The average cost for liver transplant surgery in Nepal is NPR 25 Lakhs (it includes all the expenses including surgery charges, ICU stay, bill for medications and hospital bed charges of about 15 days)
What is the Treatment for Liver Disease?
Every liver condition has a unique course of treatment. For instance:
While the immune system battles and eradicates the virus in the case of hepatitis A, the patient needs intensive care to
maintain hydration.
Medication may be necessary for situations of cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease to regulate protein intake with a low-salt diet and diuretics.
For people who have a lot of fluid in their abdomen, a paracentesis is required to drain the extra fluid.
Operations may be necessary to treat portal hypertension and reduce the risk of bleeding.
Tests to Detect Liver Diseases
The most common tests done to diagnose any liver disease are:
Liver Function Tests – Prothrombin time, Serum bilirubin, GGT, Serum alkaline phosphatase, Serum Albumin, Serum Aminotransferases, AFP
Virus Tests – Anti-HBs, HCV RNA, HAV IgM, HEV IgM, HBeAg, HCV-Ab, HBsAg, HBV DNA
Cost of Liver Transplant in Nepal
From routine tests and transplants to post-operative care and lifelong prescriptions, the cost of liver transplants in Nepal lies between 25 Lakh. The cost is comparatively much low from other countries such as the UK, Germany, Singapore, Thailand and many more. Costs involved with transplantation include:
Extensive laboratory tests
Fee for transplant surgeons and operating room personnel
Organ recovery
Latest equipment & medical tools for surgery
Transportation
Lodging and food for family members (during the period of surgery and hospitalisation)
Physical therapy and Rehabilitation
Patient lodging (After discharge)
Anti-rejection drugs and other medications
Comparison of Liver Transplant Cost in Different Countries:
Countries
Estimated Liver Transplant Cost
India
NPR 32 lakh (INR 20 Lakhs)
Singapore
NPR 70 lakh
USA
NPR 1.5-3 crore
South Africa
NPR 30 lakh
UK
NPR 1.5 – 2 crores
Germany
NPR 90 lakh-1.5 crore
Types of Liver Transplants
There are 3 major ways a liver transplant in India can be carried out:
Orthotopic Transplant
An orthotopic transplant is the most standard and common type of liver transplant. The entire liver is taken from a recently deceased donor. It is usually from a donor who has committed his or her organs for donation before death and
has no infectious disease or cancers that may be transmitted to the patient.
Split Type of Liver Transplant
Split donation involves the transplantation of a liver from a newly deceased person to two individuals. It is possible if the next appropriate recipients are an adult and a kid. The donated liver will be divided into the left and right lobes. The adult usually receives the bigger right lobe, and the kid will receive the smaller left lobe. This method can benefit 2 persons at a time.
Living Donor Liver Transplant
A living donor transplant represents that the donor is a volunteer living person. For this, the donor has the operation first, in which the doctor removes the liver’s left or right side (lobe).
Right lobe transplants are normally advised for adults, while left lobes are for children. It is because the right lobe is larger and nicely suitable for adults, while the left lobe is smaller and better fit for children.
Common Reasons for Liver Transplantation?
In Nepal, the most common causes for liver transplantation is cirrhosis of liver due to alcohol.
Primary Liver Cancer
Primary liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma is a type of cancer that forms in your liver. If cancer doesn’t extend beyond your liver, removing the liver can extract the cancer and cure it. In some cases, the surgeon can remove just
a part of your liver with a tumour (partial liver resection). But a liver transplant may be required if your liver is in poor condition.
Acute Liver Failure
Acute liver failure arises when a previously fit liver has met with extreme damage. The harm may come from harmful poisoning or infection, such as drugs and other things. If you have acute liver failure, you will have liver deficiency symptoms that indicate your liver has quit working. It is an emergency situation that needs
a quick observation. It would be best if you did a liver transplant in this situation.
Chronic Liver Failure
Chronic liver failure is the last stage of chronic, progressive liver disease. It usually indicates that too much of your liver tissue has been
substituted with scar tissue with no blood flow. It is also known as “cirrhosis of the liver“. You’ll show “decompensated” liver disease
symptoms when your liver operations start to break down. In this situation, a liver transplant is the only cure.
Who Needs Liver Transplant
A liver transplant is typically recommended for individuals with end-stage liver disease or liver failure. This includes:
Cirrhosis
Hepatitis B or C
Alcoholic liver disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Primary biliary cirrhosis
And certain genetic liver disorders.
Candidates for liver transplants undergo a thorough evaluation to determine their eligibility based on factors like the severity of liver disease, overall health, and the likelihood of successful transplantation. The procedure is a life-saving option for those whose liver function has significantly deteriorated and cannot be managed with other medical interventions.
Who Should Not Go for Liver Transplant
Certain individuals may not be suitable candidates for liver transplants. Here are some factors that may make someone ineligible for the procedure:
Advanced age and severe coexisting medical conditions pose a high risk for surgery and post-transplant complications.
Active substance abuse or alcoholism may negatively impact the success of the transplant.
Advanced cancers or severe infections that cannot be effectively treated or controlled.
Significant cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases increase the risk of surgery failure.
Noncompliance with medical treatments or inability to adhere to the post-transplant medication and lifestyle requirements.
Why Choose Nepal for Liver Transplantation
Nepal is a popular destination for liver transplantation due to several reasons:
Highly skilled healthcare professionals with expertise and experience in liver transplantation
Advanced medical infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest technology.
Cost-effective treatment options compared to many other countries, making it affordable for international patients.
Availability of a large pool of organ donors, including living-related donors.
Shorter waiting times for transplantation due to the higher availability of organs.
Well-established post-transplant care and follow-up services.
India’s reputation for providing quality healthcare services and a growing number of successful liver transplant cases.
The opportunity to combine medical treatment with tourism, exploring India’s rich culture and heritage during recovery.
Promote a Healthy Liver With Us
Quality
Get the best quality liver transplant treatment and expert advice from experienced liver transplant surgeons in India.
Assurance
Get a state-of-the-art facility, treatment assurance and world-class laser equipment treatment to keep your liver healthy.
Counsel and Prepare with Experts
Connect with our expert team of surgeons to better understand the process before and after surgery.
Expertise
We at Liver Transplant Nepal are dedicated to giving you expert treatment performed by professionals. With us, get the best liver treatments and live a healthy life.
FAQs
What is the cost of liver transplant in Nepal?
Cost of liver transplant in Nepal varies from 10-20 lakh rupees. The success rate of liver transplant surgery in Nepal is very high. However, the cost mostly depends on the type of hospital you pick (private or
government-run). Some exclusive private hospitals may charge up to Rs 35 lakhs for liver transplant surgery.
How long does the patient need to stay in the hospital after a liver transplant?
The average stay in the hospital after a liver transplant is about 7 to 10 days. Doctors also need to check the liver function often to ensure that your new liver is working properly.
How long does the patient take to recover after a liver transplant?
Expect 6 months or more of recovery time before you’ll feel completely healed after liver transplant surgery. You may be capable of continuing normal activities or returning to work a few months after surgery.
What are the risks to the donor after the Liver transplant?
Some common risks that a donor can face after the liver transplant are nausea, wound infection, and bleeding that may need a transfusion and blood clots.
Are life-long medications required after a liver transplant?
To stop your body from striking and harming your new liver, you’ll require to take medicines called immunosuppressants for the rest of your life.