Cost of Liver Transplantation in India: A Professional Overview

1. Liver transplantation in India starts at a minimum cost of USD 27,000.
2. The success rate for liver transplantation in India is greater than 80%.
3. The best hospitals for liver transplantation in India are Max Healthcare Saket, Fortis Noida, and Dr Rela Institute & Medical Centre. The top doctors in this field include Dr. Vivek Vij, Dr. Subash Gupta, and Dr. Mohammed Rela.
4. Patients are required to stay in the hospital for a minimum of 2-3 weeks, depending on post-surgery complications.

Liver Transplantation: Professional Insights

The liver is a crucial organ responsible for multiple physiological functions. It is the largest organ in the human body and plays a significant role in regulating the immune system, processing nutrients and medications, eliminating toxins, and producing bile. Liver transplantation is necessary when a person suffers from acute or chronic liver failure, significant injury, or damage to the liver.

Types of Liver Transplantation

The two types of liver transplantation are as follows:

Deceased Donor Transplantation: In most liver transplantations, the donor is deceased, and the recipient receives the liver within a few hours. In some cases, one liver can be utilized for two people since only a section of the liver is required for transplantation.

Living Donor Transplantation: When a healthy living person donates a liver, it is called a living donor transplantation. In most cases, the living donor is a family member.

When is a Liver Transplantation Required?

Liver transplantation is the final option when the liver fails due to any of the following reasons:

1. Drug Overdose
2. Severe Hepatitis
3. Infection
4. Blood Vessel Injury that transfers Blood to the Liver
5. Cancer
6. Fatty Liver or Cirrhosis
7. Genetic Disorders
8. Alcohol-related Issues
9. Biliary Atresia, which is commonly found in children

Symptoms of Liver Diseases

The common symptoms of liver diseases are:

1. Jaundice or Yellowing of the Eyes or Skin Color Changes
2. Changes in Urine or Bowel Movements
3. Ascites or Fluid Accumulation in the Abdomen
4. Unusual Bleeding
5. Forgetfulness or Mental Confusion

The Liver Transplantation Procedure:

Pre-Procedure:

1. If the patient has severe liver damage, the physician conducts tests and studies to examine the liver’s condition.
2. If the patient is fit for transplantation after the tests are completed, they are added to the waiting list for a donor match.
3. If a living donor is found, the liver undergoes tests to ensure that it has a good chance of surviving in the patient’s body.
4. The size of the liver, blood type, and overall health are determining factors in whether the deceased donor is the right match for liver transplantation.
5. In the case of deceased donor transplantation, the transplantation works best if it is completed within eight hours, although it can last up to twenty-four hours.
6. Before the surgery commences, the patient is administered antibiotics to prevent infection and steroids to reduce the body’s chance of rejecting the transplant.

During the Procedure:

1. At the beginning of the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the upper abdomen.
2. Critical structures surrounding the liver are segregated.
3. The natural liver is removed, and a healthy donor liver is replaced.
4. The new liver is then connected to the blood vessels and bile ducts.
5. The blood flows into the new liver, and there is monitoring as well as the establishment of controlled blood flow.
6. The surgeon closes the incision, and the liver begins to regenerate.

Post-Procedure:

1. After the surgery, the patient is kept in the ICU under observation.
2. The patient is put on tube-assisted breathing and given fluid infusion for nutrients.
3. Antibiotics and other medications are prescribed to protect the body from infections and to promote a rapid recovery.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Liver Transplantation in Different States in India

Cost of Liver Transplantation in Delhi: The development of private and government hospitals has caused prices to drop, and the Delhi healthcare system is expanding.

Cost of Liver Transplantation in Chennai: The healthcare system in Chennai is one of the best in India, offering specialized services to patients internationally.

Cost of Liver Transplantation in Mumbai: Several top hospitals in Mumbai have reduced liver transplant costs despite having high-quality infrastructure.

Cost of Liver Transplantation in Pune: Pune is home to several premium hospitals and doctors who have years of experience in liver transplantation, and the cost depends on their expertise and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Cost of Liver Transplantation in Hyderabad: Some excellent hospitals in Hyderabad are pioneers in liver transplant surgeries, and the cost is a representation of the facilities they offer.