Across the globe, nearly 20 to 25 individuals per million of the population call for a liver transplant annually. It emphasizes the crucial demand for this life-saving operation. As per data in 2020, 9013 casualties, or 1.98% of total deaths, were liver-related deaths. The number of individuals expecting a liver transplant frequently surpasses the count of accessible deceased donor livers. This results in considerable difficulties in satisfying the need. To compensate for the shortage of deceased donor livers, living-donor liver transplants (LDLTs) have become a viable option.
Due to many well-trained doctors and the short waiting lists of donors, South Africa is a popular landing place for liver transplants. In this article, we will explore liver transplant in South Africa including its cost, factors associated with the cost, and the need for a liver transplant.
What is Liver Transplantation?
A liver transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces the liver or part of a diseased liver with a healthy liver from a donor. The liver is an important organ as it regulates more than 500 vital functions.
Some important functions of the liver that make it vital for survival include:
- Metabolism,
- Digestion,
- Detoxification, and
- Blood regulation.
Who Needs a Liver Transplant?
Patients who are in their advanced stages of liver failure and for whom all the medical therapies are ineffective then such people need this procedure.
- Chronic liver failure: When a person’s liver reaches the end-stage disease signifying severe damage, scarring, or no longer performing essential functions, then there is a need for this procedure. Changes in the ATP7B gene result in the buildup of copper in the liver.
- Inherited Liver Diseases: Mutations in the genes cause this condition. Wilson disease is one such example.
- Acute liver failure: This happens all of a sudden in days or weeks. It is a rarity. A person who takes acetaminophen in excess is at risk of getting this condition.
- Liver Tumor: Certain liver tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma, may necessitate transplantation if other treatments have failed.
Cost of Liver Transplant in South Africa
It costs reasonable to undergo liver transplant surgery in South Africa. Approximately $50,000 to $1,20,000 or Rands9,09,844 to 21,83,700 is what you may have to shell out for this organ transplant treatment in South Africa.
The expenses associated with a Liver Transplant comprise:
Preoperative diagnostic examinations
Initially, you will need diagnostic tests that will make you certified for this organ transplant and these include:
- Blood tests,
- A chest X-ray,
- An electrocardiogram (EKG), and
- An abdominal ultrasound.
Surgical and Hospital Expenses
The main expense of a liver transplant comprises the operation itself and the duration of the hospital stay.
This includes costs such as:
- Surgeon’s fees,
- Charges for the operating room,
- Anesthesia, and
- They stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) right after the surgery.
The costs of hospitalization can differ based on the length of the stay and the complexity of the surgery.
Post-Transplant Medications
Following the transplant, patients are required to continuously take immunosuppressive drugs for their lifetime or till the doctor advises. It is done to avoid rejection of the new liver. These medicines can be expensive and might consist of drugs such as:
- Tacrolimus,
- Mycophenolate, and
- Corticosteroids.
The expense of these medications accumulates gradually and represents a major recurring cost.
Laboratory Evaluations and Imaging
Consistent monitoring and assessment of the recipients for early and late complications is crucial using:
- Imaging techniques such as CT scans and ultrasounds,
- Additional diagnostic methods.
These evaluations assist in confirming the condition of the transplanted liver and the general health of the patient.
Post-Transplant Care
Recipients of transplants need continuous follow-up treatment and consultations with transplant specialists and hepatologists. These visits are essential for:
- Tracking complications,
- Modifying medications, and
- Tackling any new health issues.
Factors Associated with the Cost of Liver Transplant
The total cost of the medical surgery depends on the patient’s health and preferences. Some of these are listed below:
- The type of transplant that can include LDLT, DDLT, or split liver transplant
- The severity of the condition and the patient’s age,
- Type of hospital and its location,
- Pre-surgical tests like biopsy,
- Complications arising out of surgery such as bleeding, rejection of donated liver,
- Cost of medicines,
- A lengthy stay in the hospital due to some adverse health condition or if the patient is from an outside area.
Eligibility for this Organ Transplant in South Africa
You will need to have several health tests and exams before undergoing this medical procedure at the transplant center. It all then depends on the transplant team to decide whether the surgery will be safe for you.
The tests to take may include:
- Blood and tissue type tests
- Tests for HIV and hepatitis
- Prostate exam (for men)
- Mammogram and Pap smear (for women)
- Heart and lung exams
- Kidney and liver tests
- Colon exam (colonoscopy)
Conclusion
A liver transplant is a boon to all patients with a severe liver condition. Although the process is costly and time-consuming, the prospective benefits include an extended life of 13 to 17 years and an improvement in the quality of life.
Besides, the rise in some hepatic transplants and the chronic patients who have lived for many years face daily challenges, transplantation surgery has given these patients new hope and bettered their lives.
