Friday 15 June 2018

Liver Transplantation in India - A Major Surgery Immensely Popular amongst Medical Tourists


The liver is the largest abdominal organ in the human body which is responsible for carrying out over 500 functions. It excretes chemicals that digest food helps in protein synthesis and detoxification. When a liver no longer performs its function properly, a surgical procedure is involved to treat the same by replacing it with a healthy liver from a deceased or a living donor.

Patients who require Liver Transplantation
Those patients who suffer from irreversible chronic or acute liver disease require liver transplantation surgery. Apart from considering the candidacy, the physical, emotional and financial aspects are also considered before the surgery. A scoring method has also been set up to decide who is in dire need of a transplant, which is Status 1 (acute severe disease), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scoring (MELD), Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease scoring (PELD) and Status 7. The Status 1 patient tops the priority list.

Who does not qualify for a liver transplant?
Even if a person needs a transplant, he may be denied due to the following reasons-
·         Cancer
·         Substance abuse or active alcohol
·         Advanced lung and heart disease
·         HIV infection
·         Massive Liver failure

Evaluation and Tests Conducted for Liver Transplant
  • ·         The patient must bring all related medical documents, a record of medication for re-evaluation. Additional tests might also be required like-
  • ·         Doppler ultrasound is conducted to determine that the blood vessels to and from the liver are open.
  • ·         Computed tomography, makes use of a computer and X-rays to generate pictures of the liver, to show its shape and size.
  • ·         Pulmonary function studies determine the lungs' ability to exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen.
  • ·         Echocardiogram and stress testing evaluates the heart health.
  • ·         Blood tests determine the biochemical status, clotting ability and blood type, and to gauge liver function.
  • ·         Serology screening

List of top hospitals in India for liver transplant
•             BLK Hospital
•             Apollo Indraprastha, New Delhi
•             KokilabenDhirubhaiAmbani Hospital, Mumbai 
•             Gleneagles Global Hospital,Chennai
•             Apollo, Chennai
•             Medanta Hospital
•             MAX Multi Super Speciality Hospital
•             Fortis Escorts, New Delhi

This complex surgery is a costly affair for the domestic patients and it ranges somewhere from Rs 12 lakhs to 20 lakhs and can even go up to 35 lakhs in private deluxe hospitals. A patient is also charged for medication separately. Please note that the cost of this entire process varies from time to time for every Hospital. It is best to thoroughly research. For medical tourists, eminent healthcare service provider in India like Healing Touristry can ease the process with their pan India network. It offers best medical care services as the company has dedicated and experienced professionals.

Liver transplant surgery is one of the costliest treatments in modern medicine. The treatment cost includes physician’s fee, facility fee, drugs and related medical procedures. Please note there are other costs as well as a consultation with other specialists, diagnostic studies and cost of food, lodging, and travel.  However, for liver transplant in India, it is important for medical tourists to identify donor from own country and is best to find a close friend or relative, preferably investigate the donor compatibility in your own country and finally investigate whether both patient and the donor are operable.


Summary- Liver transplant surgery is the best option for acute liver failure and end-stage liver disease. Owing to world-class infrastructure, experienced doctors, trained hospital staff, affordable cost and above all high success rate, people from all over the globe prefer coming to India for the treatment.

Tuesday 5 June 2018

Angiogram- A Solution for Heart Diseases

Angiogram- A Solution for Heart Diseases

The angiogram is a dye test, done to detect the heart problems. The procedure involves inserting a thin, long flexible tube or a catheter to the wrist or the groin, guided up to the heart. Once the position is fixed a dye is inserted and an x-ray image is taken. The dye highlights the area of blockages. The test also images the condition of heart valves and the muscles.

The angiogram is an important test to detect if a person is suffering from a coronary heart disease. It is performed by the consulting radiologists in the X-Ray department. The cardiologist then analysis the report and the further treatments are then handed over to him. The cardio surgeons in India have achieved high success rate in performing the procedures in the best of the hospitals.

An angiogram is used to detect the following heart problems:
  • Atherosclerosis:  narrowing of the arteries which pose the risk of stroke or a heart attack.
  • Angina: restricted blood supply to the heart leads to chest pain known as angina.
  • Peripheral artery disease: in this disease, there is a reduced blood supply to the leg muscles
  • Pulmonary embolism: the artery supplying blood to the lungs is blocked
  • A brain aneurysm: a bulge in the blood vessel of the brain

An angiogram is basically a safe and painless procedure, but the patient may experience bruising, allergic reaction, soreness or a small lump or collection of blood at the sight of cut.
Hospitals in India have experienced doctors and surgeons who deliver perfect treatment. A high quality of service and procedures are ensured.
Types of angiogram
There are three ways an angiogram is performed.

1. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA)
In this procedure, the area to investigate is numbed with a local anesthesia. The artery to be investigated is injected with a dye, which highlights the further arteries. Once the dye is injected, a pressure is applied on the puncture site to seal the hole. This is done to avoid the leaking of the dye. 
An X-Ray machine is used to take the picture.
The procedure takes 20 minutes and is mostly completed during the day.

2. Computed tomography angiogram (CTA)
The computed tomography scanners are used to generate a 3D image on the computer screen. Just like A DSA, a dye is injected, but instead of the artery, the injection is made in the vein of the arm. It can outline the artery anywhere in the body.
Starting with the procedure involves putting a drip in the arm. The patient needs to lie down on the narrow table, which moves through the scanner as the images are taken. It is a quick procedure and is completed within a day.

3. Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA)
This procedure involves using a magnetic field to generate images. Just like a computed angiogram, the dye is injected into the vein of the arm and 2D or 3D images are obtained. These images can be viewed from any angle on the computer. The procedure involves lying on a table inside a narrow tube which can be claustrophobic for some people. Otherwise, it is a quick procedure and can be completed in a day.
Before getting an angiogram done the doctor advice a blood test which checks the blood count, blood clotting, and the kidney function. The procedure is usually done in local anesthesia and the patient is awake during the process.

What to expect after the test is done
The angiogram is an outpatient procedure and the patient most probably goes home after it is done. Rest of 4-6 hours is required to keep a check on the access site of the artery. Driving alone is not possible therefore someone should accompany the patient along. The lifting of heavyweight, stooping or bending should be avoided to prevent the risk of bleeding the site of arterial puncture.
The overall cost of the procedure is very low in India as compared to other developed countries. The costing includes the procedure cost, anesthesia, CD, film, and the colored images.

In India angiography is performed by the super specialty hospitals with a high-class infrastructure. The hospitals are updated with the latest modern type of equipment needed to deliver top-level healthcare services. The doctors are skilled, experienced and the staffs are also well-trained and active.


India is a preferred destination for the medical tourists seeking high-quality medical treatments. The medical tourism companies in India helps the patients from across the globe to seek angiography at the best hospitals in India and within the affordable range.