Liver Transplant Cost

The liver is a vital organ that plays an important role in maintaining the body's various functions. It is responsible for metabolising nutrients from food, detoxifying harmful substances, producing bile for digestion, storing vitamins and minerals, and regulating the level of glucose in the blood. Sometimes, the liver can become diseased and show signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the eye's white parts and nails. 

A damaged liver cannot function properly, leading to the accumulation of toxic materials in the bloodstream. Sometimes, the damage may be reversible, but in many cases, the damage may be severe, leading the person to require a liver transplant. Liver transplantation procedures can be performed at competitive prices in India with world-class healthcare facilities.

What is Liver Transplant?

Liver transplantation surgery is a surgical treatment to replace a diseased liver with a healthy liver, obtained from either a deceased or a living donor. Liver transplantation can be a life altering treatment that requires strict adherence to medications along with making lifestyle modifications. Cost of liver surgery in India is comparatively lower than other countries. However, liver transplant surgery cost may vary from place to place in India. 

Who needs Liver Transplant Surgery?

The liver is the only organ in the body that can regenerate and heal itself. When it becomes so severely damaged that its regeneration ability is beyond its capacity, a liver transplant becomes necessary. A liver transplant is often recommended for patients with acute or chronic liver failure, which makes the liver non-functional and makes it difficult for the patient to survive. Acute or chronic liver failure may occur as a result of excessive alcohol consumption, primary liver cancer, autoimmune hepatitis, and acute hepatic necrosis, etc. 

What is the Cost of Liver Transplant in India?

Liver transplant cost in India is a lot more affordable than other countries with the availability of numerous reliable healthcare institutions in India. Liver transplant operation cost in India is around ₹14.5 lakhs to ₹22.5 lakhs.

Liver Transplant Cost:

The cost of liver transplant can vary depending on various factors such as patient’s age, co-morbidities, overall health and pre-transplant evaluation test results. For a more accurate estimate, discuss with your healthcare provider.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Liver Transplant 

• Type of liver transplant: The liver for the transplantation surgery can be taken from a living or deceased donor. This can impact the liver operation cost.
• Pre-transplant evaluation & tests: Before a liver transplant surgery is recommended to a patient, they must undergo a series of tests that ensure their fitness for the surgery. Tests such as imaging tests, blood tests, radiology, diagnostic tests, and other required exams help to identify the patient's eligibility for the operation.
• Risk Assessment of the case
• Comorbidities in the recipient patient

Why is Liver Transplant Required?

A liver transplant is a lifesaving treatment for patients with liver failure that cannot be controlled by other methods and those with liver cancer. The most common cause of liver failure is cirrhosis or scarring of the liver tissues. When liver cirrhosis occurs, scar tissues replace the liver tissues, leading the liver to fail to function properly. Major reasons contributing to liver cirrhosis may include:

• Hepatitis B and C
• Excessive alcohol consumption 
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Genetic diseases
• Biliary atresia, etc.