A Ray of Hope for Critical Liver Patients: Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar Achieves a New Milestone in Liver Transplantation
Baleswar, 25/02:(Krushna Kumar Mohanty) Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar organized a press meet to highlight its growing expertise in liver transplantation and raise awareness about the increasing burden of liver disease in Odisha.
Doctors at the hospital expressed concern over the rising cases of fatty liver disease and NASH, conditions that can gradually progress to liver cirrhosis if left untreated. In Odisha, the prevalence of liver cirrhosis is estimated to be around 16.7 percent. Specialists emphasized that many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, making timely screening and early treatment critical.
Senior liver transplant surgeon Dr. Raj Shekhar K stated that when liver disease reaches a severe stage and medication is no longer effective, liver transplantation becomes the most reliable treatment option. He noted that current success rates exceed 95 percent when performed at the right time.
Medical Gastroenterologist Dr. Pratap Behera described liver transplantation as more than just a surgical procedure. According to him, it involves coordinated efforts by hepatologists, surgeons, intensive care teams, and nursing staff, along with the active support of the patient’s family.
During the event, liver transplant recipients shared their experiences. Patients from Angul and Kendrapara spoke about the physical and emotional challenges they faced before undergoing transplantation. In each case, a close family member donated a portion of the liver, giving them a second chance at life. They urged the public not to ignore persistent symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, swelling, or jaundice.
The hospital informed that it has already performed more than 600 kidney transplants successfully, the highest in the state. Building on this experience, the institution is further strengthening its organ transplant program and plans to introduce heart transplant services in the near future.
The message from the medical team was clear: early diagnosis, timely medical consultation, and awareness can significantly improve outcomes for patients with liver disease.