Advancements in Liver Transplantation in 2023
Understanding the role of the liver
The liver is an indispensable organ that is found in the upper right side of the abdomen, just beneath the diaphragm. It is one of the most complex and largest organs in the human body, weighing between 1.4 and 1.6 kilograms and measuring about 10 centimeters. It purifies blood, removes waste, and transforms them into harmless substances. It produces bile which helps in the digestion of food.
Signs your Liver is struggling
There are very less noticeable signs and symptoms of liver damage or failure. Most of the time people mix the symptoms of liver damage with the symptoms of other illnesses. Some of the common symptoms are:
- Jaundice
- Fatigue
- Abdominal Pain
- Swelling
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
- Bleeding and Bruising
- Mental Confusion
- Personality Changes
- Dark Urine
- Pale Stools
- Blood vomiting
- Bleeding in stomach
If the liver gets damaged beyond a point and all other existing treatments fail, a liver transplant becomes the final treatment option left to live a normal life.
Diseases that Affect the Liver
Some of the conditions and health problems that are making the liver unhealthy include:
- Hepatitis(A,B,C)
- Cirrhosis
- Alcohol-related Fatty Liver Disease
- Non-Alcohol Related Fatty Liver Disease
- Liver Cancer
- Wilson’s Disease
What happens to your liver if you consume alcohol daily?
The liver breaks down food into energy, including alcohol. But the liver usually does the breaking very slowly and too much consumption of alcohol can result in liver damage.
Drinking more alcohol causes fat addition in your body. People who are heavy drinkers are likely to face more liver problems such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis.
Drinking responsibly can prevent liver damage.
Factors that affect the eligibility for liver transplant
A comprehensive assessment is done to check the eligibility for a liver transplant. And not everyone who needs a transplant is eligible for the process.
To be a candidate for a liver transplant, one must:
- Have severe liver dysfunction that no longer responds to other treatments
- Understands the risks of surgery
- Be physically and mentally stable of undergoing surgery
- Not a smoker or alcoholic
- Be of a certain age that is suitable for surgery
Understanding the Living Liver Donor requirements
To be a candidate for a liver donor, one must:
- Have excellent physical health and a healthy liver
- Have a required Body Mass Index(BMI)
- Must be financially stable to manage the possible expenses.
- Be physically and mentally stable of undergoing surgery
- Not a smoker or drug abuse
Life-changing benefits of liver transplantation
A liver transplant offers a possible chance of survival, improved liver function, and relief from fatigue and other symptoms.
The primary goal is to achieve a better quality of life. The initial stage of liver transplantation is the most crucial. It poses the greatest threat to survival due to organ rejection, surgical complications, and infection.
Patients can easily survive 5 years or longer after transplantation.
Potential Post-Transplant Risks
While there is a high success rate, there are also risks that are associated with transplant surgery:
- Infection: The drawback of taking immunosuppressants is that the immune system will be weak and not able to fight off infections, thereby making the body more inclined to increased risk of infections.
- Organ Rejection: The transplanted liver is foreign to the body, and the immune system will fight against it. Therefore, post-transplant immunosuppressants are prescribed to prevent rejection.
- Cardiovascular Risks: Increased chances of cardiovascular risks due to:
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels.
Top reasons to choose Indian hospitals for Liver Transplants
Patients looking for world-class medical treatment choose India because of its outstanding services. Liver transplantation in India offers quality treatment, high success rates, and provides compassionate care. Some of the services provided by the best liver transplant hospitals in India are:
- Highly skilled transplant surgeons and medical team
- Treatment is done with the latest medical technologies
- Lower cost of liver transplants in India compared to other countries
- Shorter waiting time for organ allocation
- Special facilities for international patients
- Follow-up care once you return to your native country
Leading Hospitals in India for Liver Transplant
Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
- FMRI’s liver transplant unit offers everything from pre-surgical planning to post-operative care.
- It allows access to a variety of organ surgeries, including liver-kidney transplants and liver-lung transplants if necessary.
Max Super Specialty Hospital, Gurgaon
- The Max network of hospitals has a large staff of over 180 specialists who have performed over 2600 liver transplants in the last 20 years.
- The liver transplant procedure is performed with a high success rate and low infection rate.
Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
- With 300 full-time doctors, the hospital is equipped with cutting-edge medical technology such as a 3 Tesla MRI, 64 Slice CT scan, and 16 Slice PET CT scan.
- Ramdip Ray is the hospital’s Joint Director of Liver Transplants and Senior Consultant for GI Surgery.
Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
- Medanta Hospital is the first of its type to provide liver transplants as well as treatment for all levels of liver disease in both children and adults.
- The largest living donor liver transplant program in India is run by a team of highly qualified specialists.
Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurgaon
- Across India, the organization operates three hospitals and numerous clinics.
- In 2018, the hospital treated over 25,000 patients, and performed over 6000 joint replacements, 1,500 IVF treatments, over 2000 births, and 5000 Arthroscopic ACL Reconstructions.
Top surgeons in India for Liver transplant
Dr. Ravi Mohanka – Top Liver Transplant Surgeon in India
Education: MBBS, MS, DNB (Gen Surgery), ASTS Fellowship (Liver Transplant), Training (Regenerative Medicine)
Hospital: Global Hospital, Mumbai
Experience: 27 years
Dr. Vivek Vij – Best Liver Transplant Surgeon in India
Education: MBBS, MS – General Surgery, DNB – General Surgery
Hospital: Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon
Experience: 24 Years
Specialty: Liver Transplant Doctor
Dr. Subhash Gupta – Top Liver Transplant Doctor in India
Education: MBBS, MS – General Surgery, FRCS – General Surgery (Upper GI)
Hospital: Max Healthcare Hospital, Delhi
Experience: 33 years
Specialty: Liver Transplant and Biliary Surgeon
Dr. Amit Nath Rastogi – Best Liver Transplant Doctor in India
Education: D.N.B. (General Surgery), M.B.B.S., M.S. (General Surgery)
Hospital: Medanta Hospital, Delhi
Experience: 23 years
Dr. Ramdip Ray – Famous Liver Transplant Surgeon in India
Education: MBBS, MS – General Surgery
Hospital: Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
Experience: 22 years
Specialty: Liver Transplant Expert
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long is the waiting period for a liver transplant in India?
The decent waiting time is 6-12 months or more. The length of the waiting period for a liver transplant varies on factors such as the severity of the liver disease, blood type, and donor organ availability2.
2. Can a living person donate a liver?
Yes, a living person can donate a portion of their liver
3. What is the recovery time after a liver transplant?
It generally depends from person to person. It may take a whole year to fully recover
4. Can children undergo liver transplantation?
Yes, some hospitals in India focus on pediatric liver transplantation
5. What lifestyle changes should I make after a liver transplant?
After a transplant, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding alcohol and drugs
6. Can I return to work or school after a liver transplant?
Yes, you can return to your normal life after fully recovering from the surgery
7. Can I travel or participate in physical activities after a liver transplant?
You can participate in physical activities or travel if you are fully recovered but it is advisable to consult your doctors first
8. Can I still enjoy a normal diet after a liver transplant?
Yes, you can enjoy a normal diet after your liver transplant.
