How Long Does It Take to Get a Liver from a Living Donor?

Overview

Liver transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a diseased liver with a healthy liver from a living donor or from a deceased donor. And the process of getting a donor for the liver transplant process can be lengthy and cumbersome. Here, we’ve discussed the procedure in detail. Keep reading to learn more.

How do you select a donor for a liver transplant?

If all other therapies for your ailment have been exhausted and you are considered healthy enough for surgery, your doctor may recommend a liver transplant. They will recommend you to a transplant facility. There, you'll meet with specialists and undergo tests to determine whether you qualify for a transplant.

Each center has its own set of criteria for who can receive a transplant. You may be unable to obtain one if you have:

• A serious infection
• alcohol or drug abuse issues.
• Cancer outside of the liver
• Heart or lung illness that is severe
• You or your caretakers will also need to understand and follow your doctor's post-surgery instructions, including the medicines you'll be taking for the rest of your life.

How long does it take to obtain a liver from a living donor?

There is no living donor waiting list. Instead, the majority of recipients obtain their donor liver through a family member or acquaintance. In very rare situations, they will have no prior relationship with their donor.

The transplantation procedure will take place as soon as a living donor is available and all other evaluations and examinations are completed.

What is the donor evaluation process?

There are certain criteria that need to be fulfilled to get a living donor for the liver transplant process. These include:

• Bring all medical documents, X-rays, liver biopsy slides, and a list of your medications to your liver transplant evaluation. The team may conduct the following tests:
• A CT scan takes photos of your liver using X-rays and a computer. CT scans and chest X-rays will also be used to examine your heart and lungs.
• Doppler ultrasonography is used to determine whether the blood arteries leading to and from your liver are open.
• An echocardiogram will be performed to examine your heart.
• Pulmonary function tests are performed to determine how well your lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Blood tests are used to learn more about your blood and how well your liver is performing. In addition, you will be tested for HIV, other infections (such as herpes and Epstein-Barr), and hepatitis.

What is a waiting list? And how does it work?

If you meet the transplant criteria but do not have a donor, the center will place you on a waiting list. It categorizes people based on their blood type, body size, and medical condition (how ill they are). Based on three blood tests, each patient is assigned a priority score (creatinine, bilirubin, and INR). In adults, the score is known as MELD (model of end-stage liver disease), and in children, it is known as PELD (pediatric end-stage liver disease).

Patients with the highest scores and acute liver failure are given first priority for a transplant. If their condition deteriorates, their scores will rise, and their transplant priority will increase as well. This ensures that the transplants reach the patients who need them the most.

It's difficult to estimate how long you might have to wait for a liver. Your transplant coordinator is always ready to talk about your position on the waiting list.

Why should you consider getting liver transplant treatment in India?

For a few major reasons, India is the most favored place for various treatments and operations.

• India's cutting-edge techniques,
• NABH accredited hospitals
• assured quality care.
• medical skills, and
• Our liver transplant costs in India are among the best in the world, as our patients need affordable and quality outcomes.

All these have significantly increased the success rate of liver transplant treatments in India.

The patient can substantially benefit from the treatment by simply packing for their medical journey to India. We also offer a comprehensive range of counseling for coping with changes to our national and international patients as well.

How can we help with the treatment?

If you are in search of a liver transplant treatment hospital in India, we will serve as your guide throughout your treatment and will be physically present with you even before your treatment begins. The following will be provided to you:

• Opinions of expert physicians and surgeons
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated care
• Prior appointment with specialists
• Assistance with hospital formalities
• 24*7 availability
• Arrangements for travel
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

We are dedicated to offering the highest quality health care to our patients. We have a team of highly qualified and devoted health professionals that will be by your side from the beginning of your journey.