In a heartbreaking incident in Pune, a husband and wife died after undergoing a liver transplant surgery. The husband, Bapu Komkar, underwent liver transplant surgery with his wife Kamini, as the liver donor. Bapu passed away two days after the surgery, and Kamini died a week later due to complications affecting multiple organs. Following their deaths, the Maharashtra health department suspended the hospital’s live liver transplant license.
Liver is a vital organ that plays a key role in digestion, metabolism, and detoxification in human body. Keeping it healthy is important, as problems with the liver can lead to serious health issues. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and ways to protect the liver can help prevent disease and prevent from further serious complications.
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What is liver transplant?
A liver transplant is a surgical procedure where a diseased or damaged liver is replaced with a healthy one from a donor. This operation is typically recommended for individuals with end-stage liver disease or liver cancer. In India, approximately 80% of liver transplants involve living donors, making it a prominent practice in the country .
Not all liver diseases lead to a liver transplant. Many conditions, such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or mild cirrhosis, can often be managed with medications, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring. A liver transplant is usually considered only in severe cases where the liver is failing and other treatments no longer work.
What are Causes of Liver damage?
Here are some of the causes that lead to liver damage:
- High sugar intake: Consuming too much of sugar can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Processed foods: They can stress the liver and cause inflammation.
- Excess of alcohol: Drinking so much alcohol can lead to fatty liver and cirrhosis.
- Overweight or obesity: Increases risk of liver problems.
- blood tests are performed to check liver functioning and enzyme levels.
- Imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan are used to detect liver damage.
- Tests are conducted to detect viral infections like hepatitis B or C.
When to see a doctor
- When you feel unusually tired or weak for no clear reason.
- swelling or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen should not be ignored.
- yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), is a sign to seek medical advice.
- Dark coloured urine or pale stools may indicate liver problems and need attention.
Liver disease can be easily prevented with proper care and monitoring of daily habits. Here are few simple ways to ensure a healthy liver:
- Eat a balanced diet
- maintain healthy weight
- avoid processed food
- limit alcohol and sugary food
- Drink plenty of water
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