Leading Countries in the Field of Liver Transplant and Its Cost
Despite all the advancement in modern medicine, liver diseases are sometimes not treatable. Sometimes, with serious pathologies, the liver simply ceases to function, and it is impossible to reverse this process. In such situations, the only way out is a liver transplant. There are many countries that offer Liver transplantation in various hospitals and India is one of them. Liver transplant in India was first done in 1995 and was unsuccessful.
With unique features, Liver transplantation in India has contributed to the growth of both deceased donor and living donor transplantations. In this transplantation, living donor contributes to 80% and deceased donor to 20% of the liver transplants currently performed in India.
In this article, we will discuss the leading countries in the field of Liver Transplant and Liver transplant in India and how much it will cost in different countries.
Important Facts:
- First Liver Transplant in India was performed in 1995, by Rajashekhar.
- Five-year survival after a liver transplant is approximately 60%. About 40% of patients after such an operation live 20 years or longer.
- The first successful liver transplant operation was performed in the USA in 1963. Today, most of these operations are carried out in America.
When is liver transplantation required?
Indications for a liver transplant can be various diseases and pathologies:
- Oncological diseases– It should be clarified that liver transplantation in cancer is indicated when the tumor is located only in the liver and metastases in other organs are not detected.
- Acute liver failure- for example, due to poisoning.
- Viral hepatitis (except hepatitis A) in severe form.
- Hemochromatosis is a metabolic disorder in which iron begins to be deposited in the liver cells and interferes with its normal functioning.
- Liver cirrhosis in the later stages, especially if there is a risk of hepatic coma.
- Wilson-Konovalov ‘s disease is a disease in which the liver and some other internal organs are affected due to metabolic disorders.
- Cirrhotic form of cystic fibrosis.
Of course, the diagnosis of hepatitis or cirrhosis alone does not mean that you will definitely need a liver transplant. Liver transplantation is necessary only in cases where without this operation there is a high risk that the patient will die within a year, or if the condition of this organ quickly deteriorates due to illness or pathology, and no other means can slow down this process. Sometimes liver transplantation is also prescribed when the disease significantly reduces a person’s quality of life and his ability to work and self-care.
Different Countries That offers Liver Transplant
There are many countries where liver transplantation is performed. These include India, Russia, USA, Korea, Germany etc.
Liver transplant in India
The first liver transplant in India was carried out in 1995 and it was unsuccessful. After so many unsuccessful attempts, in November 1998 the successful liver transplant was performed. This living donor Liver transplant (LDLT) was performed by Rajashekhar. If we talk about the success rate of Liver transplant in India, then 90% of recipients survive for 1-year post-surgery and the long term success rate is 50-60%(10-20 year).
Liver Transplant in Russia
The first liver transplant in Russia was carried out in 1990 – much later than in the United States or Europe. Although Russian doctors are highly professional, many wealthy patients prefer to go to foreign clinics located in countries that are considered to be advanced in the field of transplantation. Today, most of these operations are carried out in the USA, Germany, France, Italy, Great Britain, India and Singapore. In recent years, many have chosen Korea to carry out such an operation.
Liver Transplant in USA
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is one of the most famous hospitals in the USA, and the Department of Transplantology is rightfully considered the best and best equipped in the States. The center has already conducted more than 600 successful liver transplant surgeries – this is 7.5% of the total number of such surgeries in the world.
Liver Transplant in Korea
Samsung Medical Center is the largest medical center in Korea, which is distinguished by excellent technical equipment and the highest qualification of doctors, each of whom underwent training and internships in hospitals in Japan, the USA and Europe. It is a presidential standard medical facility. Here, transplantation of the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and pancreas is performed.
Liver Transplant in Germany
University Hospital Essen is a hospital with more than 100 years of history, excellent technical equipment and the most stringent selection criteria for employees in Germany. Known for outstanding achievements in the field of hepatology and many successful liver transplant operations. Since the 1990s here they do split liver transplantation – an operation in which one organ is transplanted to two patients at once.
How much does liver transplant cost in different countries
The cost of Liver Transplant in India is approx 22,56,000 INR. In the United States, a liver transplant will cost about 500,000 USD. This country is known not only for its high level of medicine but also for its high cost. Liver transplantation is somewhat cheaper in Germany (200,000–400,000 USD) and in Israel (250,000–270,000 USD). In South Korea, such an operation will cost 200,000-250,000 USD.
Final Thought
Life is priceless – you can not argue with that, but often the chances of recovery are estimated in monetary terms. If you are one of those lucky ones whose accumulation size allows you to go abroad for treatment, do not hesitate to do it. In India, the chances of waiting for the line for a liver transplant are very small, especially if you are already young and have a history of several chronic diseases. Which clinic in which country to choose? The answer depends on your financial capabilities, the specifics of the disease and many other factors. It may be easier to contact a specialized company that provides medical assistance services like Credihealth.
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