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A liver transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces a liver that is diseased or no longer functions properly with a liver from a deceased donor or a portion of a healthy liver from a living donor. The living donor can be:
Someone who is emotionally related to the recipient such as a good friend, a significant other, or a spouse.
A family member of the recipient, such as a parent, adult child, brother, or sister.
Other biologically related relatives, such as an aunt, uncle, or cousin.
A person who has heard about the transplant candidate’s need.
Altruistic donation or non-directed living-donor. This means that the donor does not know or name the recipient of the donated liver. The match is based on blood type compatibility and medical need. The donor may choose not to know the recipient or may meet if both agree.
When the living donor is a family member, it is called a living related donor liver transplant.
Living related donor liver transplant is usually used as an alternative to waiting for a deceased donor liver or an altruistic donation to become available. A liver transplant from a living donor is possible because the human liver can regenerate and return to its normal size, capacity, and volume within a couple of months after surgical removal of part of the organ. The transplanted liver portion in the recipient will grow and restore normal liver function as well.
Not everyone can be a living related donor. The donor has to be healthy and able to safely undergo major surgery. In addition, the donor’s blood type, age, and organ size are critical considerations in determining whether the recipient and the donor are a match. Extensive health and psychological evaluation are required to make sure that the donor and the recipient are a match, as well as to assess the donor’s mental and physical health.
A liver transplant surgery from a living donor is usually scheduled in advance.
The surgeons will first operate on the donor. The surgery is done under general anesthesia, a portion of the donor's liver is removed through an incision in the abdomen. Both the left and right lobe of the liver can be used for donation. The specific part of the liver donated depends on the donor liver’s size and the recipient’s needs. Around 40% to 70% of the donor’s liver is removed for transplantation.
Once the donor's liver is ready, the surgeons will perform the liver transplant on you (the recipient). During this surgery, an anesthesiologist will give you a general anesthetic. After you are anesthetized, the surgeons will create an incision under the ribs on both sides of your belly and separate the diseased liver from the nearby organs and structures to carefully remove it. Then, the donated liver portion will be placed in your body by connecting the bile ducts and blood vessels to the new liver. The final step is closing the incision with stitches or surgical staples.
After a living related donor liver transplant, you should expect to spend 5 to 10 days in the hospital. Expect to stay in Thailand for at least a month after you are discharged from the hospital as you need to attend follow-up checkups. Your liver transplant team will design a checkup schedule for you. Laboratory blood tests are typically obtained twice a week after transplantation and will be reduced gradually. You must attend all of the follow-up checkups and blood tests because your doctor needs to check your condition.
The recovery period depends on the severity of your condition before your liver transplant surgery. In general, the full recovery time until you feel fully healed after your liver transplant surgery can take around six months or more. However, you should be able to return to some of your normal activities, including work (office job) within 2 to 4 months following your surgery. Simple activities of daily living may be resumed within a few weeks.
You will take medication for the rest of your life – the medications are called immunosuppressant (anti-rejection medicines), which works by keeping your immune system from attacking your new liver. They are used to help the transplanted liver survive in your body.
You will take other medications – you may need other types of medications to help reduce the risk of other complications.
Avoid crowds or anyone who has an infection – anti-rejection medicines affect your immune system, increasing your risk of infections. Therefore, you need to avoid contact with anyone who has an infection or crowds for the first few months.
Eat a well-balanced diet –to help you recover and keep your new liver healthy. A dietitian from your transplant team will discuss your nutrition and diet needs. In general, your diet should be low in fat, salt, cholesterol, and sugar. You also need to avoid alcohol.
Exercise regularly – walk as much as you can soon after your transplant. Then, start to incorporate more physical activity into your daily life. Make sure to check in with your transplant team before starting an exercise routine.
The success rate of the liver transplant depends on your specific situation. In general, around 75% of people who have a liver transplant live for at least five years. People who receive a liver from a living related donor usually have longer survival rates than those who receive a deceased donor liver. Also, people who have a living related donor liver transplant seem to experience fewer medical problems.
The risks and side effects associated with liver transplant include rejection of the donated liver, bleeding, bile duct complications, failure of donated liver, infection, mental confusion, seizures, and recurrence of liver disease in the transplanted liver.
There are currently no alternatives to a liver transplant. However, the alternative to living related donor liver transplant is to wait for a deceased donor liver or an altruistic donation to become available. Make sure to discuss with your doctor the best option for your case.
Before a living related liver transplant, you may have acute or chronic liver failure, which may be caused by a variety of conditions, or you may have certain cancers that originate in the liver. After the procedure, these conditions may be cured. Your survival rates will be increased significantly after the procedure.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Thailand is consistently voted one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, leading the way for Asian countries with over 60 state-of-the-art JCI-accredited facilities. The country is renowned for its tropical beaches, floating markets, stunning royal palaces, and Buddhist temples. The vibrant capital, Bangkok, blends tradition and modernity with its ultramodern cityscape featuring brand-new high-rise condominiums side-by-side with quiet, serene canalside communities. As per the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and Pattaya are the most sought-after tourist spots outside Bangkok, each boasting excellent yacht chartering opportunities.
Each year, Thailand opens its doors to hundreds of thousands of medical tourists. These individuals traverse the globe to receive treatment, with a significant number hailing from the local SE Asia region, Australia, the United States, and the Middle East. Recently, there has been an upsurge in the number of visitors coming in from China for medical purposes.
The reasons for Thailand's popularity as a medical tourism destination are its outstanding private healthcare system, attractive tropical climate, and competitive pricing. In the list of top medical tourism destinations worldwide, Thailand currently holds the third position. The procedures that attract most patients are cosmetic surgeries, including breast augmentations, gender reassignment surgery, and CoolSculpting, along with cardiac surgery, orthopedics, and urology.
Thailand, with a population of just under 70 million people spread over an area of around 500,000 square kilometers, has several regions and cities that are widely popular with both natives and tourists. Offering a diverse blend of urban and rural experiences, beach life and inland natural beauty, each part of Thailand offers a unique angle into the rich and complex Thai culture.
Arguably the most popular area of Thailand is the capital city, Bangkok. Consistently ranked as one of the most visited cities in the world, Bangkok is an ever-buzzing urban hub with its busy streets, modern lifestyle, magnificent temples and opulent palace, alongside a pulsating nightlife. This city is typically the entry gateway for a vast majority of the 30 million tourists who visit Thailand each year. Known for its glimmering cityscape and vibrant food scene, Bangkok is indeed a compulsory stop in every traveler's itinerary.
While Bangkok is the country's urban heart, there's more to Thailand than just its capital. Among the other popular regions are the beachside island paradise of Phuket and Koh Samui, the city of Pattaya, and Hua Hin - each of them a haven for beach lovers and anyone seeking a laid-back vibe away from bustling city life. However, for those who prefer the call of the inland and a dash of adventure, Chiang Mai, nestled in the lush jungles of northern Thailand offers a refreshing and unique proposition with its derivative local culture, serene temples and interaction with native wildlife.
Known for its truly tropical climate and scorching temperatures, Thailand, in general, is hot and humid all year round. The coastal locations do benefit from the cooling sea breeze, a luxury urban Bangkok is denied. Average temperatures range from 28°C (82°F) up to 35°C (95°F). However, during the Hot Season (March to June), temperatures can top 40°C (104°F).
The infamous Rainy Season tends to start in July and continue through to October; during this time expect heavy rainfall, often amounting to flooding in some areas. It will remain warm to hot but humidity levels will rise and the mosquitos will come out to play!
November to February is often referred to as the Cool Season when less rain is expected and the temperatures tend not to rise above 35°C (95°F).
From a tourist perspective; the High Season lasts from November to March and the Low Season from April to October. But be aware of the Shoulder Seasons of April to June and September to October, when Thailand is less impacted by the Rainy Season and less busy with tourists – these can be the ideal times to visit.
In a nutshell, Thailand is a Shorts and T-shirt Country, you’re never really going to be cold, so pack light; shorts, t-shirts, vests, skirts, singlets, and light dresses. Maybe pack jeans and shoes if you’re planning on going to a swanky roof-top bar in Bangkok or to a temple where flip-flops are not acceptable.
Don’t forget mosquito spray as the little pests can get everywhere; big ones and little ones! Always protect against the sun; with high factor sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses. The usual medications found at home should be available in most pharmacies.
With the Suvarnabhumi International Airport being serviced by some of the world’s major airlines, tourists can fly into Thailand from almost anywhere in the world, sometimes with a connection along the way. All the popular regions have their own international airports, with the exception of Pattaya, which is just a 90-minute taxi ride from Bangkok. However, arrival destinations are slightly limited outside of Bangkok, but the likes of Emirates and Qatar Airways will fly into Phuket International Airport. The rest, mostly fly in from local countries on budget airlines, including Scoot, SilkAir, AirAsia, and Lion Air to name a few.
For domestic flights, the airports are nicely linked in Thailand with flights from as little as $45 USD one way. There are several budget airlines servicing these routes, including Thai Lion Air, AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Smile.
The train allows for even cheaper travel within Thailand and is far more comfortable than spending hours sitting on a bus. Bangkok has the BTS, or Skytrain, which allows for fast transfer from the airport into the city. Given the traffic in central Bangkok, the BTS offers a great alternative to being stuck in traffic jams.
Taxis are great, however, be sure to confirm the price before you begin your journey or better still, insist the ride goes on the meter – that is how you guarantee the cheapest and fairest price. But expect traffic in the city and any built-up areas.
Before you travel to Thailand, it is important to stay updated with the latest visa requirements. While a number of countries are eligible for visa-free entry, the rules can sometimes shift, making it essential to verify before you travel.
If you are travelling from countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea can enjoy a stay of up to 30 days in Thailand without needing a visa. On the other hand, if you are visiting from China, India, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan, you will be granted the facility of a visa on arrival.
To get a visa on arrival here are the requirements:
1. You need to have a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.
2: You would need to show proof of a round-trip ticket within 30 days and confirmation of your accommodation for the first night in Thailand.
3. You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for your visit, which is 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family.
Don't forget to carry a recent passport-sized photograph. The fee for a visa on arrival is 2,000 THB, and you can pay it via cash or credit card.
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