Indications for liver transplant
Cholestatic disease, including primary biliary cirrhosis, secondary biliary cirrhosis, sclerosing cholangitis, cystic fibrosis and biliary atresia are common indications requiring this surgery. Furthermore, cryptogenic cirrhosis, failed prior transplant and idiopathic autoimmune liver problems indicate liver transplantation. Patients with chronic hepatitis (i.e. Hepatitis B, C & D; cryptogenic cirrhosis; autoimmune chronic hepatitis; toxin exposure; or chronic drug toxicity), metabolic diseases, primary hepatic tumors and fulminant acute hepatic necrosis require liver operation.
Alcoholics & liver transplantation
The liver Transplant in India, Liver is one of the largest and complex organs that help to protect the body from breaking down and disease by removing harmful toxins. However, it is particularly venerable to alcohol. Alcohol is a common cause of many of the lethal, liver destroying diseases, such as alcoholic hepatitis (liver inflammation) and cirrhosis. Up to 70% of alcohol hepatitis patients develop cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) which is a common cause of death.
However, those who abstain from alcohol consumption can recover from alcohol hepatitis, while liver surgery can save their life. As a result, one in every five liver transplant cases is attributed to former or current heavy drinkers. According to research findings, early alcoholic liver transplant can help improve the survival of patients with chronic alcohol hepatitis and not responding positively to medical therapy.
Patients with Laennec's cirrhosis, including patients diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis can be considered for transplantation if they meet the basic criteria for abstinence, as well as rehabilitation. The current criterion that must be met includes:
Abstinence of alcohol consumption for at least 6 months and regular surveillance blood testing. Transplant facilities require persons waiting for a new liver to abstain alcohol for 6 months. This offers an assurance to doctors that the patient in indeed serious about keeping away from alcohol after the operation.
Participation in ongoing informal alcohol treatment programs
Adequate psychosocial supports based on the standards set by the psychiatry consultants and social services
Patients who do not meet these criteria can be granted an opportunity to abide by the requirements and undergo re-evaluation. Furthermore, a formal input derived from the relevant psychiatry professional is required in order to assess the chances of returning to alcohol consumption.
Author wants to communicate to people: Why more alcoholics are eligible for liver transplant in India.