Jehangir Hospital launches liver transplant programme

PUNE: To address the growing need for liver transplants, city-based Jehangir Hospital in collaboration with Apollo Hospital, Navi Mumbai, launched its liver transplant programme on Saturday. 

The programme will be led by Dr Parimal Lawate, Head of Department of Gastroenterology. 

Transplant surgeons from Apollo Hospital, Dr Darius Mirza and Dr Vikram Raut and surgeon Dr Sachin Vaze and gastroenterologist Dr Lalit Shimpi from Jehangir Hospital will be part of the core team.

Dr Parimal Lawate said Jehangir Hospital has been witnessing a huge influx of patients with chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis.
“Most of these patients are at the end stage, which is why the liver transplant programme is a natural progression to address this need,” said Dr Lawate. 

The hospital has been preparing for this programme with its upgraded state-of-the-art operation theatres and facilities. Liver transplant, being a multi-disciplinary activity, involves expert doctors trained to provide care to patients across the entire spectrum of liver disorders.

 This involves dedicated, full-time surgical specialists, physicians (hepatologists), anaesthetists, radiologists and intensivists supported by dedicated operation theatres, a dedicated liver ICU and other high-tech infrastructure and equipment necessary for such complex procedures.

Commending the hospital’s efforts, Medical Superintendent (Colonel) Dr SS Gill said that after receiving the permission in December, so far they have eight patients enrolled for the transplant. 

“We are now able to offer a comprehensive liver transplant care which is critical for the survival of patients, as living donor liver transplants (LDLTs) require specialised and comprehensive centres for the success of the procedure,” said Dr Gill.