Liver transplant

Liver transplant in India is currently experiencing a significant period of advancement. Over the past decade, there has been a consistent rise in the number of liver transplants performed. Although the initial stages of this development faced challenges, recent years have seen notable improvements in transplant outcomes, largely due to the implementation of innovative programs.

This remarkable growth in liver transplantation activities within the country presents promising opportunities for collaboration with other nations globally. A liver transplant involves the complete replacement of a diseased liver with a healthy liver, which may be either partially or fully donated by another individual. Universelle Medicaid services manage the comprehensive treatment process for patients undergoing liver transplants in India.

In addition to deceased donor transplants, liver transplants can also be performed using living donors. However, not all individuals qualify to be liver donors. A living donor may be a family member or a non-relative, but compatibility is essential; the blood test results of the donor must align with those of the recipient.

Remarkably, a living donor can maintain a healthy lifestyle with the remaining portion of their liver, as this organ possesses the unique ability to regenerate damaged or lost tissue. Following the transplant surgery, the transplanted liver will typically grow to its normal size within a few weeks.

Who need a liver transplant?

A functional liver is essential for sustaining life. When the liver deteriorates and fails to perform its necessary functions, it is often advised that the patient consider liver transplantation. This indicates that an individual experiencing end-stage liver failure may require surgical intervention for a liver transplant.

Cirrhosis: Chronic liver disease can arise from various factors, one of which is cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a prevalent liver condition characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, ultimately hindering the organ's ability to function effectively.
Hepatic Necrosis:This acute disease happens when the liver tissue ceases to function. It could be due to sensitive infections or reactions to drug toxicity.
Viral Hepatitis:This includes Hepatitis B, C, or D as the major cause.
Cholestatic Diseases: Rare liver diseases like biliary atresia, sclerosing cholangitis, cystic fibrosis, etc., can stop liver function.
Metabolic Diseases: Wilson’s disease, hemochromatosis, familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy, Alpha-1- antitrypsin deficiency, tyrosinemia, glycogen storage disease, and other related disorders change
Early-stage Liver Cancer: If the cancerous tumors start developing in the liver, but it is at the primary or early stage, liver transplant surgery can treat the disorder.
Major Symptoms of Liver Transplant: There are four major signs that signify the need for liver transplant surgery.

1. Jaundice
2. Gastrointestinal bleeding
3. Encephalopathy
4. Fluid retention

Criteria to Donate Liver Transplant Surgery: In order to undergo a liver transplant surgery, the liver transplantation donor would be first assessed and evaluated by the medical professionals on specific health grounds. Hence, the organ donor should be free of the following:

1. Liver cancer
2. Disabling psychiatric disorders
3. Active infections
4. Substance abuse
5. Alcohol for a minimum of 6 months
6. Other diseases

Criteria to Undergo A Liver Transplant: There is truly a lot of demand for the transplantation surgery of the liver. However, everyone who wants to transplant whole or partial liver can get one. For liver transplant in India, the healthcare provider does every possible thing to ensure that the transplant surgery becomes successful. As a result, the medical professionals evaluate some criteria after which the patient qualifies for organ transplantation.

1. Clinical symptoms of acute liver cancer or liver failure
2. Fit to undergo the process of surgery
3. Not under the risk of drug abuse or alcohol in future

The healthcare providers determine these factors based on several things. They consider both biological and mental health. In addition, they analyze if there is any record of chemical reliance.

During the evaluation, if any such risky conditions are detected, then those conditions get treated before the surgery. Finally, when the patient meets the criteria for undergoing surgery, their name will be on the national waiting list. A patient with acute liver disease goes directly to the top of the waiting list.

Complications of Liver Transplant Surgery

Liver transplantation carries significant complications, which are associated with the treatment. In order to avoid these risks, the medical professionals evaluate the reports of the patients beforehand to complete the surgery successfully.

Possible Risks and Side-effects of Liver Transplant

Risks associated to liver transplant surgery include:

Bile duct complications like leaks, shrinkage, or block
Bleeding or blood clotting
Infection
Seizure or mental confusion
Transplanted liver failure

Side-effects of anti-rejection medicine may cause:

Headache
Diabete
Diarrhea
Thinning of bone
High cholesterol
High BP

Investigations for Liver transplant:

A liver transplant involves the replacement of a damaged or diseased liver with a healthy one. Prior to the transplant procedure, both potential donors and recipients must undergo a thorough evaluation.

For donors, this evaluation is crucial. It includes a series of tests designed to confirm the health of the liver. Additionally, it is essential that donors do not have any psychiatric or medical conditions that could complicate the donation process. Evaluative tests such as chest X-rays, blood tests, ultrasounds, and electrocardiograms are conducted to assess both liver health and overall physical condition. The vascular structure must also be suitable to facilitate the liver's removal.

Similarly, the recipient of the liver must undergo a comprehensive evaluation. This process typically spans approximately 7 to 8 days and aims to establish an accurate diagnosis while determining the severity of the liver disease. The results of these tests are critical in assessing the urgency of the transplant and in identifying the presence of any tumors within the liver. For those seeking a qualified surgeon for a liver transplant, Universelle Medicaid Solutions can assist with all necessary medical arrangements.

Legal & Ethical Standards

Legal Disclaimer: Organ Transplant Compliance Unimedicaid strictly adheres to the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA). We do not buy, sell, or source organs. We serve solely as a medical facilitator for government-approved transplants involving legitimate, altruistic living donors or legally authorized cadaveric transplants. All patients and donors must comply with the screening processes mandated by the Authorization Committee of the respective hospital.

Cost of Liver Transplants in India

Treatment	Cost Start From (USD)
Liver Transplant	23,000 - 30,000
Liver Cirrhosis	2,000 - 2,400
Hepatitis B Treatment	800
Liver Cancer	4,000 - 4,400
Liver Resection	5,600 - 6,400
Pediatric Liver Transplant	16,000 - 18,4000

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ's)

If you suffer from chronic liver disease or experience sudden liver failure, a transplant may be necessary. Conditions such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and liver cirrhosis often lead to liver failure. Consult a specialist to determine the best course of action.

While mild liver diseases may not present symptoms, severe cases can lead to swollen ankles, abdominal fluid retention, extreme fatigue, black stools, vomiting, and low blood counts. A specialist may recommend blood tests to confirm liver disease.

Start by consulting an expert doctor who will evaluate your health and recommend tests to assess liver condition. Identifying a suitable donor is crucial; family members aged 18-55 with matching blood groups and no obesity are ideal candidates.

Recovery typically involves a 7-10 day hospital stay. Most patients return to normal activities within three months, following the doctor’s guidance.

Yes, liver transplants are generally safe. Donors can lead healthy lives post-surgery, resuming heavy activities after three months. Recipients also benefit significantly, improving their quality of life.

With a 90% success rate, liver transplants are highly effective when performed by experienced surgeons.

Post-surgery medications help prevent infections and manage complications. Long-term medication may be required, with dosage decreasing over time.