The liver plays a pivotal role in fighting against infections, creating energy from food, and acting as a filter for toxins in the human body. The liver works in perfect tandem with these organs to digest, absorb, and assimilate food. However, due to overwork sometimes our liver damages. Research suggests, in the past 50 years, the number of liver transplant surgeries has grown exponentially.

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Due to technological advancements and an increasing number of surgeries, liver transplant procedure is witnessing a golden age in the country. Moreover, liver transplant cost has also been reduced, making the procedure affordable for many people. Liver transplant treatment in India has a success rate of 89%.

It is right to state that the fast-paced developments in the field of medicine and healthcare are responsible for this change. In this article, you will learn more about liver transplant surgery, treatment, & recovery time. Take a look!

Functions Of the Liver?

Rubbery to touch, this reddish-brown organ weighs not more than 3 pounds. It is safely ensconced within the rib cage. The liver has two major regions – the left and right lobes. Other organs like the pancreas, gall bladder, and intestines are just under the liver.

It is a vital internal organ responsible for performing several critical functions, like:

• Hormones, medications, and nutrient processing
• It produces bile, which is responsible for helping the body absorb cholesterol, fats, and fat-soluble vitamins
• Removing toxins and bacteria from the blood
• Protein production to help in blood clotting
• Regulating immune responses
• Preventing infection

What Is A Liver Transplant?

A liver transplant is a surgical procedure where the dysfunctional liver is removed and replaced with a healthy liver. A portion of a healthy liver from a living or deceased donor is removed and placed in the body of the patient.

Patients are recommended to undergo a liver transplant procedure if they face end-stage chronic liver disease. Specialists also recommend this procedure in rare cases like a liver failure in a previously healthy and functional liver. The waiting line for liver transplant procedures generally exceeds the number of diseased-donor livers available.

The best way to counter this problem and shorten the waiting line is to receive a portion of a liver from a living donor rather than waiting for the liver to be available from a deceased donor. Since the human liver has the capability to regenerate and return to its normal size after some time of the surgical procedure, the living donor liver transplant option is gaining popularity.

What Are The Types Of Liver Transplants?

Notably, 80% of live donor liver transplant procedures happen in India, while 90% of liver transplants in western states happen from dead donors. Let us understand both and understand the significance of each.

1. Deceased Donor Transplant

If the patient has passed away or is declared brain dead, he is considered fit for liver donation. After crosschecking the blood number and dimensions of the deceased person, the liver is transplanted in the first needy person on the waiting list. Since the liver organ can regenerate quickly, it is usually divided into two parts and transplanted into two needy persons at a time, one kid and one adult.

2. Living Liver Donor Transplant

If a liver lobe is to be transplanted in a live donor to replace the diseased one, it is referred to as a living donor replacement. It is important to note that the liver donor must be a direct relative, like grandparents, parents, spouses, or children.

The liver regrows or regenerates to its normal dimensions after a short span of time. This regeneration process begins when the liver is transplanted or divided. It takes approximately 203 weeks for the liver to regrow to its regular dimensions.

 Advantages Of A Liver Transplant?

There are many benefits or advantages of liver transplants. It is the best treatment for patients facing liver failure problems and who are fit for the surgical procedure.

The main advantages of liver transplant include the following –

• Improved Quality of Life
• Prolonged Life Span
• Reduced Mortality Rate
• Increase in Energy Levels
• Normalcy in Routine Activities

What Preparations Are Required Before A Liver Transplant?

A liver transplant is a major surgical procedure, and the patients must prepare for it after consulting their doctor. Here are a few things that the patient needs to keep in mind before undergoing the procedure.

• Think about positive things.
• Stay active and carry out normal activities.
• Follow the diet chart your doctor gave you and focus on the right eating and drinking.
• Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercises and diet control.
• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Stop smoking.
• Take your medicines on time as per the recommended dosage.
• A liver transplant is to be avoided if you are pregnant.

Top Hospitals for Liver Transplant in India

There are several liver transplant hospitals in Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, and other cities in India. Some of the best ones include:

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi

It is a multi-super-specialty hospital that offers one of the best liver transplantation programs in the country. The hospital offers state-of-the-art medical facilities with the latest liver transplant technology.

Narayana Health Multispeciality Hospital, Gurugram

The liver transplant team at Narayana consists of some of the most skilled and experienced liver transplant surgeons in India. It is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to offer quality medical services to patients.

Jaypee, Noida

It features some of the most outstanding liver transplant doctors and surgeons who treat patients with liver failure and related issues using successful surgical techniques. The expertise of the doctors in living donor transplants, speedy healing times, and complete care is incomparable. It is among the best liver hospital in the world.

ILBS

It has successfully built a liver transplant program for both adults and children. Both adult and pediatric patients have had a total of 655 liver transplants. With no donor death in around 580 cases carried out by the current team and a significant complication rate of less than 2%, the ILBS liver transplant success rate on live donor outcomes has been outstanding.

Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chennai

It is a multi-specialty hospital in Chennai that boasts state-of-the-art equipment with cutting-edge technology. The liver transplant program at the hospital caters to a wide range of pediatric and adult liver conditions.

Medanta – the Medicity, Gurugram

With a liver transplant success rate as high as 95%, Medanta ranks among the top 10 liver transplant hospitals in India. It has the largest and one of the most successful pediatric liver transplant programs in India, with experience in treating children less than 10 kg. Moreover, it has the second-largest living donor liver transplant program worldwide.

Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram

It has one of the best teams for liver transplants in India. With an experience of more than 2500 liver transplants, the hospital boasts a 95% success rate for liver transplant patients and a 100% success rate for donors.

Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi

It is one of the busiest liver transplant hospitals in India and a popular choice for overseas patients. Having performed more than 2600 liver transplants, the hospital is known for its successful transplant outcomes (95% success rate).

Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai

The hospital specializes in treating liver and pancreas diseases. It is also known for performing India’s first adult swap and split liver transplants. Moreover, it is the first liver transplant hospital in South India to perform five successful organ transplants in a day.

BLK Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi

A top-tier hospital in Delhi offering both adult and pediatric liver transplants. The dedicated team at BLK has performed the highest number of deceased donor organ transplants in Northern India.

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

It offers liver transplants for all liver diseases and cancers. The advanced high-tech infrastructure and world-class facilities cater to patients from various parts of the world, making it one of the top liver transplant hospitals in India.

Global Hospital, Mumbai

It is one of the most renowned medical centers for liver transplants in Mumbai. The department of liver transplant at the hospital specializes in transplants for end-stage liver disease and liver cancer. It also offers combined liver-kidney transplants for patients in need of both organs.

Artemis Hospital, Gurgugram

Being the first JCI and NABH-accredited hospital in Gurgaon, Artemis is one of the best hospitals to get affordable and successful liver transplant surgery. It has a liver transplant team consisting of some of the best liver surgeons in India.

Manipal Hospital, Bangalore

By delivering high-quality transplant care to liver failure patients, Columbia Asia has secured its place among the best hospitals for liver transplants in Bangalore. It is one of the few hospitals in India that offers liver and cadaveric liver transplant programs.

SIMS Hospital, Chennai

It has state-of-the-art infrastructure and high-end equipment to perform living and deceased donor liver transplantations. Moreover, it offers well-equipped liver transplant ICUs.

What Are The Risks Associated With Liver Transplant Treatment?

Just like any other surgical procedure, certain risks are associated with a liver transplant, which can cause problems for some patients.

• Surgical risks like uncontrolled bleeding
• Bile duct complications
• Infections after surgery
• Further surgeries to fix post-operational complications
• Strong medications to suppress the immune system result in side effects like nausea, loss of appetite, etc.
• The transplanted liver fails to function properly

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What Is The Liver Transplant Cost In India?

The cost of a liver transplant Cost in India is between 20 Lakhs to 42 Lakhs. There are additional hospitalization costs, post-operative medicines, regular follow-ups with doctors, etc. Here is a general breakup of liver transplant costs in India.

1. Consultation Fees – INR 50k to INR 1 Lakh
2. Surgery – INR 10 Lakhs to INR 20 Lakhs
3. Lab Tests and Analysis – INR 1 Lakh to INR 2 Lakh
4. Hospitalization – INR 3 Lakh to INR 5 Lakh
5. Medications – INR 50k to INR 1 Lakh
6. Post-Operative Care – INR 2 Lakh to INR 3 Lakh
7. Living Donor Expenses – INR 5 Lakh to INR 7 Lakh
8. Travel and Accommodation Expenses – I Lakh to 3 Lakhs

What Is The Success Rate Of Liver Transplants In India?

Undergoing liver transplant treatment in India extends the life expectancy of patients to a significant extent. The survival rates are 90 percent at one year and 70 percent at ten years after liver transplantation. It improves the life quality of patients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Transplants In India

Ques 1. How much does a liver transplant cost?

Ans 1. The cost of liver transplant surgery in India is between 20 Lakhs to 32 Lakhs. There are additional hospitalization costs, post-operative medicines, regular follow-ups with doctors, etc.

Ques 2. Does insurance cover the cost of a liver transplant?

Ans 2. Yes, a liver transplant procedure is covered under the Donor expense coverage in health insurance.

Ques 3. What are the qualifications for a liver transplant?

Ans 3. A patient is qualified for a liver transplant if –

• He/she shows clinical signs of liver failure.
• He/she is fit enough to tolerate a surgical procedure.
• Not at risk for future alcohol or drug abuse problems.

Ques 4. What is the success rate of a liver transplant?

Ans 4. Undergoing liver transplant treatment in India extends the life expectancy of patients to a significant extent. The survival rates are 90 percent at one year and 70 percent at ten years after liver transplantation. It improves the life quality of patients.

Ques 5. How long is the recovery period after a liver transplant?

Ans 5. The recovery time after a liver transplant may vary from patient to patient. In most cases, it is a long process and may take up to a year to return to a normal lifestyle.

Ques 6. What are the risks of a liver transplant?

Ans 6. Certain risks are associated with a liver transplant, which can cause problems for some patients.

• Surgical risks like uncontrolled bleeding
• Bile duct complications
• Infections after surgery
• Further surgeries to fix post-operational complications
• Strong medications to suppress the immune system result in side effects like nausea, loss of appetite, etc.
• The transplanted liver fails to function properly.

Ques 7. Can a person with Hepatitis C be a candidate for a liver transplant?

Ans 7. Yes, a person with Hepatitis C is eligible for a liver transplant, provided he or she can tolerate the surgical procedure and shows clinical signs of liver failure.

Ques 8. How to choose the best hospital for a liver transplant?

Ans8. To choose the best liver transplant hospital in India, make sure to check for the following:

• Accredited with NABH and JCI, the world-class healthcare standards
• Modular operation theatres equipped with the latest technology and advanced monitoring systems
• A dedicated team of experts specializing in conducting liver transplants and treating end-stage liver diseases
• Robotic and laparoscopic surgical platforms to perform the transplant with precision
• An international division to help overseas patients in receiving a smooth and hassle-free treatment

Ques 9. What is the average wait time for a liver transplant?

Ans9.The average wait time for a deceased donor liver transplant can range from 30 days to more than 5 years. The hospital contacts the patients as soon as the liver becomes available. The patient must go to the hospital immediately for a liver transplant.

Conclusion

Contact us to know everything about Liver Transplant Cost In India. To get affordable treatment through an easy process in India, visit our website or contact us on Whatsapp (+91 9599004311) or call us at (+91 9599004311), you can also email us at connect@gomedii.com our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

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