The liver’s health is closely tied to its visual characteristics, particularly its color. These color-based cues provide information before, during, and after a liver transplant. Understanding these indicators offers insight into the organ’s condition and the success of the transplantation process.
The Yellowing Sign of Liver Failure
One of the most apparent signs of a failing liver is a change in a person’s skin tone and the appearance of their eyes. This condition, known as jaundice, causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow. Jaundice points to a serious internal problem with the organ’s function.
The yellow discoloration is caused by a buildup of a substance called bilirubin in the blood. A healthy liver processes bilirubin, a yellow compound that forms during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. When the liver is diseased or damaged, it cannot effectively clear bilirubin from the blood. As bilirubin levels rise, its yellow pigment becomes visible in the skin and eyes, indicating the liver is in distress.
The Appearance of a Healthy Liver
During a transplant operation, the liver’s color is a direct sign of its condition. A healthy liver has a distinct deep reddish-brown color. This indicates the organ has a rich blood supply, which is necessary for its metabolic functions. The tissue of a healthy liver is also smooth and pliable.
This is in stark contrast to the diseased liver being removed. A failing organ may appear pale, discolored, or have a yellowish tint due to conditions like fatty liver disease. In cases of cirrhosis, the liver can be hardened, lumpy, and scarred. Surgeons can make an initial assessment of an organ’s viability based on this visual inspection.
Post-Transplant Color Indicators
After a liver transplant, medical teams monitor the new organ’s function, and color plays an important role. One of the indicators of a successful transplant is the production of healthy bile. The liver produces bile to aid in digestion, and its color reflects the organ’s health.
To monitor this, surgeons may place a T-tube drain into the bile duct during the transplant surgery. This tube allows bile to drain into an external collection bag, where its color can be observed. Healthy bile is typically a deep gold to a dark green color. The production of bile in this color range is a positive sign the liver is functioning correctly.