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Liver transplant Treatment Cost in South Korea

The average cost of Liver transplant in South Korea starts from KRW 335672500 (USD 250000)

More than 30,000-40,000 liver transplant cases are registered across the world annually. Liver, being one of the most vital organs, are responsible for controlling various metabolic functions inside the body. Thus, liver abnormality or damage, can have serious consequences resulting in death in extreme cases. Liver plays an important role in blood circulatory system via the hepatic portal system, as well as has key role in detoxification, metabolism, blood glucose regulation, digestion (by secreting necessary enzymes and hormones), etc., making it a major organ necessary for healthy survival.

What is Liver transplantation?

Liver transplantation involves replacing the diseased or damaged liver of the sufferer, with healthy functioning liver from another donor. Hepatic transplantation can be furnished either from a living donor or a cadaveric (deceased) donor, depending on the availability of the organ. Pivoting on the severity, candidates may require either partial or complete transplantation. As per the current statistics, approximately 85-89% of transplantation possess one-year survival rate, and 75-78% five year (short-term) survival rate.

Ideal Candidates for Liver Transplant 

Before availing liver transplantation procedure, the patients are evaluated for ideal candidacy to be eligible for the surgery. Thus, ideal candidates for liver transplant may be people who:

  • Biliary cirrhosis
  • Suffer from Hepatitis type B or C
  • Damaged liver due to excessive alcohol consumption
  • Fatty liver condition
  • Liver cancer
  • Sclerosing cholangitis
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Other end-stage liver damaging diseases.

Factors affecting the cost of Liver transplant surgery

The liver transplant cost may vary from $11,200 to $40,000, and depends on a number of aspects. The deciding factors that affect the cost are:

  • Type of disease that affects the liver
  • Extent of damage
  • Type of transplantation surgery required
  • Availability of healthy liver for donation
  • Country where the transplantation procedure is being availed
  • Multispecialty hospitality where procedure is being performed
  • Proficiency and experience of the surgeons performing the operation
  • Duration and extent of post-operative care required

Country wise cost comparison for Liver transplant:

CountryCostLocal_currency
IndiaUSD 25090India 2086234
IsraelUSD 350000Israel 1330000
South KoreaUSD 250000South Korea 335672500
TurkeyUSD 52710Turkey 1588679

Treatment and Cost

50

Total Days
In Country
  • 10 Day in Hospital
  • 2 No. Travelers
  • 40 Days Outside Hospital

Treatment cost starts from

USD250000

Top selling packages for Liver transplant

Liver Transplant Surgery

Ghaziabad, India

USD 25000 USD 28000

Verfifed

Additional Benefits
Complimentary Stay for 2 in a Hotel for 25 Nights
Free Room Upgrade from Economy to Private
Cash Voucher for Medicines worth 75 USD
Post Operative Recovery Package (1 Month Plan)
Complimentary Video Consultation with the Specialist
Airport Transfers
City Tour for 2
Priority Appointment
Cancel Anytime with Full Refund
24*7 Patient Care & Support Services

We provide numerous services for your medical journey, including:

  1. Complimentary Stay for 2 in a Hotel for 25 Nights
  2. Free Room Upgrade from Economy to Private
  3. Cash Voucher for Medicines worth 75 USD
  4. Post Operative Recovery Package (1 Month Plan)
  5. Complimentary Video Consultation with the Specialist
  6. Airport Transfers
  7. City Tour for 2
  8. Priority Appointment
  9. Cancel Anytime with Full Refund
  10. 24*7 Patient Care & Support Services

Costing Details

We offer packages at reasonable pricing that include a variety of additional advantages, making it a better deal than paying for individual perks at the hospital. Liver Transplant Surgery is inexplicably the exact treatment for acute liver failure or liver cancer or end-stage liver disease.Cirrhosis of the liver is an acute stage in which a patient suffers from immense pain. It happens when the scarred tissues replace healthy tissues in your liver, which can lead to liver cancer. If so, then liver transplant is the only option. The transplant procedure follows a surgical regimen that removes the damaged liver and replaces it with a healthy liver from a deceased donor or a portion of a healthy liver from a living donor., For Liver Transplant Surgery in India, we are providing the best all-inclusive discounted package at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Vaishali with some additional benefits.


Liver Transplant Surgery

Gurgaon, India

USD 24000 USD 26000

Verfifed

Additional Benefits
Complimentary Stay for 2 in a Hotel for 25 Nights
Free Room Upgrade from Economy to Private
Cash Voucher for Medicines worth 75 USD
Post Operative Recovery Package (1 Month Plan)
Complimentary Video Consultation with the Specialist
Airport Transfers
City Tour for 2
Priority Appointment
Cancel Anytime with Full Refund
24*7 Patient Care & Support Services

MediGence is offering immense facilities for your medical journey such as:

  1. Complimentary Stay for 2 in a Hotel for 25 Nights
  2. Free Room Upgrade from Economy to Private
  3. Cash Voucher for Medicines worth 75 USD
  4. Post Operative Recovery Package (1 Month Plan)
  5. Complimentary Video Consultation with the Specialist
  6. Airport Transfers
  7. City Tour for 2
  8. Priority Appointment
  9. Cancel Anytime with Full Refund
  10. 24*7 Patient Care & Support Services

Costing Details

We offer packages at reasonable pricing that include a variety of additional advantages, making it a better deal than paying for individual perks at the hospital. Liver Transplant Surgery is inexplicably the exact treatment for acute liver failure or liver cancer or end-stage liver disease.Cirrhosis of the liver is an acute stage in which a patient suffers from immense pain. It happens when the scarred tissues replace healthy tissues in your liver, which can lead to liver cancer. If so, then liver transplant is the only option. The transplant procedure follows a surgical regimen that removes the damaged liver and replaces it with a healthy liver from a deceased donor or a portion of a healthy liver from a living donor., For Liver Transplant Surgery in India, we are providing the best all-inclusive discounted package at Artemis Health Institute with some additional benefits.


1 Hospitals


Asan Medical Centre located in Seoul, South Korea is accredited by ISO. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • 524,700 square meters is the floor area of Asan Medical Centre
  • Number of beds is 2,715
  • 67 operating rooms
  • 11,680 outpatients
  • Everday 2,427 inpatients come to the Centre
  • 66,838 Sophisticated surgeries (per year)
  • 1,600 physicians and surgeons
  • 3,100 nurses
  • Five various types of rooms ranging from suites to multi-bed rooms

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DOCTORS IN 12 SPECIALITIES

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Types of Liver transplant in Wockhardt Hospital, Umrao and its associated cost

Treatment OptionApproximate Cost Range (USD)Approximate Cost Range (INR)
Liver Transplant (Overall)Liver Transplant (Overall)25377 - 407702079671 - 3321678
Living Donor Liver Transplant30588 - 407112502330 - 3316515
Deceased Donor Liver Transplant25473 - 353812078058 - 2910330
  • Address: Wockhardt Umrao Multy Speciality Hospital, Bharti Nagar, Mira Road East, Thane, Maharashtra, India
  • Facilities related to Wockhardt Hospital, Umrao: Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room, Accommodation

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Types of Liver transplant in Apollo Hospital and its associated cost

Treatment OptionApproximate Cost Range (USD)Approximate Cost Range (INR)
Liver Transplant (Overall)Liver Transplant (Overall)28346 - 451882264008 - 3629697
Living Donor Liver Transplant34402 - 455982810180 - 3741540
Deceased Donor Liver Transplant28082 - 398502291470 - 3180259
  • Address: Apollo Hospital Greams Road Chennai - Best Hospital in Chennai, Greams Road, Thousand Lights West, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Facilities related to Apollo Hospital: Post operative followup, Mobility Accessible Rooms, Online Doctor Consultation, Air Ambulance, Religious Facilities

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Types of Liver transplant in Memorial Atasehir Hospital and its associated cost

Treatment OptionApproximate Cost Range (USD)Approximate Cost Range (INR)
Liver Transplant (Overall)63106 - 802835015967 - 6556433
Living Donor Liver Transplant67444 - 798515544913 - 6390183
Deceased Donor Liver Transplant62861 - 735995097788 - 5999933
  • Address: K
  • Facilities related to Memorial Atasehir Hospital: Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room, Accommodation

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Types of Liver transplant in Manipal Hospital, Yeshwantpur and its associated cost

Treatment OptionApproximate Cost Range (USD)Approximate Cost Range (INR)
Liver Transplant (Overall)Liver Transplant (Overall)27888 - 455782257934 - 3668158
Living Donor Liver Transplant33680 - 448242716485 - 3770101
Deceased Donor Liver Transplant27588 - 389162258018 - 3280567
  • Address: Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, 1st Main Road, Malleswaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Facilities related to Manipal Hospital, Yeshwantpur: Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room, Accommodation

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Types of Liver transplant in BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals and its associated cost

Treatment OptionApproximate Cost Range (USD)Approximate Cost Range (INR)
Liver Transplant (Overall)Liver Transplant (Overall)28352 - 458522304921 - 3608146
Living Donor Liver Transplant33848 - 448052799822 - 3679064
Deceased Donor Liver Transplant28542 - 388622314484 - 3194761
  • Address: BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Sunkalpalya, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Facilities related to BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals: Post operative followup, Mobility Accessible Rooms, Online Doctor Consultation, Air Ambulance, Religious Facilities

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Types of Liver transplant in Indraprastha Apollo Hospital and its associated cost

Treatment OptionApproximate Cost Range (USD)Approximate Cost Range (INR)
Liver Transplant (Overall)Liver Transplant (Overall)28468 - 453042289191 - 3686652
Living Donor Liver Transplant34103 - 454862734258 - 3728453
Deceased Donor Liver Transplant28255 - 390372258336 - 3216394
  • Address: Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Mathura Road, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi, India
  • Facilities related to Indraprastha Apollo Hospital: Post operative followup, Mobility Accessible Rooms, Online Doctor Consultation, Air Ambulance, Religious Facilities

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Types of Liver transplant in VPS Lakeshore Hospital and its associated cost

Treatment OptionApproximate Cost Range (USD)Approximate Cost Range (INR)
Liver Transplant (Overall)Liver Transplant (Overall)25357 - 406182072713 - 3333661
Living Donor Liver Transplant30355 - 404852487182 - 3339089
Deceased Donor Liver Transplant25467 - 356252082759 - 2921680
  • Address: VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Nettoor, Maradu, Ernakulam, Kerala, India
  • Facilities related to VPS Lakeshore Hospital: Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room, Accommodation

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Types of Liver transplant in Manipal Hospital, Dwarka and its associated cost

Treatment OptionApproximate Cost Range (USD)Approximate Cost Range (INR)
Liver Transplant (Overall)Liver Transplant (Overall)25444 - 407692087094 - 3333380
Living Donor Liver Transplant30537 - 406852497059 - 3328383
Deceased Donor Liver Transplant25277 - 353862080628 - 2905696
  • Address: Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Palam Vihar, Sector 6 Dwarka, Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi, India
  • Facilities related to Manipal Hospital, Dwarka: Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room, Accommodation

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Types of Liver transplant in Guven Hospital and its associated cost

Treatment OptionApproximate Cost Range (USD)Approximate Cost Range (INR)
Liver Transplant (Overall)61614 - 789274997116 - 6553287
Living Donor Liver Transplant68450 - 792185486569 - 6584483
Deceased Donor Liver Transplant60893 - 725144967815 - 6101540
  • Address: Kavakldere, G
  • Facilities related to Guven Hospital: Choice of Meals, Interpreter, TV inside room, Accommodation, Airport Transfer

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Types of Liver transplant in Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre and its associated cost

Treatment OptionApproximate Cost Range (USD)Approximate Cost Range (INR)
Liver Transplant (Overall)Liver Transplant (Overall)28656 - 448742263791 - 3742283
Living Donor Liver Transplant34495 - 452152754178 - 3648954
Deceased Donor Liver Transplant28248 - 391782322030 - 3257262
  • Address: Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre - Multispeciality Hospital in Chennai, India, CLC Works Road, Nagappa Nagar, Chromepet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Facilities related to Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre: Interpreter, SIM, Accommodation, Airport Transfer

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Types of Liver transplant in Vejthani Hospital and its associated cost

Treatment OptionApproximate Cost Range (USD)Approximate Cost Range (INR)
Liver Transplant (Overall)56926 - 891834578417 - 7240323
Living Donor Liver Transplant67151 - 896625559260 - 7428846
Deceased Donor Liver Transplant56512 - 802064684064 - 6509211
  • Address: Vejthani Hospital, 1 Soi Lat Phrao 111 Klong-Chan Bangkapi Bangkok, Thailand
  • Facilities related to Vejthani Hospital: Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room, Accommodation

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Types of Liver transplant in Fortis Hospital and its associated cost

Treatment OptionApproximate Cost Range (USD)Approximate Cost Range (INR)
Liver Transplant (Overall)Liver Transplant (Overall)25464 - 406612072332 - 3334562
Living Donor Liver Transplant30367 - 407372500610 - 3337876
Deceased Donor Liver Transplant25346 - 353882087918 - 2906778
  • Address: Fortis Hospital, Sahyadri Layout, Panduranga Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  • Facilities related to Fortis Hospital: Post operative followup, Mobility Accessible Rooms, Online Doctor Consultation, Air Ambulance, Religious Facilities

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Types of Liver transplant in Medipol Mega University Hospital and its associated cost

Treatment OptionApproximate Cost Range (USD)Approximate Cost Range (INR)
Liver Transplant (Overall)62970 - 796835025213 - 6347933
Living Donor Liver Transplant66240 - 773175448422 - 6380058
Deceased Donor Liver Transplant62336 - 727785166224 - 5989381
  • Address: Göztepe Mahallesi, Medipol Mega ?niversite Hastanesi, Metin Sokak, Bağcılar/Istanbul, Turkey
  • Facilities related to Medipol Mega University Hospital: Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room, Accommodation

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Types of Liver transplant in HCG Kalinga Rao Road and its associated cost

Treatment OptionApproximate Cost Range (USD)Approximate Cost Range (INR)
Liver Transplant (Overall)Liver Transplant (Overall)25321 - 407612080276 - 3334748
Living Donor Liver Transplant30534 - 407502498656 - 3335131
Deceased Donor Liver Transplant25488 - 354282075597 - 2906728
  • Address: HCG Hospital, 2nd Cross Road, KHB Block Koramangala, 5th Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Facilities related to HCG Kalinga Rao Road: SIM, TV inside room, Accommodation, Choice of Meals

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About the Liver transplant

A liver transplant is a surgical procedure where a diseased or damaged liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a living or deceased donor. The liver is a vital organ that performs essential functions, such as:

  • Processing nutrients, medications, and hormones
  • Producing bile, which helps the body absorb fats, cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins
  • Making proteins that help the blood clot
  • Removing bacteria and toxins from the blood
  • Preventing infection and regulating immune responses

A liver transplant is usually reserved as a treatment option for people who have significant complications due to end-stage chronic liver disease. A liver transplant may also be a treatment option in rare cases of sudden failure of a previously healthy liver. It is a treatment option for individuals with end-stage liver disease or specific liver-related conditions that cannot be effectively managed with medical therapies or other interventions. Here are some common conditions that may lead to the need for a liver transplant:

  1. Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is advanced scarring of the liver tissue, usually resulting from long-term liver damage and inflammation. Common causes of cirrhosis include chronic viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis B or C), alcohol-related liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
  2. Chronic Viral Hepatitis: Chronic infections with hepatitis B or C viruses can lead to progressive liver damage and cirrhosis, ultimately necessitating a liver transplant.
  3. Alcohol-Related Liver Disease: Chronic excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver inflammation, fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis, which may require transplantation.
  4. Non-alcoholic fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This condition involves the accumulation of fat in the liver, leading to inflammation and scarring. In severe cases, it can progress to cirrhosis and the need for a liver transplant.
  5. Autoimmune Hepatitis: An autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, causing inflammation and potential liver damage.
  6. Biliary Atresia: A congenital condition where the bile ducts outside and inside the liver are abnormally formed or blocked, leading to liver damage, cirrhosis, and the need for transplantation, often in childhood.
  7. Hemochromatosis: A genetic disorder causing excessive iron accumulation in the liver, leading to liver damage and cirrhosis.
  8. Wilson's Disease: An inherited disorder that causes copper to accumulate in various organs, including the liver, leading to liver damage and the potential need for transplantation.
  9. Acute Liver Failure: Severe and rapid deterioration of liver function due to various causes such as drug toxicity, viral hepatitis, or other acute insults. In some cases, acute liver failure may necessitate emergency liver transplantation.
  10. Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): In certain cases, liver transplantation may be considered for individuals with liver cancer, especially if the tumor meets specific criteria.

How is Liver transplant performed?

  • It is very crucial to match both the liver of the donor as well as the recipient based on blood group and the size of the organ. A database is maintained to match all these aspects but the transplant team may reject a donor's liver on different grounds. For example, they may refuse to transplant the donor liver in case the patient’s condition improves by itself or if there are chances of rejection or improper functioning of the donated liver after the transplant.
  • The doctor refers the patient to a transplant center where recipients are carefully assessed by a team of liver transplant surgeons. They make a note of the medical history of the patient and blood, X-ray, and physical examination results. The functionality of the kidneys, heart, and lungs is also checked.
  • The surgery is scheduled as soon as a suitable donor, whether living or deceased, is identified. The patient undergoes the last set of tests and is prepared for the surgery. The liver transplant procedure is quite long and it takes around 12 hours for it to complete.
  • The patient is given general anesthesia before the surgery. It is administered through a tube inserted into the windpipe. A catheter for fluid drainage and an intravenous line are also placed for the administration of medicines and other fluids.
  • The liver transplant surgeon makes an incision in the upper abdomen and the injured or the diseased liver is gradually detached from the common bile ducts and the connecting blood vessels.
  • The team clamps the duct and the vessels and then removes the liver. This common bile duct and the related blood vessels are now attached to the liver of the donor. The donated liver is placed in the same location as the diseased liver after the latter’s removal. Some tubes are placed near and around the newly transplanted liver to aid in the removal of fluids and blood from the abdominal region.
  • Another tube may be used to drain out bile from the transplanted liver into an external pouch. This helps surgeons assess whether the transplanted liver is producing enough bile or not.
  • In the case of a living donor, two different surgeries are performed. In the first surgery, a portion of the healthy liver is removed from the donor’s body. In the other surgery, the diseased liver is removed from the body of the recipient and the donor’s liver is placed in its position. The liver cells multiply further during the coming months to form the entire liver from the piece of the donor's liver.

Recovery from Liver transplant

  • After completion of the surgery, the patient is taken to the anesthesia recovery room and then finally to the intensive care unit. After the condition of the patient stabilizes, the breathing tube is removed, and the patient is shifted to a normal room.
  • Multiple monitoring lines are attached to the body of the patient to keep in check the stability of vital organ systems in the body. Liver transplant recovery time varies from one to eight weeks and the patient may be required to stay in the hospital during this period.
  • Initially, the patient is required to visit the hospital once a month after discharge to undergo a check for transplant compatibility and other health-related issues. Later, the frequency can be decreased to once a year.

Patient Stories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the factors affecting the cost of Liver transplant in South Korea?

Different hospitals have different pricing policy when it comes to the cost of Liver transplant in South Korea. The top hospitals for Liver transplant in South Korea covers all the expenses related to the pre-surgery investigations of the candidate. The treatment cost usually includes the expenses related to hospitalization, surgery, nursing, medicines, and anesthesia. Extended hospital stay, complications after the surgery or new diagnosis may affect the overall cost of Liver transplant in South Korea.

Which are some of the best hospitals in South Korea for Liver transplantt?

There are many hospitals across the country that offer Liver transplant to international patients. The following are some of the most renowned hospitals for Liver transplant in South Korea:

  1. Asan Medical Centre
How many days does it take to recover post Liver transplant in South Korea?

After Liver transplant in South Korea, the patient is supposed to stay in guest house for another 50 days. This time frame is important to ensure that the surgery was successful and the patient is fit to fly back.

How much are the other expenses in South Korea apart from the cost of Liver transplant?

Apart from the Liver transplant cost, there are a few other daily charges that the patient may have to pay. These are the charges for daily meals and accommodation outside the hospital. The per day extra expenses in South Korea per person are about USD 50 per person.

Which are the best cities in South Korea for Liver transplant Procedure?

There are many cities that offer Liver transplant in South Korea, including the following:

  • Seoul
How many days does one have to spend in the hospital for Liver transplant in South Korea?

The patient is supposed to stay at the hospital for about 10 days after Liver transplant for monitoring and care. This phase is important to ensure that the patient is recovering well and is clinically stable. During this time, several tests are performed before the patient is deemed suitable for discharge.

How many hospitals offer Liver transplant in South Korea?

There are more than 1 hospitals that offer Liver transplant in South Korea. These clinics have propoer infrastructure as well as offer good quality of services when it comes to Liver transplant Also, these hospitals follow the necessary guidelines as required by the medical associations for the treatment of Liver transplant patients.

Who are the best doctors for Liver transplant in South Korea?

Some of the best medical specialists for Liver transplant in South Korea are:

  1. Dr. Yang Won Seok
  2. Dr. Kim Soon Bae
  3. Dr. Jung Hee Lee
  4. Dr. Hwang Shin
  5. Dr. Lee Sung Gyu
  6. Dr. Kyoo Hyung Lee
What is the success rate of Liver Transplant in South Korea?

South Korea is an emerging destination for living donor liver transplantation. The country has reported the most living donor liver transplants per number of people. The top 10 medical institutions data reveals a 97.6 percent success rate in the last three years. This figure is higher than in the US and other developed countries. Also, the 3 and 1 years survival rate has reached 90% & 94% for patients without liver cancer. It reached 86.3-92.6% for people with liver cancer.

What are the costs of evaluation and diagnostic tests which are associated with liver Transplant in South Korea?

It is necessary for the person aiming to undergo liver transplantation to get themselves thoroughly evaluated before the transplant is performed. First of all, the recipient needs to discuss a team of medical experts. They will deeply examine the medical history of the patient and review the condition of the patient to find if the liver transplantation is the correct option for the patient. A number of diagnostic tests will be performed to determine any underlying conditions. The evaluation process generally includes a medical and surgical history, a psychosocial exam, a physical exam, compatibility tests (blood typing, tissue typing, crossmatching, and diagnostic tests.). Evaluation and diagnostic tests for Liver Transplant in South Korea cost 3000 and 5000 USD respectively.

What are the factors affecting the cost of liver Transplant in South Korea?

The liver transplant cost may vary from person to person depending on many factors given below:

  • Type of transplantation surgery needed
  • Availability of liver for donation
  • Country where the transplantation is being performed
  • Type of disease affecting the liver
  • Extent of liver damage
  • Type and location of the hospital where the procedure will be performed
  • Experience of the surgeons doing the surgery
  • Duration of post-operative care
  • Age of the patient
  • Post-surgery complications
Who are some of the best surgeons in South Korea treating liver transplants?
  • Dr. Yang Won Seok : Dr. Yang Won Seok is associated with Asan Medical Centre, Seoul, and has 20 years of experience. Dr. Yang Won has obtained an MD degree from University of Ulsaz and Bachelor of Medicine degree from Seoul National University. The doctor has handled several complicated cases and has a high success rate.
  • Dr. Jae Hwang Kim : Dr. Jae Hwang Kim has 38 years of experience and is associated withYeungnam University Medical Center. He is a member of the Korean Society of Surgery, the American Society of Gastrointestinal Surgery and the American Society of Laparoscopy. He graduated at Kyungpook National University and a Doctor of Medicine atYeungnam University.
  • Dr. Han-Kwang Yang : Dr. Han-Kwang Yang hasan experience of 36 years and is associated with Seoul National University Hospital. Dr. Han-Kwang is also the Chairman at the Korean GIST Study Group. He earned his M.D. from Seoul National University College of Medicine. He has expertise in areas like Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Gastric cancer, Hernia, Laparoscopic, Gastrointestinal stromal tumor, Robotic Surgery, etc.
  • Dr. Kim Sang Woon : Dr. Kim Sang Woon has 37 years of experience, and works as a Surgical Gastroenterologist at Yeungnam University Medical Center. He graduated from Yeungnam University. His main areas of interest are gastrointestinal surgery, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, laparoscopic surgery, and sarcoma. Dr. Sang’s research works assess different aspects of surgical practice.
What are the various approaches to liver Transplant and their subsequent cost in South Korea?

There are three main ways a liver transplant is performed in South Korea:

  • Living donor liver transplant : In this procedure, a part of liver is removed from the living donor and the removed liver can regenerate itself after some days. Both the transplanted part as well as the remaining part of the donor's liver can regrow into the normal-sized liver. Extensive screening and preparation is done before a living donor transplant to ensure that the best possible liver is obtained from the healthiest possible donor. A living-donor transplant decreases the amount of total time a person has to wait on the national transplant waiting list.
  • The cost of a living liver transplant in South Korea is about 235000 USD.
  • Deceased donor liver transplant : A liver from the deceased donor comes from an individual after their brain death. Anyone who has given their consent to donate organs for the transplantation at the time of death or if their families provide permission are eligible to donate their liver. The liver is first evaluated for the transplantation, and if found healthy, these are removed and then stored until any recipient is chosen from a waiting list. The cost of a deceased liver transplant in South Korea is about 250000 USD.
  • Split donation : In this procedure, the liver is extracted from a person who has died recently and then split into two parts; each part is now transplanted into a different individual, where they grow into a normal size.
  • The cost of a deceased liver transplant in South Korea is about 225000 USD.
Why should you choose South Korea as a Destination for your liver Transplant?

South Korea is an emerging destination for living donor liver transplantation. The country has reported the most living donor liver transplants per number of people. A multidisciplinary approach taken by hospitals allows patients here to get assistance from a wide range of transplant specialists. Another best advantage in South Korea are the strict protocols to limit recurrences. Local institutions have doubled the overall resources to improve the quality of treatments. Other advances in the field of liver transplantation include dual graft liver transplantation techniques and the modified right lobe graft. Both techniques have improved the success rate and have reduced complications for donor and recipient. These surgeons are highly-experienced and trained and have a great professional experience. The transplant centers are well-equipped with advanced technology to provide top medical facilities. The hospitals provide excellent care to patients. The cost of liver transplants in South Korea is lower than other developed parts of the world.

Which are some of the best hospitals in South Korea for liver Transplant?
  • Asan Medical Center, Seoul : Asan Medical Center has about 11,680 outpatients, 256 emergency patients and 2,427 inpatients every day on an average. Each year, around 66,838 sophisticated surgeries are done by the well-trained experts at the hospital. The hospital has cutting-edge equipment and is known for its standard across the globe. The facility is fully dedicated to clinical research.
  • Samsung Medical Center, Seoul : Samsung Medical Center is known for its patient-centric approach and customer satisfaction. It is a JCI-accredited hospital and is one of the most technologically advanced healthcare centers in the country.
The hospital houses 2600 nurses, 1400 doctors, 200 researchers, and 3700 pharmacists dedicated to the care of the patients. The hospital offers a wide range of advanced medical treatments in Neurosurgery, Oncology, Transplantology, and Cardiovascular surgery.
  • Hospital Severance : Hospital Severanceis a center of advanced medical technologies, and is a hub of experienced specialists. The hospital receives about 40 000 people. Severance Hospital was the first facility in South Korea to receive accreditation from the Joint Commission International. The patients can get comprehensive treatment programs, including preventive medicine and palliative care and rehabilitation. The hospital has performed a large number of liver transplants successfully.
What are some of the legal and ethical aspects one should be aware of for liver Transplant in South Korea?

South Korea procures the integrity of recipients and donors for organ transplantation. The patient should comply with the Act on Organ Transplantation. The law says that the donor must be at least closer to the patient or first cousin. The Korean Network of Organ Sharing must verify the validity of all the documents. In certain cases, KONOS allows third party organ donation. The party needs to prove that the donation is without any kind of monetary intention.

What is the procedure to undergo liver Transplantation in South Korea?

A person who wishes to undergo a liver transplant will have to undergo numerous tests to determine if he/she is a good match with the concerned donor. The liver transplant surgeon will then review your condition by conducting a physical exam. After this, appointments will be made to see doctors from different specialties. You’ll also have to undergo all the final steps of tests as required. When all the tests & appointments are done, the application for the transplant will then be reviewed by the dedicated committee to find if no commercial transaction happens either before or after the transplant. The liver transplant will go ahead after the concerned department has approved the evaluation.