Introduction
Organ transplantation is a complex but life-saving procedure where a damaged and failing organ is replaced with a healthy one from a donor. With modern medical advancements and expert teams, this field has grown rapidly and now offers hope to many patients.
In India, organ transplantation has developed significantly, yet the demand for organs is still greater than the available donors. The country performs various transplants, such as kidney, liver, heart, lung, and pancreas, with kidney transplants being the most common.
This blog aims to explain the latest techniques used in organ transplantation in India and why India has become a preferred destination for international patients seeking affordable and high-quality transplant care.
A Brief About Organ Transplant
Organ transplantation is a medical procedure where an organ is taken from one person and placed into another person to replace a damaged or missing organ. The donor and recipient can be in the same location, and the organ might be moved from one place to another. When an organ and tissue is transplanted within the same person’s body, it’s called an autograft. A transplant between two people of the same species is known as an allograft.
Techniques Used in Organ Transplant in India
Here are some important techniques used in organ transplantation in India:
‣ Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy
Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is a modern and less painful method of kidney donation. In this surgery, doctors make small cuts to remove the kidney using a special camera called a laparoscope. This helps them see and operate inside the body without making large cuts. The kidney is taken out through a slightly bigger cut once it is separated. This method causes less pain, smaller scars, and helps the donor recover faster compared to open surgery.
‣ Immunosuppressive Therapy
Immunosuppressive therapy is a treatment that uses a mix of medicines to stop the body from rejecting a new organ after a transplant. These medicines include:
- Calcineurin inhibitors like cyclosporine and tacrolimus.
- Antiproliferatives like mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine.
- mTOR inhibitors like sirolimus and everolimus.
‣ Corticosteroids
Some patients may also get monoclonal antibodies and belatacept, especially at the start of treatment and if rejection occurs. The medicine plan is different for each patient to make sure the organ is protected while avoiding serious side effects and infections as well.
‣ Ex Vivo Organ Perfusion (EVOP)
Ex vivo organ perfusion (EVOP) is a method that keeps donated organs alive outside the body. It works by pumping oxygen and nutrients through the organ, just like blood does in the body. This system lets doctors check the organ’s condition, fix any minor issues, and store it safely for a longer time before transplant. This improves transplant results, helps use more donor organs, and gives doctors more time to prepare for surgery.
‣ Robotic-Assisted Surgery
In robotic-assisted surgery, doctors use robotic arms to help perform transplants, especially for kidneys and livers. The surgeon sits at a control station and moves the robotic tools with great accuracy while watching a 3D view of the operation area. This technique helps with smaller cuts, less bleeding, fewer chances of infection, and quicker recovery for the patient.
What is the Cost of an Organ Transplant in India?
The cost of an organ transplant in India varies significantly and depends on the type of transplant recommended, such as
Heart transplant costs are 65000-70000 USD, kidney transplant costs are 13000-14500 USD, and liver transplant costs are 23500-28000 USD, etc.
Note: If you want to know about all procedures of organ transplant in India and their costs, scroll down to get it.
Organ Transplant in India: Why It's a Top Choice?
India is one of the most trusted countries for organ transplant procedures, and it offers world-class medical care, experienced doctors, and affordable treatment options. Here is why many patients from around the world choose India:
‣ Advanced Medical Facilities
India has many multi-speciality hospitals and dedicated transplant centres with the latest medical technology and modern operating rooms. These hospitals follow international standards like the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH). Also, Indian hospitals have excellent nephrology and urology departments and have completed thousands of successful transplants.
‣ Skilled and Experienced Surgeons
Indian doctors and surgeons are highly trained, with many having studied and worked in the US, UK and Europe. They are experts in handling complex transplant surgeries and provide complete post-surgery care, including immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection.
‣ Affordable Treatment Options
The cost of organ transplant surgery in India is much lower than in countries like the US, UK and Australia. Even when you include pre-surgery tests, the operation, hospital stay, and follow-up care, the total cost remains far more affordable, making India a preferred option for international patients.
‣ Shorter Waiting Time
In India, waiting time for organ transplants is much shorter, especially for those bringing a living donor. Many countries have long waiting lists for deceased donor organs, but India’s streamlined approval process helps start the treatment sooner.
‣ International Patient Support
Indian hospitals have special departments for international patients, and they also help with visa applications, airport pickups, translators, accommodation, and hospital arrangements, making the process easy and comfortable for both patients and their families.
‣ Strong Legal and Ethical System
All organ transplants in India are strictly regulated under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA). This law ensures that every transplant follows ethical and legal standards. Hospitals must obtain approval from the authorities before performing any transplant surgery.
‣ Cultural Comfort and Hospitality
Patients from countries like the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia feel at home in India because of shared cultures, languages, and food. Indian hospitality and kindness make the recovery journey easier.
‣ Complete Pre- and Post-Operative Care
Before surgery, patients undergo detailed tests and imaging, and after the transplant, they receive continuous monitoring and follow-up plans to ensure smooth recovery and long-term success.
‣ Rehabilitation and Wellness
Many hospitals also offer wellness programs after discharge, including physiotherapy, dietary advice, and lifestyle guidance to help patients regain strength and stay healthy after the transplant.
