Our Summary

This research paper looks at how much Turkey has contributed to the global field of liver transplant research. Liver transplants are the best treatment for end-stage liver failure, and Turkey has been doing such transplants since 1988. In 2019, Turkey performed 1776 liver transplants, but it’s not known how much Turkish researchers have published about these procedures.

The researchers used a method called bibliometric study to examine all the publications from Turkey on liver transplantation. They looked at when these papers were published, who wrote them, where they came from, who funded them, what topics they covered, who was included in the studies, and what methods were used.

They found 45,763 papers on liver transplants, and 93.48% of these were in the field of medicine. Turkey had produced 843 of these papers, making it the 14th most productive country in this area. The most papers came from Başkent University, and the author who had written the most was Professor Haberal.

In 2019, Turkey performed the most living donor liver transplants in the world, which could serve as a model for European countries that don’t have enough donors. However, while the United States performs five times more liver transplants than Turkey, it publishes nearly 22 times more papers.

The paper concludes that although Turkey has significant experience and has made major advances in transplantation, it needs to publish more about its work and its innovations.

FAQs

  1. How many liver transplants did Turkey perform in 2019?
  2. What method was used by researchers to examine all publications from Turkey on liver transplantation?
  3. Does the research indicate that Turkey needs to publish more about its work in liver transplantation?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about liver transplant is to follow a healthy lifestyle post-transplant, including maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and taking medications as prescribed to prevent rejection. Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are also crucial to monitor the health of the transplanted liver.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for liver transplant include those with end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, liver cancer, and certain genetic liver diseases. Patients must undergo a thorough evaluation process to determine if they are suitable candidates for a liver transplant, including physical exams, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and psychological evaluations. Patients must also be willing and able to adhere to strict medication regimens and follow-up care post-transplant.

Timeline

Before a liver transplant, a patient typically goes through a series of tests and evaluations to determine their eligibility for the procedure. This includes blood tests, imaging tests, psychological evaluations, and consultations with various healthcare professionals.

After the transplant, the patient will be closely monitored in the intensive care unit for the first few days to ensure the new liver is functioning properly and that there are no complications. They will then be moved to a regular hospital room for further recovery.

In the weeks and months following the transplant, the patient will need to take medications to prevent rejection of the new liver and to manage any potential side effects. They will also need to attend regular follow-up appointments with their transplant team to monitor their progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed.

Overall, the goal of a liver transplant is to improve the patient’s quality of life and extend their lifespan. With proper care and adherence to medical recommendations, many patients are able to lead fulfilling lives after receiving a liver transplant.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How many liver transplants has the hospital performed, and what is their success rate?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications of a liver transplant?
  3. How long is the recovery process after a liver transplant?
  4. What medications will I need to take after the transplant, and what are the potential side effects?
  5. How often will I need to follow up with the transplant team after the procedure?
  6. What lifestyle changes will I need to make after the transplant to ensure the success of the procedure?
  7. How long can I expect the transplanted liver to last?
  8. Are there any support groups or resources available for liver transplant patients in the area?
  9. What criteria are used to determine if I am a suitable candidate for a liver transplant?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments to a liver transplant that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Gökçe ON, Alkan S. Journal: Exp Clin Transplant. 2023 May;21(5):415-421. doi: 10.6002/ect.2021.0491. Epub 2022 May 23. PMID: 35607793