Debunking Myths on Cirrhosis  And Liver Transplants 

Cirrhosis is a grave liver disease that causes liver failure; many people need a liver transplant. 

The liver is the largest internal organ of the body and also the largest gland, did you know that the liver performs more than 500 functions in your body? It is a vital organ and there is no artificial replacement for it in case of liver failure, unlike kidneys or the heart, a person with liver failure will have a liver transplant as the only chance of making a full recovery. 

If you’re considering a liver transplant in Delhi, you should also know about cirrhosis and what causes it. In this article, some of the best liver specialists in Delhi weigh in on myths surrounding cirrhosis and liver transplants. If you wish to know about the best hospitals for liver transplants in Delhi, the best liver transplant surgeons in Delhi, or any other information not mentioned below, please feel free to reach out to us. 

Myth 1 - There are other alternatives to liver transplants 

The liver is the largest internal organ of the body and is the largest gland of the body. It weighs between 1000 and 1500 mg and is responsible for over 500 functions. The best liver transplant specialists will put candidates through rigorous tests to determine whether or not a person needs a liver transplant. Unlike in the case of kidneys or the heart, we do not have any artificial machine to replace and take care of all liver functions. When an individual develops liver failure, they are often left with a liver transplant as their only option.

Myth 2 – Liver Transplants are unaffordable for most Indians 

When you factor in how much a liver transplant costs in most countries, and how successful the surgeries are, India is far ahead in both respects. Delhi is home to some of the best liver transplant surgeons in India, the best liver transplant hospitals in India, along with leading liver specialists who can guide you in the right direction. A liver transplant is much cheaper in India and those who can’t afford it, they must be made aware of social organizations and NGOs that provide financial and emotional support for people who need a liver transplant but cannot afford it. You must understand that eventually, you’ll spend more money treating cirrhosis complications by making multiple hospital visits instead of a liver transplant. Sometimes, it is more favorable to get a liver transplant as opposed to spending several days in an intensive care unit.

Myth 3– Liver Transplants aren’t always successful

No surgical procedure is completely free from risk, and the rate of successful liver transplants and survival in India is at par with any country in the world. A successful liver transplant does not always translate to a patient living for many years thereafter; survival depends on several factors. 

However, most patients who undergo a timely liver transplant can bank on an average survival rate of 5 years afterward, as opposed to 1 year without getting it. 

Myth 4: I have no symptoms as such, so I can’t have cirrhosis. 

Fact: You can ask any of the best hospitals for liver transplants in Delhi and they’ll tell you that a significant number of patients have cirrhosis without experiencing any symptoms. The liver, despite cirrhosis, continues to support the body’s daily functioning; as a result, patients with cirrhosis have no symptoms. Fatigue is the most common symptom of cirrhosis, but it is only when liver failure sets in that a patient will experience more visible and severe symptoms. 

Myth 5: I don’t drink, I can’t get cirrhosis. 

Fact: Cirrhosis is severe scarring of the liver that occurs due to various ‘injuries’,

which can be cussed by hepatitis, liver diseases from an overactive immune system, hereditary disorders, and fatty liver damage, apart from excess alcohol consumption.

Myth 6: The liver will regenerate itself even if I have cirrhosis. 

Fact: The Liver is a regenerative organ but only if it’s healthy enough to do so and hasn’t suffered extensive scarring. In cirrhosis, the liver’s regenerative ability becomes limited; this is the reason why most cases of cirrhosis are irreversible. 

Myth 7: A liver transplant is always needed for those who have cirrhosis. 

Fact: The liver can perform all its functions despite cirrhosis. You should visit a liver transplant surgeon in Delhi if symptoms don’t come under control with medical therapy or if you get diagnosed with liver cancer that can’t be removed. 

In a lot of cases of cirrhosis, a liver transplant is the only chance of returning to a normal life. Visit our liver specialists in Delhi and get expert medical care for your liver at the earliest, start medications, maintain a healthy weight, enjoy a balanced diet and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. 

Also, Read: What is Cirrhosis? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment