Liver- the second largest internal organ of the body has various functions in our body, right from digestion, removal of toxins, metabolism, nutrient storage and the list is long. Therefore damage to the liver can even cost you your life. Thanks to advanced technology, liver transplants have saved many lives and are continuing to do so. Dr. Manav Wadhawan, Director, Hepatology and Liver transplant (Fortis Escorts Liver and Digestive Disease Institute), spoke to us about the situation of increasing number of liver transplants in the country. He said, 'The burden of end stage liver disease has increased exponentially over the last few years. The contributing factors include obesity, excessive drinking, liver infections like Hepatitis B & C as well as sedentary lifestyle. Liver transplant provides the only long term cure for the patients with end stage liver disease. The number of liver transplants being performed are increasing in india. We intend to increase the public awareness about liver disorders and transplantation' (Read:10 things that can cause liver disease)
While there are increasing number of liver transplants happening in our country, the awareness about the same is excessively low and to top that there are a number of myths surrounding the whole process of liver transplant and liver diseases that people tend to believe. Dr Manav Wadhawan also helped us get a clearer picture and busted major liver diseases and transplant myths that you must read:
Myth: Liver disease only affects people who drink excessively
Fact: Liver disease can happen to anyone, the disease doesn't discriminate between age, gender or caste. With increasing urbanisation, Non alcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming as common a cause of liver disease as alcohol.
Myth: Donation of a part of Liver is not safe in a living person
Fact: Liver is only organ in our body which regenerates to full size after donation. Both recipient as well donor livers grow to normal size within 3-6 months after donation.
Myth: Liver donation is possible only if recipient & donor blood groups are identical
Fact: liver donor should have a compatible blood group (same blood group as patient or O group). Importantly matching of Rh factor (positive or negative) is not required. Also patient with AB blood group is a universal recipient (all blood group donors are compatible)
Myth: Liver transplant is a surgery with very bad results, Patients undergoing a liver transplant have a limited life span.
Fact: The success rate of liver transplant is 90-95%. Patients lead a normal, healthy and productive life following a liver transplant. Transplanted liver has unlimited capacity of regeneration. In other words, transplanted liver has a life span as a normal liver.
Myth: Liver transplant will restrict my life due to risk of infections after transplant
Fact: Transplant helps you to improve your life instead. The risk of infections is much higher in a liver disease patient than after transplant. Yes, you have to live with precautions but the quality of life will be definitely better.
