladder from the new liver is removed. Your surgeon connects your blood vessels and bile duct to the ones in the new liver.

Your surgeon will usually put 2 drains in your tummy to collect any blood or bile. These will be removed a few days after your operation. They close your wound with clips or stitches.

Preparing for a liver transplant

You won't get very much notice before your liver transplant. When a suitable donor liver becomes available you need to go straight into hospital. You can have a bag ready with what you'll need.

Read more about preparing for a liver transplant

After liver transplant surgery

After your liver transplant, you wake up in the intensive care unit. Your transplant team review you regularly and watch your progress closely. You usually move back to the ward after a few days.

Find out more about what happens after a liver transplant

Problems after a liver transplant

There is a risk of problems or complications after a liver transplant. Some can happen straight after surgery when you're in hospital. Or you might have problems after you go home. Possible complications of a liver transplant include:

• bleeding

• kidney problems

• infection

• bile duct problems

• rejection of the new liver

• blood clots

• depression or anxiety

Read more about the possible problems after a liver transplant

NHS Blood and Transplant service

The NHS Blood and Transplant service have information about liver transplants. This includes details about waiting lists, how donors are matched, and the transplant procedure. Go to the NHS Blood and Transplant service website

Coping

We know it can be difficult to cope when you have cancer. It can be especially difficult waiting to have a transplant. There is help and support available to help you cope.

Read about living with liver cancer