|
|
|
|
Amritsar : Doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram successfully conducted liver transplant (LTP) on a 58-year-old Nationally and Internationally acclaimed Kabaddi player from Batala, Punjab. Mr. Mukhtar Singh who use to weigh around 115 kgs was first diagnosed with liver disease in 2016 at a local hospital. After taking medications for over 2 years his condition did not improve and fluid started accumulating in abdomen with swelling in both legs along with yellow discoloration of eyes and recurrent episodes of mental confusion. At this time, his weight increased to more than 135 kgs and investigations suggested NASH related liver Cirrhosis. He was referred to Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram for an early liver transplant. His 28-year-old son, who lives abroad came forward as liver donor and donated a part of his liver through Laparoscopic Donor surgery. The procedure was successfully carried out by a team of doctors lead by Dr. Vivek Vij, Chairman, LTP & Hepato- Pancreato- Biliary (HPB) Surgery, Fortis Hospitals, Delhi-NCR and Dr Ashish Singhal, Senior Consultant, LTP & HPB Surgery.
Dr. Vivek Vij, Chairman, LTP & HBP Surgery, Fortis Hospitals, Delhi-NCR said, “When this patient was brought to us his liver disease was already at an advanced stage of liver cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver where normal liver functioning is severely affected. He had prolonged symptoms of swelling in the abdomen and legs. Due to fluid in his stomach and swelling, the patient had gained over 20 kilos in 3 years and his liver functioning had completely deteriorated. The only cure was to get a Liver Transplant. The patient’s son came forward for donation and after doing all necessary tests, he was deemed fit for donation.”
Dr. Ashish Singhal, Senior Consultant, LTP & HBP Surgery, Fortis Hospitals, Delhi-NCR said, “There is no cure short of LTP for patients suffering with decompensated liver cirrhosis. The life expectancy in such patients without LTP usually range between 6 months to 2 years depending on the complication(s). Patients with liver cirrhosis are also at risk of developing liver cancer. The key problems we encounter with these patients are delay in timely referral to LTP centre and finding a suitable liver donor. Over the years, donor surgery has become very safe. Liver is a unique organ and will regrow back to the near normal size and functioning in span of few months to a year. Any family member who is 18-50 years of age, healthy, with no major medical problems can be evaluated for being a liver donor. Moreover, this laparoscopic liver donor surgery has significant advantages over conventional open donor surgery including less pain, faster recovery, and better aesthetically. Currently, Fortis Hospital, Gurugram is the only hospital in India actively performing the laparoscopic donor liver surgery.”
Mr Mukhtar Singh said, “I have been a kabaddi player all my life and have always been physically active. I was first diagnosed with a liver disease 3 years ago when I was suffering from jaundice. I was taking medicines for over 2 years, consulted multiple doctors and continued medical management. Gradually, I started to gain weight and in a span of 3 years I gained over 20 kgs. There was constant swelling on my feet and my skin became dark. I could not perform my activities of daily living. After further investigations, doctors told me that my liver has been completely damaged, and I had to undergo liver transplant. At first, I was not sure, what the transplant procedure entails. However, after counselling by doctors at FMRI, Gurgaon, my son volunteered. It has now been 9 months and I am now completely fine and living a normal life. I have lost all those extra kilos. Now, I walk for 7 kilometres and ride cycle for 12 kilometres on a daily basis. I feel like my life is back and I am thankful to my treating doctors for making me active again.”
