Imphal: Manipur has achieved a major milestone in healthcare with the successful completion of its first-ever liver transplant at the Institute of Liver and Digestive Sciences (ILDS) in Kwakeithel Heinou-khongnembi on October 16, officials announced on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference at the hospital, ILDS Liver Transplantation Programme Director Dr Nongthombam Suraj Kumar said the institution had realised a long-standing goal by successfully performing the procedure on a 60-year-old man from Kakching.
The patient was suffering from liver cirrhosis complicated by multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of primary liver cancer.
Dr Suraj said the living-donor transplant involved replacing the patient’s diseased liver with approximately 65 per cent of the liver donated by his son.
The complex operation was carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising ILDS surgeons, anaesthesiologists, hepatologists, nurses and technicians, with specialised support from Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.
Providing an update on their condition, Dr Suraj said the donor had already been discharged, while the recipient was recovering well and was expected to return home soon.
He also acknowledged the Directorate of Health Services for issuing the necessary registration certificate that enabled ILDS to undertake the transplant.
Liver transplant at ILDS to cost less
Highlighting the financial benefits for patients, Dr Suraj said liver transplantation at ILDS costs approximately 60 per cent less than similar procedures in major metropolitan cities.
He noted that the availability of the specialised treatment within Manipur would spare patients and their families the additional expenses associated with travelling and staying outside the state.
According to him, the hospital’s comprehensive package includes consultations, surgery, intensive care unit (ICU) treatment and other associated medical services.
Responding to questions about liver health, Dr Suraj explained that the liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate and that not every liver-related condition requires surgical intervention.
The successful procedure marks a significant development in Manipur‘s healthcare sector, potentially improving access to advanced liver treatment for patients within the state.