EMERGENCY: 1800 330 0000 I CALL: NOIDA : +91-9582833333, GREATER NOIDA : +91-8800447777, NOIDA EXT: +91-8800110086 , JHANSI: +91 8800550084, FARIDABAD: +91-8588833310

ConditionandTreatments

Overview

Yatharth Hospital is the best liver transplant hospital in Delhi NCR, which specialises in liver transplants and GI surgeries. Established with a mission to provide the best healthcare to the patients, Yatharth Hospitals' Centre for Liver Transplant and GastroIntestinal Surgery has become the trusted destination for liver transplants for patients from India and overseas.

What is Liver Transplantation?

A liver transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased or failing liver with a healthy liver from a donor. This treatment is often the last resort for patients with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure. At Yatharth Hospital, we provide state-of-the-art facilities and a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best outcomes for liver transplant patients.

Signs and Symptoms Indicating the Need for a Liver Transplant

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Abdominal swelling and pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Frequent infections
  • Confusion and cognitive issues (hepatic encephalopathy)
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding

Who Needs a Liver Transplant?

A liver transplant is recommended in the following situations:

  • End-Stage Liver Disease: If a person has a severely diseased liver that cannot function properly, known as end-stage liver disease, a liver transplant is advised.
  • Acute Liver Failure: If a previously healthy liver fails suddenly and acutely, a liver transplant becomes necessary.
  • Liver Cancer: Liver cancer is another common reason for a transplant. In cadaveric transplants, the waiting time can be unpredictable, and some patients may not survive while waiting for a donor liver. However, living donor liver transplants can be performed as soon as a suitable donor is available and medically fit, allowing for a planned operation.

What Causes Liver Failure?

Liver failure can occur in two ways:

  • Acute Liver Failure: This happens rapidly, within weeks, in a previously healthy liver.
  • Chronic Liver Failure: This develops slowly over months and years.

Common causes of liver failure include:

  • Chronic viral infections with hepatitis B and C
  • Diabetes
  • Alcoholism
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Bile duct abnormalities, such as primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and biliary duct atresia

Hepatitis B and C are the most common viral infections leading to liver failure worldwide. Fortunately, there is an effective vaccine for hepatitis B and curative treatments for hepatitis C. Primary liver cancer often develops in chronically diseased livers and can sometimes spread rapidly, leaving no treatment options. However, liver transplants can be curative for patients with liver cancer, subject to specific criteria.

Types of Liver Transplant

  • Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation (DDLT): The diseased liver is removed and replaced with a healthy liver from a deceased donor.
  • Living Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT): A portion of a healthy liver from a living donor is transplanted into the recipient.
  • Split Liver Transplant: A single deceased donor liver is divided and transplanted into two recipients.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing the need for a liver transplant involves comprehensive evaluation, including:

  • Blood tests to assess liver function
  • Imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI
  • Liver biopsy to determine the extent of liver damage
  • Assessment of overall health and suitability for surgery

Eligibility for Liver Transplant

Eligibility for a liver transplant is determined through a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s medical condition, overall health, and specific criteria set by transplant specialists. While criteria can vary between institutions, common factors include:

  • Liver Disease Severity: The main factor is the severity of the liver disease. Typically, patients with end-stage liver disease or irreversible liver failure are considered for a transplant, often indicated by a low Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score.
  • Underlying Diagnosis: The cause of liver disease, such as liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune conditions, or metabolic disorders, is evaluated as certain conditions may impact eligibility.
  • Absence of Contraindications: Conditions like severe heart disease, active infections, and certain cancers may disqualify a patient from receiving a liver transplant.
  • Sobriety and Substance Abuse: Patients with a history of substance abuse may need to demonstrate a period of sobriety and commitment to abstinence.
  • Psychosocial Evaluation: Assessments are conducted to evaluate the patient's ability to handle the stress of the transplant process and adhere to necessary post-transplant lifestyle changes, including medication regimens.
  • Support System: A strong support system is crucial. Patients should have family or caregivers who can assist with post-transplant care, as recovery can be challenging.
  • Age and General Health: Age is not an absolute barrier, but the patient's overall health and ability to tolerate surgery and recover are considered.

Note: The evaluation process for a liver transplant is complex and individualized, and not all patients with end-stage liver disease may be eligible.

Treatment

Liver transplant surgery involves several steps:

  • Preoperative Care: Detailed evaluation and preparation, including medication management and lifestyle adjustments.
  • Surgical Procedure: The diseased liver is removed, and the donor liver is placed in the correct anatomical position. Blood vessels and bile ducts are then connected.
  • Postoperative Care: Intensive monitoring, immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection, and regular follow-ups to ensure the new liver is functioning properly.

Liver Transplant Process at Yatharth Hospital

Pre-Transplant Evaluation

  • Medical History and Testing: Patients undergo comprehensive evaluations, including blood tests, imaging, and diagnostics to assess liver disease severity.
  • Psychosocial Assessment: Evaluations ensure patients and their support systems can handle the emotional and psychological demands of the transplant process.
  • Financial Counseling: Reviews ensure financial feasibility, confirming patients can cover costs or have adequate insurance.

Organ Matching and Donor Selection

  • Waiting List Placement: Eligible patients are placed on a waiting list for a deceased donor liver, with priority based on the MELD score.
  • Living Donor Option: Potential living donors, often family members, undergo evaluations to ensure compatibility and willingness to donate.
  • Organ Allocation: Deceased donor livers are allocated to suitable recipients based on blood type, size match, and MELD score.

Surgery

  • Recipient Surgery: Performed under general anesthesia, the surgery typically lasts 8-10 hours. The damaged liver is removed and replaced with a healthy donor liver.
  • Donor Surgery (if applicable): Living donors undergo surgery to remove a portion of their liver, which is then transplanted into the recipient.

Post-Transplant Care

  • Immediate Recovery: Patients are closely monitored in the ICU after surgery.
  • Immunosuppression: Lifelong immunosuppressive medications prevent organ rejection and are carefully managed to minimize infection risks.
  • Follow-Up Appointments: Regular appointments monitor progress and adjust medications or treatments as needed.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Patients are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and abstaining from alcohol or substances harmful to the liver.

Success Rates and Patient Outcomes

Survival Rates: Yatharth Hospital ensures intensive care during and after surgery, boasting over a 95% success rate and over 80% 10-year survival rate.

Quality of Life: Many recipients experience significant improvements, resuming normal activities and alleviating symptoms of liver disease.

Complications: Risks include rejection, infections, and medication side effects, managed by the medical team.

If you or a loved one needs specialized care in liver transplant and biliary sciences, Yatharth Hospital offers expert, patient-centered care. With cutting-edge technology and renowned specialists, our exceptional success rates make us a top choice for liver transplants in India. Start your journey toward better health with a consultation with liver transplant surgeons at Yatharth Hospital, where world-class medical care leads to a brighter, healthier future.

FAQ

What are the success rates of liver transplants?

Success rates have significantly improved due to advancements in surgical techniques and post-operative care. The one-year survival rate is around 85-90%.

What are the risks associated with liver transplants?

Risks include infection, bleeding, rejection of the new liver, and complications from immunosuppressive medications.

How long is the recovery period after a liver transplant?

Recovery varies but typically involves a hospital stay of 1-2 weeks, with full recovery taking up to 6 months.

What lifestyle changes are required after a liver transplant?

Patients need to adhere to a healthy diet, avoid alcohol, take immunosuppressive medications, and regularly visit their healthcare provider for monitoring.

Meditation and Surgery

While meditation is not a direct treatment for liver conditions, it can play a crucial role in reducing stress and improving overall well-being, which is beneficial both before and after surgery. Incorporating meditation and mindfulness practices can help patients manage the emotional and physical stress associated with liver transplant procedures.

Yatharth Hospital is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care throughout the liver transplant process. Our team of experts ensures that each patient receives individualized treatment and support to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Other Conditions & Treatments

Get free second opinion from

India’s leading specialists.