Liver Transplant Cost in India

Did you know that our liver is a huge, fleshy organ placed to the right of the abdominal cavity?

Liver plays a pivotal role in fighting against infections, creating energy from food and acting as a fliter for toxins in 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. 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 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!

What are the functions of 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 is replaced with a healthy liver. A portion of a healthy liver from a living or a deceased donor is removed and placed in the body of 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. 

What are the 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.

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

What is the liver transplant cost in India?

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

• Consultation Fees - INR 50k to INR 1 Lakh
• Surgery - INR 10 Lakhs to INR 20 Lakhs
• Lab Tests and Analysis - INR 1 Lakh to INR 2 Lakh
• Hospitalization - INR 3 Lakh to INR 5 Lakh
• Medications - INR 50k to INR 1 Lakh
• Post-Operative Care - INR 2 Lakh to INR 3 Lakh
• Living Donor Expenses - INR 5 Lakh to INR 7 Lakh
• 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 hospitalisation 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.

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