All There Is to Know About Live Liver Donation

What Is Organ Transplant?

We all know that human life is priceless. However, it has become very uncertain in this day and age. Its constant need for care and protection makes everyone more dependent on modern medicine.

There are certain aspects of medicine that require more precision than others. One of these is an organ transplant. It is a surgical procedure to harvest and transfer a healthy organ to a seriously ill person whose corresponding organ is not functioning. Its ability to save and rehabilitate countless lives makes it one of the noblest things ever. One such organ is the liver, and many patients look for liver transplants in Delhi Hospitals due to their excellence in handling such complex medical procedures. 

A Bit of the Past

The concept of organ transplant started in 1954, with the twins Richard and Ronald Herrick and their surgeon Dr. Joseph Murray. It was the first-ever transplant in history where Ronald Herrick willingly gave away his kidney to save his brother. However, he was unaware at the time of the magnitude of his generosity and how it would one day help save innumerable lives. Years later, Dr. Joseph Murray received a Nobel Prize for his immense contribution to medicine.

Since then, organ transplant has made great strides. Today, many organs in the human body including the liver, kidney, heart, lungs, pancreas, stem cells, etc, can be harvested. Out of these organs, the cases of liver transplants are the highest. Unfortunately, the list of organ receivers exceeds the potential list of donors. According to a newsletter published by ‘Medical News Today’ on an average twenty people die daily while waiting for an organ. Fortunately, the cost of liver treatment in Delhi is affordable and many patients manage their condition till a suitable liver donor comes to their rescue. 

Why Is Liver Transplant Important?

Every person should consider themselves a potential donor. For those willing to donate after death, their medical history and age are evaluated. However, the donor can be alive when it comes to liver transplants. A live liver donation is a procedure where a segment of a healthy liver is harvested and planted into the patient’s body. The liver cells have a unique ability to replicate, which helps the organ regain its original size approximately. The organ’s ability to regenerate and grow back makes it viable for donors and receivers. Such critical procedures are carried out best in specialty hospitals, and a liver transplant in Delhi is one of them. To know how a donor is suitable for liver transplantation, let us look a bit deeper.

• Age Group

A live liver donor should be within the age of 18 to 60 years.

• Body-Mass Index (BMI)

In living liver donation, the BMI of the donor is of great importance. According to healthcare professionals, a higher BMI of the donor often leads to the rejection of the organ by the recipient’s body. Therefore, for a suitable transplant, the donor’s BMI needs to be below 32.

• Pre-Donation Evaluation

Healthcare officials demand an extensive evaluation pre-donation. It is to determine the health of the donor and the compatibility of the organ. Some requirements include CT scan, X-ray, Doppler ultrasound, Echocardiogram, Serology screening, etc.

• Psychological Condition

Myths surrounding organ donation often results in donors changing their mind about the process. For example, before donating, it is common to believe that a liver transplant often leads to the depreciation of the quality of life. Research has shown that this mindset arises entirely out of fear and anxiety. However, any donor needs to overcome these psychological problems before donating as it may adversely affect the much-needed strength to recuperate post-surgery.

• Susceptible To New Lifestyle

With the rapid advancement of modern medicine, liver transplantation has become a mainstream treatment. However, there is a need for an adjusting mindset of the donor. For the process to work, donors have to lead a restricted lifestyle both pre and post-surgery. The transplantation team often recommends donors abstain from alcohol consumption and illegal drugs as it increases the potential risks of rejection of the liver.

• Compatible Blood Type

To become a live liver donor the primary requirement is blood type compatibility. However, contrary to popular belief, one doesn’t need to have the same group of blood to donate. Let’s take a look at the compatibility chart:

DONOR BLOOD GROUP	RECIPIENT BLOOD GROUP
O	O, A, B, AB
A	A, AB
B	B, AB
AB	AB

Liver transplantation is a dynamic process not just in terms of time but also cost. With the cost of approximately 18 lakhs and above, this procedure demands cutting-edge technology. For those living in India, Delhi is a good choice for liver transplants as it has premium healthcare facilities. 

The Takeaway

The procedure of live liver donation can save many lives without endangering that of the donor. Most patients prefer liver transplants in Delhi as it is convenient, and many hospitals have expertise in handling critical procedures.   As it is recommended only to end-stage liver failure patients, this noble act requires nothing but one’s willingness to help. Until you receive a suitable donor, it is advisable to manage the condition as much as possible, and the reasonable cost of liver treatment in Delhi might help you manage the required medical expenses.