For the parents of 2-year-old Rahul (name changed), the last few months have been immensely stressful and challenging. The toddler, who was diagnosed with liver cancer or hepatoblastoma was wheeled into the operation theater barely a few weeks after being diagnosed for a liver resection.
Hepatoblastoma mainly afflicts children under the age of 2 years. It is a very rare condition that is diagnosed in one in a million children, says Dr A.S. Soin, director and chief surgeon of Jaslok Medanta liver transplant program. However, despite the liver resection, young Rahul had a relapse. Doctors have found that for liver cancer patients without a transplant, survival time is as bleak as only two weeks to 38 months.
Dr Soin said,"Only 0.5 per cent of liver transplants performed on children are done for hepatoblastoma, as liver cancer in children are rare." After the tests, Rahul's father came forward as the donor as he was a good match. Speaking to THE WEEK, Dr Soin said, “What made this case challenging for us was the fact that Rahul was a cancer patient and his body had become very weak following the liver surgery and chemotherapy sessions.”
“His liver and bowel had got matted together, which made the separation of the cancerous liver and blood vessels a tough task during the surgery. The child's father donated 30 per cent of his liver. However, after a liver transplant, patients need lifelong follow-ups. In this case, post operation, Rahul will need to come for regular check-ups every two weeks,” added Dr Soin.
Rahul was given a discharge two weeks ago after intensive care to prevent the risk of infection. He was also administered nutritional and immuno-suppressive management, which he will need to continue for the rest of his life. The toddler was admitted in the hospital for around one month.
While speaking at a press conference organised at the hospital, the toddler's father Vikram said, “It is a relief to see our son cured and recovering and we are glad that he is now able to live like a normal, healthy toddler.”
Children who are born prematurely with low birth weight or have one side of their body growing at a faster pace than the other are at the highest risk of suffering from liver cancer. The symptoms include swelling and pain in the stomach, weight loss, vomiting, fever, anaemia and pale skin and lips, other than loss of appetite.
In a private hospital in India, a liver transplant can cost anywhere between Rs 17 lakh to 20 lakh for children and Rs 20 lakh to 25 lakh for adults. As compared to this, a liver transplant costs Rs 12 lakh to Rs 15 lakh in government hospitals, however, a major chunk of liver transplants conducted in India are done in private hospitals due to lack of infrastructure and trained doctors in government hospitals.
