Explanation of terms used in liver transplantation


Transplant Unit

Glossary of terms for liver transplant patients


Liver transplant information >>>

Explanation of medical terms used in liver transplantation

Allergy	When the body becomes hypersensitive to something you eat, breathe or touch.
Anaesthetic	The loss of sensation or feeling. A general anaesthetic is given to ensure that you are asleep and pain free during operations.
Antibody	A substance produced by the body which destroys foreign substances (e.g. bacteria)
Ascites	A build up of fluid in the abdomen.
Bacteria	Germs that can cause disease.
Bile	A fluid that is produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder. Bile coats the fatty foods we eat, making them easier to digest.
Biopsy	The removal and examination of a small piece of body tissue which is taken in order to make a diagnosis (e.g. liver biopsy)
Cholangitis	Inflammation of the bile ducts.
Cirrhosis	Scarring of the Liver, which affects the way it works.
CT Scan	A special type of X-ray which uses a computer to show a cross section of the body.
Donor	A person who donates a part of their body to help other people.
Echocardiogram	Uses sound waves to show how well your heart is working.
Electrocardiogram	Records the electrical activity in your heart (ECG).
Encephalopathy	Tiredness, irritability, lack of concentration, and personality changes, associated with liver failure.
Endoscopy	Examination of the inside of the gut using a telescope.
Haematemesis	Vomiting of fresh or old blood.
Hepatic	Refers to the liver.
Hepatomegaly	Enlargement of the liver.
Immunosuppression	The use of medicines to stop your body rejecting your new liver.
Intravenous catheter	A small tube which goes into a vein to give fluids, blood or medicines.
Jaundice	A build up of bile that causes the skin and eyes to go yellow.
Liver function test	Blood test to see how well the liver is working (LFT).
Melaena	Black stools caused by the partially digested blood.
Oedema	Build up of fluid causing swelling.
Pruritis	Itching caused by an increase in bile salts in the blood.
Splenomegaly	Enlargement of the spleen.
Variceal bleed	Bleeding from varicose veins in the food pipe or stomach.

Credits

Disclaimer