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What is the Procedure of Liver Transplant and Cost in India?

Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure that involves replacing a diseased or damaged liver with a healthy one from a donor. In India, liver transplants have gained popularity due to world-class medical facilities, skilled surgeons, and affordable healthcare options compared to many other countries. This blog will explain the procedure for liver transplantation, the cost involved, and why many people choose India for this life-changing surgery, especially with the assistance of Medserg.

Liver Transplant Procedure

The liver transplant process generally involves several stages: evaluation, waiting for a donor, surgery, and post-operative care.

1. Evaluation and Assessment

Before a liver transplant, the patient must undergo a thorough evaluation. This includes medical tests such as blood tests, imaging (CT scans or MRIs), liver biopsy, and assessment of liver function. The evaluation helps determine the patient’s eligibility for a transplant, ensuring that the liver is the only organ in need of replacement.

2. Finding a Donor

There are two types of liver donors:

  • Living Donor: In some cases, a part of the liver from a living person can be transplanted. The liver regenerates after surgery, allowing the donor and recipient to recover fully.
  • Deceased Donor: A liver can also be obtained from a deceased donor, typically someone who has suffered brain death.

The availability of a matching liver plays a crucial role in determining the waiting time for the surgery.

3. Surgery

The transplant surgery involves the removal of the diseased liver and its replacement with the donor liver. This is a complex procedure that can take anywhere between 6 to 12 hours. The surgeon must ensure proper blood flow to the new liver and monitor the patient’s vitals throughout the operation. After the liver is transplanted, the patient is closely monitored for any signs of organ rejection or complications.

4. Post-Operative Care

Post-surgery, patients are kept in an intensive care unit (ICU) for a few days to monitor recovery. Anti-rejection medications are prescribed to prevent the body from rejecting the new liver. Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor liver function, and patients need to adjust to a lifelong regimen of medications to ensure the success of the transplant.

Liver Transplant Cost in India

The cost of a liver transplant in India is significantly lower compared to countries like the US or the UK, while the quality of care is on par with the best in the world. The total cost of a liver transplant in India can range between INR 18 lakh to INR 30 lakh ($22,000 to $36,000) depending on the complexity of the surgery, the hospital, the doctor’s experience, and the type of liver donor (living or deceased).

Breakdown of Liver Transplant Costs:

  1. Pre-surgery Costs: This includes consultation, evaluation tests, imaging, and any other pre-transplantation medical procedures.
  2. Surgery Costs: The surgery itself, including operation room charges, medical staff, and hospital facilities.
  3. Post-surgery Costs: Includes intensive care, medications (anti-rejection drugs), hospital stay, and follow-up consultations.
  4. Donor Costs: If a living donor is involved, the costs of the donor’s medical evaluation, surgery, and post-operative care are additional.

Why Choose India for Liver Transplantation?

India has emerged as one of the leading destinations for medical tourism, especially for complex surgeries like liver transplants. Here are the top reasons why people choose India for liver transplants:

1. Cost-Effective Care

The cost of liver transplant surgery in India is one of the main attractions. International patients can save up to 60-70% of the cost they would incur in countries like the US, the UK, or Singapore, without compromising on the quality of medical care. With Medserg, patients can access affordable treatment options and take advantage of comprehensive packages that include medical consultation, surgery, travel arrangements, and post-operative care.

2. World-Class Hospitals and Infrastructure

India boasts several top-tier hospitals with state-of-the-art medical technology and infrastructure. These hospitals adhere to international standards and are equipped to perform liver transplants with the utmost care and precision.

3. Skilled Surgeons

India has a large pool of experienced and skilled surgeons who specialize in liver transplantations. Many of these surgeons are trained in the best institutions globally and have performed hundreds, if not thousands, of successful liver transplants.

4. Shorter Waiting Times

Unlike many Western countries where patients may have to wait for extended periods to find a donor, India’s liver transplant centers have quicker access to donors, ensuring faster treatment for patients.

5. Post-Operative Support

India’s hospitals provide excellent post-surgical care, including continuous monitoring and long-term follow-up, which is crucial for the success of the liver transplant. Medserg also offers continued support for international patients to ensure they get the best care even after returning to their home country.

Top 5 Liver Transplant Surgeons in India

India is home to some of the best liver transplant surgeons in the world. Here are the top 5 doctors known for their expertise in liver transplants:

  1. Dr. A. S. Soin
    • Known as one of India’s best liver transplant surgeons, Dr. Soin has performed over 2,500 liver transplants. He practices at the Medanta – The Medicity in Gurgaon.
  2. Dr. Amit Kumar
    • A renowned liver transplant specialist, Dr. Kumar is based in Delhi and has performed over 1,500 successful liver transplants. He is associated with the Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.
  3. Dr. Subhash Gupta
    • Dr. Gupta is one of the leading liver transplant surgeons at the AIIMS Hospital in New Delhi. He is known for his expertise in both living and deceased donor transplants.
  4. Dr. Pradeep Gohil
    • Based at the Global Hospital in Mumbai, Dr. Gohil is a pioneer in liver transplant surgeries and has performed numerous successful operations, making him a sought-after name in the field.
  5. Dr. Samir Shah
    • Dr. Shah is one of India’s top liver transplant surgeons, currently practicing at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. He is recognized for his skill in complex liver surgeries.

Top 3 Hospitals for Liver Transplant in India

  1. Medanta – The Medicity (Gurgaon)
    • Medanta is a globally recognized hospital with an advanced liver transplant unit, offering both living and cadaveric liver transplants.
  2. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital (Delhi)
    • Known for its comprehensive liver transplant program, Apollo Hospital has a dedicated team of transplant specialists and world-class facilities.
  3. Global Hospital (Mumbai)
    • Global Hospital is one of Mumbai’s top medical facilities, offering advanced liver transplant services, and is home to some of India’s best surgeons.

Why Choose Medserg?

Medserg acts as a bridge between international patients and top hospitals in India. With its extensive network and experience in organizing liver transplants, Medserg simplifies the entire process, ensuring seamless medical travel and post-surgery support for patients. From initial consultations to travel logistics, Medserg ensures that patients receive high-quality care at the most affordable prices.

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