From Hematemesis and Hepatic Encephalopathy to Recovery: A Moroccan Patient’s Journey with Liver Transplant in Turkey

Allal El Barnoussi from Morocco began his journey with the disease with mild and intermittent symptoms whose cause he did not understand. At first, the symptoms were neither clear nor severe enough for him to realize that they could indicate a serious underlying condition, so he paid little attention to them and continued with his normal life.

The turning point came when he suddenly experienced severe hematemesis (vomiting blood), prompting him to seek medical attention to determine the cause. Following the necessary medical examinations and investigations, Allal was diagnosed with decompensated autoimmune cirrhosis, a chronic and advanced liver disease that had significantly impaired his liver function.

A photo of Allal in his room in the hospital’s organ transplant department, in Turkey.

Three Years of Living with Advanced Liver Disease:

Following his diagnosis, Allal began a difficult three-year journey with end-stage liver disease caused by cirrhosis. During this period, he developed several serious complications associated with the progressive deterioration of his liver function.

One of the most significant complications was recurrent and severe ascites, with repeated accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. He also developed esophageal varices, which caused gastrointestinal bleeding and resulted in several episodes of hematemesis.

In addition, Allal suffered from severe and persistent fatigue, which significantly affected his ability to carry out his daily activities. He also experienced several episodes of hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication of advanced liver disease that can cause confusion, altered consciousness, and, in severe cases, coma.

Over time, Allal’s condition progressed to an advanced stage, and his liver was no longer able to perform its essential functions adequately. Shortly before traveling to Turkey for treatment, he experienced a severe episode of hepatic encephalopathy that required hospitalization and several days of medical care.

Given the severity and progression of his liver disease, liver transplantation became the necessary treatment option to address his end-stage liver disease and provide him with a chance for long-term recovery.

Liver Transplant in Turkey and His Recovery:

In 2024, Allal traveled to undergo the necessary medical evaluations and prepare for liver transplant in Turkey. Following the required assessments of both the patient and the potential donor, his wife was found to be a suitable living donor and decided to donate a portion of her liver to give him a new chance at life.

Allal subsequently underwent a successful liver transplant in Turkey. According to his treatment course, the procedure was completed without major surgical complications.

Following the transplant, Allal began his recovery journey, with his liver function gradually recovering after transplantation. Through regular medical follow-up and adherence to his prescribed treatment, he was able to move beyond the difficult period of illness that had affected his life for several years.

Today, Allal continues to attend regular follow-up appointments after his transplant and is enjoying good health and a stable life. His liver transplant gave him a new opportunity to move beyond the complications of end-stage liver disease and return to his daily life.

What does the service include? — Complete Steps

When you contact us, your journey begins with clear and organized steps: