The liver is the biggest and one of the most important organs. It’s the only internal organ that can regenerate itself when part of it is removed. The liver is a vital organ because it’s responsible for the smooth functioning of the body. But when the liver does not function optimally or becomes diseased, a liver transplant might be the only option to save a patient’s life. The liver transplant cost in Delhi might be expensive, but it is the most effective treatment for someone with end-stage liver failure.
Patients can receive a healthy and functioning liver either from a deceased donor or a living one. Please consult with the physician before opting for this surgical process.
What are the Causes that necessitate Liver Transplants?
One of the most common causes that necessitate the liver transplant procedure is Cirrhosis, also known as Chronic Liver Failure. It results in end-stage scarring and damages the liver to the point it can’t repair itself anymore.
Besides that, several other common causes lead to liver failure, and patients may need liver transplantation surgery to survive. These are:
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Benign Liver Tumour
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Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
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Liver Cancer
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Autoimmune Liver Diseases
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Biliary Atresia [The common cause of Pediatric Liver Transplantation]
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Fat Build-Up in the Liver
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Liver Failure because of Excess Alcohol Intake
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Genetic Liver Diseases
The Types of Liver Transplants Available
Primarily, two types of liver transplantation surgeries are available in India. Let’s learn about them in detail in this section:
In this procedure, a healthy liver is obtained from a cadaver [brain dead] or deceased donor. The liver is surgically removed and transplanted into a patient after removing the diseased liver. But before you opt for this procedure, here are some things you should know about it:
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As part of the process, the patient opting for this procedure will get added to the nationwide database waitlist. This waitlist contains all the medical data of the waiting recipients.
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The waiting times for this surgery are substantial. It can take months to years as the demand far exceeds the supply. The hospital does not arrange for the transplanted organ. The patients are prioritized according to the survival rate, the severity of the condition, and other factors.
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It’s unpredictable when the liver will be available for the patient. But in most cases, the surgical procedure is conducted as an emergency once the donor becomes available.
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There are several tests conducted, and the patient’s blood group and liver size should match with the donor’s for the surgery to proceed.
Through this liver transplantation surgery, the diseased liver is removed and replaced with the portion of a liver of a healthy donor. This living donor preferably needs to be the recipient’s blood relative.
The liver can grow back to its normal size. The liver parts in the living donor and the patient will grow into normal shape and size after the surgery. The growth of the liver will take around 2 months to 4 months.
The Eligibility Criteria of the Living Liver Donor
The living donor who wishes to donate a portion of their liver to the patient should be:
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A blood relative, is a sibling, son, mother, daughter, grandparent, or father of the patient.
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He/she needs to be between 18 years to 55 years of age.
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Should be healthy with an optimum weight
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The liver size and the blood group should match the patient.
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The donor will not be eligible for the transplant if he/she has an underlying liver, kidney, other types of condition, or mental condition.
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An HIV-positive individual or a person who has AIDs is not eligible.
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Minors are not eligible for the surgery
The Cost of Liver Transplant
The liver transplant cost in Delhi or at any other location in India depends on the city/state the patient resides in and the hospital they choose to get the surgery done. The high cost of the procedure is offset somewhat by the global standard healthcare facilities and expert surgeons. The liver can grow back to its normal size. The liver parts in the living donor and the patient will grow into normal shape and size after the surgery. The growth of the liver will take around 2 months to 4 months.
Patients should know the surgery cost before they opt for it, as it will help them to prepare financially.
Final Thoughts
The information provided in this post can give you a better understanding of liver transplants, their causes, and the type of liver transplantation surgeries available. Therefore, The liver is a vital organ because it’s responsible for the smooth functioning of the body. But when the liver does not function optimally or becomes diseased, a liver transplant might be the only option to save a patient’s life. It also informs you about the cost, which can help you plan accordingly.