DMC&H successfully launches Liver Transplant programme

Ludhiana, February 18, 2025: DMC&H has created a milestone in the field of Liver Transplant Surgery by performing 08 successful liver transplants in a span of two months to provide life saving treatment to the patients. Out of these, 3 transplants were made possible through cadaver donations whereas in 5 transplants family members donated a part of liver. This achievement highlights the significance of collaboration in the field of organ donation.

Dr. Gursagar Singh Sahota, Chief Liver Transplant Surgeon and his liver transplant team are successfully performing liver transplant surgeries in DMC&H. The team comprises an expert medical team, including Dr. Ajit Sood, Professor and Head of the Department of Gastroenterology, Dr. PL Gautam, Professor and Head of the Department of Critical Care Medicine and Dr. Suneet Kant Kathuria, Professor and Head of the Department of Anaesthesia. This esteemed team has been providing life-saving treatments to patients with end stage liver disease.

Speaking on the occasion, Bipin Gupta, Secretary DMC&H Managing Society stated that today we have made a marks in the field of organ transplant and we are honored to share our achievements in liver transplant surgery which   highlights  the exceptional care and commitment  provided by our transplant team. it is crucial to Spread awareness about the importance of organ donation, encouraging  individuals to pledge their organs and to save countless lives, said Gupta.

Dr. G.S. Wander, Principal, DMC&H, highlighted that this is a proud moment for the DMC&H. The complexity of liver transplants demands exceptional skills and coordination, and our team has consistently demonstrated their expertise and it is need of the hour to break down myths, address misconceptions and encourage individuals to extend their support and give hope to those waiting for a second chance.

Professor Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent and Nodal Officer of ROTTO appreciated the DMCH administration and doctors team for their efforts to uplift the Cadaveric organ transplant program in Punjab.

Dr. Ajit Sood, Professor and Head of the Department of Gastroenterology,
Stated that Punjab and adjoining states have a high liver related disease burden. The patients get liver problems due to alcohol abuse, hepatitis B & C viruses, obesity related (fatty liver) causes. The liver problems are on a rise due to change in lifestyle (decreasing activity levels and eating junk/processed foods).
 
DMC&H gets many patients suffering from end stage liver disease who are referred from other cities and states. Many of such patients need liver transplant operations to save their lives. Earlier, such patients who needed liver transplant had to go to metro cities. But now DMC&H has started the liver transplant unit to provide state of the art services to people of Punjab and adjoining states, at an affordable cost. Getting a major surgery, that too near their homes, will be very convenient for the patients suffering from end stage liver disease. Organ donation awareness is increasing in our country but still there’s persistent shortage of organs. In my opinion, the knowledge about organ donation should be imparted to school children and it should be covered in their curriculum.
 
India accounts for 18 % of global cirrhosis deaths. There is rise in the cases of MASLD in India with prevalence of 14-42% due to epidemic of obesity and metabolic syndrome in last two decades. Currently, cirrhosis and liver cancer are responsible for 3.5% of all deaths worldwide.
 
Giving information about the liver transplant surgery, Dr. Gursagar Singh Sahota, Chief Liver Transplant Surgeon elaborated that there are 2 types of liver transplant operations depending on type of liver donor. Patients who donate the organs after their brain death are called cadaveric or brain dead donors. Whereas if living persons donate a part of their liver while themselves enjoying a healthy life, they are called as living liver donors. Dr Sahota stated that liver transplant is a complex operation and needs a highly experienced multi-disciplinary team to ensure successful outcome.