Cost of Liver Transplant in India

Liver transplant surgery is a complex medical procedure, and the cost of it in India can be quite high. However, the most important factor to consider for your well-being and good health is to choose a reputable and reliable hospital for the surgery rather than worrying too much about the expenses. The cost of liver transplant surgery may vary from one hospital to another, but selecting a highly regarded medical institution that specializes in treating liver-related issues is crucial. Such hospitals have skilled and experienced surgeons, physicians, and medical teams who can perform the surgery seamlessly, with minimal inconvenience to patients.

Indeed, the cost of a liver transplant in India or any other medical procedure can be prohibitively expensive. While insurance may cover a part of the payment, it is crucial to check with your insurance agency about the various clauses for better clarity.

Going for a liver transplantation in India

The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body and performs several crucial functions. It filters harmful toxins from the blood, creates bile juice required for digestion, and produces proteins necessary for blood clotting. Liver transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged liver with a healthy one from a donor. Due to the complexity of this surgery, the cost of liver transplants in India is higher than many other types of surgeries. Doctors only recommend this surgery when the liver is damaged beyond repair and no longer functions as it should.

India is a leading country in providing quality care and treatment for liver transplant procedures. According to certain reports, the success rate of liver transplants in India has been almost as high as 90%. However, like any major medical procedure, a liver transplant also involves unique risks and complications. To ensure the surgery is completed efficiently, it is important to undergo it at a renowned hospital specializing in liver transplants, even if the cost seems high in these institutions.

If you have a health insurance plan, it will likely cover some of the costs of a liver transplant in India. However, the coverage amount will depend on your specific policy’s clauses. For a better understanding of this factor, it is advisable to contact your insurance provider. A comprehensive insurance plan is expected to cover a significant portion of the cost of liver transplants in India.

Who can donate a liver for transplant in India?

Liver transplantation is possible through either a deceased or living donor. The cost of this procedure in India may vary depending on your specific case. Here are some key points to help you understand both options:

Living liver donor: A living donor can be a family member or close friend with a compatible blood type and similar liver size. In this case, the donor donates a portion of their liver, which can regenerate normally within 6-8 weeks.

Cadaver or deceased donor: With this option, the liver of a deceased individual is transplanted into your body. If you have an acute liver disease, a complete liver transplant from a deceased donor is the only possible option. Information on the cost and waiting list for cadaver donors can be found online.

The procedure for a liver transplant

The liver transplantation surgery can last for between 6 to 12 hours and is typically done under general anesthesia. Here is a simple rundown of the procedure:

The surgeon shall make a long incision across your abdomen, disconnect the blood supply to and from the liver and bile ducts, and ultimately remove the organ.

Your liver shall then be replaced by that of the donor

The surgeon shall reattach the bile ducts and blood vessels to the transplanted liver and go on to place staples and stitches to close the incision

This is how a liver transplant surgery works. It is a highly complicated procedure, and hence, the cost of liver transplants in India is high. However, it is crucial that you focus on the quality of care received rather than the cost of liver transplants in India.

How does liver failure occur?

Liver failure takes place after a long period or quickly. If liver failure occurs quickly, in a matter of weeks, it is known as acute liver failure. Although a liver transplant can be used to treat acute liver failure, it is mostly used for chronic liver failure that takes place slowly over months and years.

What are the common causes of a liver transplant?

Scarring of the liver, also known as cirrhosis of the liver, is the most frequent reason leading to liver transplant. This can occur as a result of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease, diseases that affect the bile ducts, and genetic diseases that affect the liver.

When heading for a transplant, make sure you know about the cost of a liver transplant in India before going ahead with any procedure. Also, make sure you are heading to the right professionals for a liver transplant or even a combined liver & kidney transplant. This ensures proceedings move forward with minimal complications.