Liver Transplant in India

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What is a Liver Transplant?

The liver, weighing approximately 3 pounds, is widely known as the largest internal organ. It serves as a storage facility, eliminating toxic byproducts of specific medications. A Liver Transplant involves the replacement of a diseased liver with a healthy one or a segment from another person, known as the donor.

The prevalent technique, Orthotopic Transplantation, involves the removal of the liver and its replacement with the donor organ in the same anatomic location as the original liver. Liver failure may manifest suddenly or result from complications related to specific medications. Liver transplants are widely recognized as the most effective treatment for end-stage liver disease and acute liver failure. Following a transplant, patients typically experience freedom from the disease and can lead a relatively normal life. Liver Transplants are categorized as:

Deceased Donor Liver Transplant (DDLT) : In instances where the donor organ is sourced from a brain-dead but heart-beating donor, the entire liver is utilized in the transplant procedure.

Living Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT) : When the donor organ is obtained from a living donor, a half (or hemi) liver is utilized in the transplant procedure.

Auxiliary Transplantation : In this approach, a segment of the liver from a healthy adult donor, whether living or from a cadaver, is transplanted into the recipient. The recipient's diseased liver is retained until the transplanted segment regenerates and assumes full function. Subsequently, the diseased liver may be removed once the auxiliary piece has sufficiently regenerated.

Criteria for Liver Transplant

When the liver reaches a point where it cannot sustain normal body functions due to severe disease, a liver transplant becomes necessary. Several conditions can contribute to liver failure, including:

  • Chronic Hepatitis with Cirrhosis
  • Alcoholism
  • Biliary Artresia (malfunction of the bile ducts)
  • Wilson’s Disease ( a rare inherited disease with abnormal deposition of copper throughout the body and liver)
  • Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (abnormal accumulation of alpha-1 antitrypsin protein in the liver resulting in cirrhosis)
  • Liver Cancer
  • Primary Biliary Cirrhosis ( a condition where the immune system inappropriately attacks and destroys the bile ducts)
  • Sclerosing Cholangitis (scarring and narrowing of the bile ducts causing the backup of bile in the liver)
  • Hemochromatosis ( a common inherited disease where the body is overwhelmed with iron)

Tests Required Before Getting a Liver Transplant

To revise earlier examinations, certain diagnostic studies are conducted as part of the evaluation. These studies include:

  • Doppler ultrasound to determine if the blood vessels to and from the liver are open.
  • Pulmonary function studies to determine the lungs’ ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
  • Echocardiogram to help evaluate the patient’s heart.
  • Computed tomography which uses X-rays and a computer to generate pictures of the liver and showing its shape and size.
  • Blood tests examine blood type, biochemical status of blood, clotting ability and to gauge liver function. AIDS and Hepatitis tests are also included.

If you're looking for additional details on the criteria for liver transplantation, we recommend checking out the Liver Transplant Guidelines in India. They should provide comprehensive information to address your inquiries.

Donor for Liver Transplant

  • In the Living-Donor process, a healthy living donor undergoes the removal of a segment of the liver, which is then implanted into the recipient. Over the course of a few weeks, both the donor and recipient liver segments will naturally grow to a normal size.
  • An eligible donor in this process must be a blood relative or spouse. The compatibility of blood type and body size plays a crucial role in determining the suitability of the donor.

Liver Transplant Procedure

The procedure involves few steps :

  • The surgery usually takes 5 to 6 hours.
  • Liver Transplantation is performed under a general anesthesia.
  • Prior to surgery a tube is placed through the mouth of the patient into windpipe to help breathing during the operation.
  • A Y-shaped incision in the abdomen is made and the diseased liver is removed. Donated liver is then inserted and attached to the major blood vessels and to the bile ducts. The incision is then closed at the end of the surgery.

Advantages of Liver Transplant

  • Provides a chance for a longer active life.
  • If the transplant is performed before the recipients’s health deteriotes then they are able to tolerate the surgery and recovers more quickly.
  • The recovery can sometimes become difficult but the anti – rejection makes the process easy.
  • The donors will discharge in a week and recipients in 2 to 3 weeks.

Post Liver Transplant

The recovery process entails engaging in daily life activities and gradually restoring health to an optimal level. This gradual process may involve simple activities such as walking and deep breathing to maintain lung health and prevent pneumonia. Additionally, a well-balanced diet and exercise are incorporated to strengthen muscles weakened by illness.

Cost of Liver Transplant in India

India's status as a top medical tourism destination is well-founded. The affordability of Liver Transplant treatments in India enables individuals from less developed countries to access high-quality medical care. In comparison to Western countries, surgical and consultation fees are considerably lower. However, it's advisable to conduct thorough research through The Third Eye Medical Services website before selecting a specific healthcare center.

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