Liver transplantation is a critical medical operation. This surgery is a boon to patients suffering from acute liver failure. In Delhi, India’s capital, several famous hospitals provide liver transplant services. If you or someone close to you requires this organ transplant treatment, it’s essential to know the costs accrued. And decide wisely before going ahead with the surgery. In this blog, we will explore all the details of liver transplant in Delhi and assist you with some parameters like cost and the different factors that will help you to go ahead with this organ transplant.
Worldwide, out of a million people, some 20 to 25 people need a liver transplant treatment every year. Cirrhosis, scarring of the liver, is the main cause of damage to the liver. Due to an increase in liver problems, there is a need for more donor livers and as India is gaining a popular destination for medical tourism, one should know the approximate cost of this organ transplant in India. Although deceased donor transplants are common in the West, in Asian countries living donor transplants are more in fashion. People who have had a living donor transplant normally have fewer health problems after the surgery as compared to those who are recipients of liver from a deceased donor.
When one compares the cost of a liver transplant in India with the Western nations, this organ transplant turns out to be cheaper in India. The cost depends on many factors and includes, the hospital or clinic chosen, the surgeon’s fees, and the overall cost of the surgery. The cost varies from INR 12 to 22 lakhs, or USD 14,000 to 25,600. In terms of facilities, the level of service, the surgeon’s skill, and the success rate, there is no compromise in any of these parameters.
Liver Transplant Cost in Delhi
Patients have a choice in selecting either a government hospital or a private one. Depending on the budget, affordability, facilities offered, and the desired levels of comfort and services, a person can opt for any of these hospitals.
Government Hospitals
For people with a limited budget, a government hospital is the ideal choice. AIIMS is a well-known hospital for liver transplants. It will cost you nearly INR 12 to 15 lakhs for this surgery. This encompasses:
- The medical procedure
- Hospital stay
- Medicines
Private Hospitals
All such hospitals are well-equipped with the latest machines and facilities. They also have an experienced team of surgeons and support staff that is available around the clock. Hospitals such as Apollo, Max Super Hospital, and Medanta. The Medicity are some well reputed hospitals in India.
It will cost you nearly INR 22 to 25 lakhs or maybe more for this organ transplant. This cost is inclusive of various diagnostic tests, medical surgery, post-surgery care, and drugs prescription. A well-experienced surgeon may cost more.
Additional Costs
For international patients, it is a matter of concern to reckon other costs. These can include, travel cost, accommodation cost for the patient and their companion, family members if accompanying, and any additional diagnostic tests or consultation with the doctor.
Approximate Cost of Liver Transplant in Delhi
This organ transplant will nearly cost you:
- Live-related liver transplants (LDLT): They cost between INR 12 to 15 lakhs or USD 14,000 to 17,500.
- Deceased donor liver transplants (DDLT): It costs INR 20 to 22 lakhs or USD 23,330 to 25,660.
Different Factors Associated with Liver Transplant Cost in Delhi
The cost of a liver transplant in Delhi can greatly differ. Some factors to consider are:
- Hospital selection: This has a great influence on the total expenses. It costs less in public hospitals as compared to private hospitals.
- Experienced medical staff: A surgeon with a good number of years of practice and credibility may charge more than a less known doctor. These charges also add to the overall cost.
- Hospital stay: The confinement to the medical building before and following the transplant.
- Donor availability: There is an ample shortage of donors in India, and it can lead to an increase in the waiting time for this medical procedure.
- Donor match: Similar blood group between the donor and recipient minimizes the risk of complications and the risk of rejection after the transplant.
- Medical examinations: Different assessments and evaluations are required prior to surgery.
- Medication: After a transplant, taking medication is necessary for the remaining part of your life. And this again increases the cost.
- Complications: The emergence of complications during or following the surgery can increase the expenses.
What Makes Delhi a Hot Spot for Liver Transplants?
The presence of famous hospitals and transplant centers including AIIMS and Fortis Healthcare makes Delhi a hot spot for this organ transplant.
Here’s a more explanation in detail:
- Delhi, the Indian capital, boasts numerous hospitals that carry out liver transplant surgery with a high success rate. Two leading and internationally recognized centers for liver transplant are: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and The Fortis Healthcare group. These hospitals have a committed and devoted team of surgeons, hepatologists, and other experts. All of these are highly skilled in conducting and successfully managing this medical procedure.
- Certain centers, such as Institute of Liver and Bianry Sciences (ILBS), specialize in high-volume complex hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeries. A good number of liver transplant surgeries take place each year. These centers possess the adequate infrastructure with sophisticated surgical tools and critical care units. All these facilitate a smooth liver transplant operation.
- Both public hospitals such as AIIMS and ILBS, and private facilities like Fortis, provide liver transplant services. And these cater to a plethora of patients and requirements.
- ILBS is an exclusive facility under the Delhi Government accredited by NABH. It operates an active liver transplant program and provides high-quality care to its patients. Since its formation, ILBS has carried out more than 900 liver transplants.
- AIIMS performed its inaugural liver transplant in 1999 and began performing living donor transplants in 2016.
Why You May Need a Liver Transplant?
Liver transplantation is the only solution for patients who are victims of liver failure or chronic liver problems. Some of the common reasons to go for this medical procedure include:
- Cirrhosis or scarring of the liver,
- Liver cancer
- Genetic liver disorders,
- Hepatocellular cancer,
- Fulminant hepatic failure.
Conclusion
Liver transplant gives a ray of hope to patients suffering from critical liver problems. As the cost of this organ transplant is priced from INR 12 lakhs to 22 lakhs, this makes it quite affordable to go ahead with this organ transplant in Delhi.
With a medical team of skilled doctors and a patient-centric support staff, the surgeons in India perform this liver transplant with a high success rate, that exceeds 95%. And normally patients take 3 to 6 months before they recover.
