In an insightful interview with Manav Mander, Dr. Gursagar Singh Sahota, the Chief Liver Transplant Surgeon at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, sheds light on the importance of organ transplantation and its life-saving potential. He explains how liver transplant offers a chance for people suffering from organ failure to regain their health and improve their quality of life, especially those with chronic liver diseases.
Rising Liver Disease Burden in Punjab and Neighboring States
Punjab and its surrounding regions have witnessed a significant rise in liver-related diseases, largely due to alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C infections, and obesity-related liver issues, such as fatty liver disease. This surge in cases is being fueled by changing lifestyles, including decreasing physical activity levels and the increasing consumption of junk and processed foods.
Liver Transplant: A Vital Life-saving Procedure
Dr. Sahota emphasizes that liver transplantation is a critical life-saving procedure for those whose liver has failed. There are two types of liver transplants: cadaveric (from brain-dead donors) and living liver donation (from healthy individuals). Living liver donors, typically family members, donate a portion of their liver, which regenerates within three months, allowing them to lead a normal, healthy life post-donation.
Dr. Sahota stresses that liver transplant surgery, while complex, has a high success rate, with over 90% survival post-surgery. However, it requires a multi-disciplinary team of highly skilled professionals to ensure the best possible outcome for patients.
Maintaining a Healthy Liver
While liver transplant is an option for those with end-stage liver disease, prevention remains key. Dr. Sahota advises individuals to focus on maintaining a healthy liver by adopting a balanced lifestyle. This includes eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and staying hydrated. Safe sex practices are also essential to prevent hepatitis, and people should consult their doctors before taking any medications or supplements that could harm their liver.
The Role of Living Liver Donors
Dr. Sahota highlights that living liver donors typically recover very quickly, with full recovery within about three months. After donation, they don’t require long-term medications and can return to their normal physical activities. Most living donors can donate up to 70% of their liver without any long-term effects, as the liver regenerates effectively.
Post-Transplant Care
For recipients of liver transplants, the recovery period is more intensive, requiring about three months of follow-up care. Patients must take long-term immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection of the new liver. Ongoing medical supervision is essential for maintaining the health of the transplanted liver and preventing further complications.
The Future of Liver Health
Liver transplant surgery offers hope for many, but Dr. Sahota emphasizes that the best way to prevent liver disease is through early intervention and lifestyle changes. Keeping the liver healthy should be a priority for everyone, and individuals should strive to protect their liver from damage to avoid reaching the point where a transplant is necessary.
In conclusion, while liver transplant can be a life-saving option, the best approach is to focus on prevention through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful habits. Maintaining a healthy liver is key to a long and healthy life.
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