In India, liver transplants are extremely common. This treatment procedure has been around in the country for almost four decades. However, just like any major surgery, it is necessary to stay informed about the procedure. In case your doctor has advised you to opt for a liver transplant, you may have various questions in mind. Here are some of the key points that anyone should know before undergoing a liver transplant.
Where should you undergo the transplant?
You would want to find the best liver transplant surgeon in India for the transplant. While the procedure is simple, it must take place in a systematic way. There should be no abrupt changes as it can prove to be detrimental. Hence, it is logical to have the surgery done by one of the top surgeons. It is also necessary to choose a hospital that has the latest infrastructure and technology for the surgery.
Who are the donors?
You might be wondering how the hospital would arrange for the donor. Well, there are primarily two types of liver donors:
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Dead donors: These are people who donate their livers after death. The surgeons would remove the entire liver from the deceased person and transplant it.
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Live donor: If a deceased donor's liver isn't available, the doctors would cut a part of a living donor's liver and transplant it into the recipient's body.
The liver possesses the ability to regenerate itself. In the case of a live donor liver transplant, both the donor and the recipient can regrow their livers to their full size within a period of time.
Who can be a living donor?
In most cases, living donors are individuals related to the patient, such as a spouse, a relative, or a friend. Sometimes, however, unrelated individuals step up to donate a part of their liver on humanitarian grounds. Regardless, the hospital would always perform tests to ensure that the donor does not possess any major medical condition or diseases that could pass to the recipient. These tests include the thorough diagnosis of problems like:
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Liver diseases
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Cancer
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Overuse of alcohol or drugs
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Hepatitis
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HIV
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Other infections
Apart from these, the hospital would also check if the donor is mentally and physically fit to undergo surgery.
How safe is liver transplant surgery?
Safety is often a key cause of concern while undergoing any surgery. Various surgeries come with potential side effects and complications. However, a liver transplant is relatively safe, with almost no chances of complications if conducted properly. The donor, too, would be able to recover fast. In addition, the donor needs to take medicines only for two to three weeks after the transplant in most cases.
Who cannot undergo a liver transplant?
Liver transplant surgery is a relatively safe process. However, doctors prescribe it only if other treatment processes have failed and the patient is healthy enough for the surgery. You may not be eligible for it if you have any of the following issues:
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Severe heart or lung diseases
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Problems arising from drug use or alcohol consumption
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Cancer outside the liver
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Severe infections
A skilled and experienced doctor would always check for any potential problems before approving the surgery. Therefore, there is no reason to fear as long as you pick the best liver transplant surgeon in India for the surgery.
