Liver Cirrhosis Treatment Cost in India

11 Nov, 2023

Liver cirrhosis is a serious medical condition that occurs when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, leading to impaired liver function. It can result from various causes, including chronic alcoholism, viral hepatitis, and other liver diseases. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing the condition effectively. In India, a diverse range of treatment options is available, catering to different stages and causes of cirrhosis. In this blog, we will explore the various treatment options and their associated costs.

Treatment Options for Liver Cirrhosis

Medication and Lifestyle Changes
- Medications: Depending on the underlying cause of cirrhosis, patients may be prescribed medications to manage symptoms, slow down disease progression, or address specific complications.
- Lifestyle modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, can help manage cirrhosis.
Dietary and Nutritional Support
- Nutritional therapy: Specialized diets and supplements may be recommended to support liver function and overall health.
Endoscopic Interventions
- Variceal band ligation: This procedure is used to treat bleeding from enlarged veins in the esophagus (esophageal varices) that can occur as a complication of cirrhosis.
- Sclerotherapy: It involves injecting a solution into the varices to induce scarring and stop bleeding.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)
- TIPS is a procedure used to create a channel within the liver that connects the portal vein to one of the hepatic veins, bypassing the liver. This helps alleviate high blood pressure in the portal vein, a common complication of cirrhosis.
Liver Transplantation
- In severe cases where cirrhosis has progressed significantly, a liver transplant may be the best treatment option. This involves replacing the damaged liver with a healthy liver from a deceased or living donor.

Average Cost

the cost of liver cirrhosis treatment in India is much lower than in developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. For example, a liver transplant in India can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000, while the same procedure in the United States can cost upwards of $250,000.

Here is a breakdown of the approximate cost of some common liver cirrhosis treatments in India:

Liver function tests	1,000 - 2,000	$12 - $24
Imaging tests (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI)	3,000 - 10,000	$36 - $120
Liver biopsy	10,000 - 15,000	$120 - $180
Medications	1,000 - 10,000 per month	$12 - $120 per month
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)	20,000 - 30,000	$240 - $360
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)	50,000 - 100,000	$600 - $1,200
Liver transplant	15,000 - 25,000	$180 - $300

Conclusion

The cost of treating liver cirrhosis in India varies depending on the severity of the condition, the chosen treatment approach, and the hospital or medical facility. It is essential for patients to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment plan and associated costs. Additionally, seeking medical attention early and adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with cirrhosis. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.