Liver transplantation or hepatic transplantation is a surgical procedure performed when the liver fails to perform its normal functions such as synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The liver is the second most commonly transplanted major organ, after the kidney, so it is clear that liver disease is a common and serious problem. Most liver transplant operations use livers from deceased donors, though a liver may also come from another living person (allograft). There is a significant proportion of demand liver transplantation currently in demand however, only the critically ill patients are given the priority and selection is based on the criticality of requirement.
There are several disease conditions responsible for liver transplantations such as:
• Liver Cirrhosis
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Hemochromatosis
• Primary biliary cirrhosis
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis
• Wilson’s disease
Liver transplantation has also been associated with several risk factors such as bleeding, blood clots, anaphylactic reaction, and infection. Other risk factors such as osteopenia, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diarrhea are also observed post transplantation. According to the American Liver Foundation every year more than 1,500 people die waiting for a donated liver to become available. However, organ transplantation has also been life saving for thousands of people. It has been studied that almost 6,000 liver transplants are performed annually in the U.S. and this number continues to grow. Currently in the U.S. alone there are almost 17,000 adults and children who have been approved for liver transplantation and are awaiting for the donors to make livers available.
Liver Transplantation Market: Drivers and Restraints
Liver Transplantation market is growing rapidly due to increasing incidence of Hepatitis A, B and C across the globe. Major drivers...