A liver transplant is a surgical procedure that removes a liver that no longer functions properly (liver failure) and replaces it with a healthy liver from a living or deceased donor.
Your liver is your largest internal organ and performs several critical functions, including:
Removing bacteria and toxins from the blood
Preventing infection and regulating immune responses
Processing nutrients, medications and hormones
Producing bile, which helps the body absorb fats, cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins
Making proteins that help the blood clot
Liver transplant is usually reserved as a treatment option for people who have significant complications due to end-stage chronic liver disease. In rare cases, sudden failure of a previously normal liver may occur.