10. Liver Transplantation: A Potential Cure for Advanced PBC
For patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis who progress to the advanced stages of liver disease, liver transplantation can be a life-saving procedure. It is considered the only definitive cure for PBC, offering not just an extension of life but also a substantial improvement in quality of life.
The indication for liver transplantation in PBC patients is based on specific criteria, including the degree of liver failure, the presence of complications such as ascites and variceal bleeding, and a deteriorating quality of life due to symptoms like refractory pruritus.
The success of liver transplantation for PBC is generally high, with survival rates comparable to or better than those for transplants performed for other indications. However, it is not without its challenges, including the risk of rejection, the need for lifelong immunosuppression, and the potential for recurrence of PBC in the transplanted liver, although this is relatively rare.
The process of undergoing liver transplantation is complex and requires a dedicated multidisciplinary team. Pre-transplant evaluation, postoperative care, and long-term follow-up are essential components of care that contribute to the overall success of the procedure.
Liver transplantation for PBC underscores the importance of organ donation and the need for research into strategies that can prevent disease progression and obviate the need for transplantation. It represents a beacon of hope for those with advanced PBC, symbolizing the pinnacle of what modern medicine can offer. (10)
