elective liver transplantation
14 March 2007
On Wednesday, 14 March 2007, Health Minister Mantombazana Tshabalala-Msimang
underwent an elective liver transplantation. The procedure was carried out at
the Donald Gordon Medi-Clinic Medical Centre by a multi-disciplinary team of
specialists based both there and at the Johannesburg Hospital. Both hospitals
are teaching and academic institutions affiliated to the University of the
Witwatersrand.
The Minister, who was re-admitted to the Johannesburg Hospital on 20
February 2007, underwent extensive investigation for evident Anaemia and
Pleural effusion. Autoimmune hepatitis associated with severe portal
hypertension was diagnosed.
Autoimmune hepatitis is a long term disease in which the body's immune
system attacks liver cells leading to unresolved inflammation of the liver.
This can result in damage to the portal venous drainage system leading to
frequent internal bleeding, and liver failure. Liver transplantation is an
effective and essential procedure under these circumstances.
All of these clinical problems outlined above were identified in the case of
the Minister. The Minister therefore required continuous in-patient treatment
and monitoring to achieve stability prior to the operation.
The five hour long operation was successful and uneventful. It is
anticipated that the Minister will be in hospital for at least a month followed
by a period of recuperation.
Jeff Wing, Professor and Clinical Head, Department of Medicine Johannesburg
Hospital and University of Witwatersrand.
Issued by: Department of Health
14 March 2007
