Being a complex surgery, the cost of liver transplants choosing the most reputed medical institution while going through this procedure is of utmost importance in India and is on the higher side. However, to ensure your well-being and good health, you should focus on getting this surgery done by a renowned and reliable hospital rather than thinking too much about the expenses. While the overall cost of liver transplants in India would differ from one hospital to another, choosing the most reputed medical institution while going through this procedure is of utmost importance. The major hospitals specializing in treating liver-related issues shall have experienced and skilled surgeons, physicians, and medical teams who can ensure that this complex surgery goes smoothly, with the minimum possible inconvenience the patients face.
It is needless to say that cost of liver transplant in India or such medical procedures can be prohibitively expensive. Insurance will cover part of the payment for the surgery. However, patients face various clauses, so it's a good idea to check with your insurance agency for better clarity.
Going for a liver transplantation in India
The liver is among the body’s most crucial organs and performs various vital functions. It filters harmful toxins from the blood, creates bile juice needed for digestion, and produces proteins necessary for blood clotting. Liver transplantation is a surgical procedure that is carried out to replace the damaged liver with a healthy liver from a donor. Owing to the complexity of this surgery, the cost of liver transplants in India is relatively higher than many other types of surgeries. Doctors only recommend that patients go for this surgery when their liver is damaged beyond repair and ceases to function as per requirement.
India is one of the leading nations when it comes to providing quality treatment and care for a liver transplant procedure. In fact, as per certain reports, the success rate of Liver transplants in India has been almost as high as 90%. However, like any other major medical procedure, such a surgery involves unique risks and complications. To ensure this surgery is completed efficiently, it is important to go through it at a renowned hospital specializing in liver transplants, even if the cost in India seems too high in these institutions.
If you have health insurance, it's likely to cover a portion of the cost of a liver transplant in India. The exact amount covered will depend on your policy's clauses. To get a clearer picture, it's advisable to contact your insurance provider. A comprehensive insurance plan should cover a significant portion of the cost of a liver transplant in India.
You can receive a liver from either a deceased or living donor. The cost of a liver transplant in India for both cases would depend on your unique situation. The following points shall help you to understand both the options:
Living Liver donor: This can be a family member or a close friend who has a compatible blood type and approximately matches your liver size. In such a scenario, the donor will donate a part of their liver. However, they do not have to face any permanent loss, as a healthy donor's liver can be expected to grow back to its normal size within 6-8 weeks.
Cadaver or deceased donor: In such a scenario, the liver from a deceased individual is transplanted into your body. If you are suffering from an acute liver disease, then you shall need a complete liver transplant, which can be sourced only from a deceased donor. The details for the cost of liver transplant in India, and the waiting list involved for this option can be found on the web. Deceased donors bring hope and a new lease of life to those in need.
The procedure for 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 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:
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 liver transplant surgery works. It is a highly complicated procedure, and hence, the cost of liver transplants in India is high. However, focusing on quality care rather than the cost of liver transplants in India would be best.
Liver failure takes place quickly or after a long period. 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.
Scarring of the liver, also known as cirrhosis of the liver, is the most frequent reason leading to liver transplant. It 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.
Before embarking on a liver transplant, it's essential to be aware of the cost of the procedure in India. This knowledge will help you plan and prepare for the financial aspect combined liver & kidney transplant, ensuring a smoother process.
