Liver transplant

A liver transplant in Iran is a surgical procedure that includes replacing a diseased or damaged liver with a healthy liver from a donor. This procedure is usually prescribed for patients with end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, or certain liver cancers. The donor liver can belong to a deceased donor or a living donor, who donates a portion of their liver.

Tariffs

Surgery Time
10-15 HRS
Back to work
1 MOUNTH
Anesthetist
GENERAL
Hospitalization Time
8 DAYS
recovery time
2-3 MOUNTH
Stay at the destination
10

The process encompasses several steps, including evaluation for transplant eligibility, listing on a transplant registry, and matching with a suitable donor. Post-transplant, patients need ongoing medical care and monitoring to deter rejection of the new liver and manage any potential complications.

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What happens during a liver transplant surgery?

During a liver transplant surgery, several key steps are followed:

  1. Preparation: The patient is put under general anesthesia. The surgical team prepares the operating room and ensures all required equipment and supplies are ready.
  2. Incision: The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to access the liver. The specific type of incision may differ based on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s preference.
  3. Removal of the Diseased Liver: The surgeon carefully removes the diseased liver from the surrounding blood vessels and bile ducts. This process may include clamping blood vessels to reduce bleeding.
  4. Transplantation of the Donor Liver: Once the diseased liver is detached, the donor liver is put into the abdominal cavity. The surgeon connects the new liver to the blood vessels and bile ducts, ensuring seamless blood flow and bile drainage.
  5. Monitoring and Closure: After the new liver is in place, the surgical team checks the function of the liver and examines any complications. Once everything is verified to be functioning properly, the incision is closed with sutures or staples.
  6. Postoperative Care: After surgery, the patient is transferred to a recovery area for monitoring. They will receive care to manage pain, hinder infection, and oversee liver function.

Liver transplant in Iran

Liver transplantation in Iran has developed considerably over the years, with the country becoming a reputable center for organ transplants in the region. The Iranian government has implemented a regulated system for organ donation, which involves both living and deceased donor transplants.

Iran is unique in that it lets living donors donate a portion of their liver, and there is a legal framework in place to recompense living donors, which helps to encourage organ donation. The country has set up several specialized transplant centers equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and skilled healthcare professionals.

The success rates for liver transplants in Iran are comparable to international standards, and the country has advanced considerably in enhancing patient care and post-operative support.

Why would someone need to have a liver transplant?

A liver transplant may be crucial for several reasons, primarily because of serious liver damage or failure that cannot be treated with other medical interventions. Common conditions that may result in the need for a liver transplant in Iran include the following:

  1. Chronic Liver Disease: Conditions like cirrhosis, which can result from chronic alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis, or fatty liver disease, can cause significant liver dysfunction.
  2. Acute Liver Failure: Sudden and serious liver damage, often triggered by drug overdoses (like acetaminophen), viral infections, or autoimmune diseases, may cause a transplant to be needed.
  3. Liver Cancer: In cases where liver tumors are present and cannot be effectively treated with surgery or other therapies, a transplant may be the best choice.
  4. Genetic Disorders: Certain inherited conditions like Wilson’s disease or hemochromatosis, can lead to liver damage that may require transplantation.
  5. Biliary Atresia: A congenital condition in infants where the bile ducts are blocked or absent, resulting in liver damage.

A liver transplant is chosen when the liver is no longer able to perform its necessary functions and the patient’s quality of life is tremendously impacted. It is a complicated procedure that needs careful evaluation and matching with a suitable donor.

Liver transplant survival rate by age

Liver transplant survival rates can be remarkably different based on the age of the recipient. In general, younger patients are more likely to have higher survival rates in comparison with older individuals.

As age increases, the risk of complications and comorbidities also rises, which can affect overall survival rates. It’s essential to know that individual outcomes can differ based on a variety of factors, including the patient’s overall health, the reason for the transplant, and the quality of post-operative care.

Risks of a liver transplant

Liver transplantation, while typically a life-saving procedure, carries several risks and potential complications. These can include:

  1. Surgical Risks: As with any major surgery, there are risks related to anesthesia, bleeding, and infection.
  2. Rejection: The body may reject the new liver, which can happen immediately after the transplant or at any time thereafter. This needs careful monitoring and management.
  3. Infection: Immunosuppressive medications taken to deter rejection can raise the risk of infection.
  4. Bile Duct Complications: Issues like bile leaks or strictures can occur, which may require extra procedures.
  5. Organ Failure: There is a risk that the transplanted liver may not function properly, causing potential failure.
  6. Long-term Health Issues: Recipients may experience long-term complications, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney problems, because of immunosuppressive therapy.
  7. Psychological Impact: The emotional and psychological effects of performing a transplant can also be serious, requiring support and counseling.

What are the conditions for liver donors?

The conditions for being a liver donor usually include the following criteria:

  1. Age: Donors must be between the ages of 18 and 60, although some centers may accept donors outside this range based on individual evaluations.
  2. Health Status: Potential donors need to be in good overall health, with no serious medical conditions that could make surgery or recovery complex. This includes the absence of liver disease, cancer, or severe cardiovascular issues.
  3. Body Mass Index (BMI): Many transplant centers have specific BMI requirements, usually recommending a BMI under 30, as a higher BMI can raise surgical risks.
  4. Blood Type Compatibility: Donors and recipients must have compatible blood types to minimize the risk of rejection.
  5. Psychosocial Evaluation: Donors conduct a psychological evaluation to make sure they are mentally prepared for the donation process and understand the implications.
  6. No Substance Abuse: A history of substance abuse, especially alcohol or drugs, may disqualify a potential donor.
  7. Informed Consent: Donors need to fully understand the risks and advantages of the procedure and provide informed consent.

Living-donor liver transplant

A living-donor liver transplant is a surgical procedure in which a healthy individual donates a portion of their liver to someone with liver disease. This type of transplant is possible since the liver has a considerable ability to regenerate. After the donation, both the donor’s and recipient’s livers can get back to near their original size within a few months.

Liver transplant costs in Iran

The cost of a liver transplant in Iran is dependent on several factors, including the hospital, the complexity of the case, and whether the transplant is from a living donor or a deceased donor.

Price chart in other countries

Which is the best liver transplant hospital in Iran?

1.Imam Khomeini Hospital

This hospital is situated in Tehran and has an exclusive Liver Transplant Center that provides thorough care for patients undergoing liver transplantation.

2.Shiraz Transplant Center

This facility, which is one of the most reputable and technologically advanced transplant centers in Iran, is located in Shiraz. Along with kidney, heart, and lung transplants, it also performs liver transplants.

3. Tehran Hepatitis Center

The Tehran Hepatitis Centre is a medical center that specializes in the treatment of viral hepatitis and liver transplantation. It is also located in the capital city of Tehran.

The best country for a liver transplant depends on several factors, including the availability of medical facilities, the expertise of healthcare professionals, the quality of post-operative care, and the overall healthcare system. Countries like the United States, Germany, and India are usually recognized for their state-of-the-art medical technologies and skilled transplant teams. It is necessary to consider individual circumstances, including the specific medical needs and financial aspects when choosing the best option for a liver transplant. Consulting with healthcare professionals and researching accredited transplant centers can provide more appropriate guidance.

In Islam, organ transplantation, including liver transplants, is usually considered permissible, provided certain conditions are met. The primary considerations include the purpose behind the transplant, the consent of the donor (if applicable), and the preservation of life. Islamic scholars have considerably agreed that organ donation is an act of charity and can be a means to save lives, which is highly valuable in Islam.

The life expectancy after a liver transplant can be influenced by several factors, including the patient’s overall health, the underlying reason for the transplant, and how well the body accepts the new liver. On average, many patients can live for 10 to 15 years or more after the procedure, with some living 20 years or longer. Regular follow-up care and compliance with medication regimens are essential for maximizing longevity and quality of life post-transplant.