Prof. Dr. Nelson Arellano, Head of the Department of Liver Transplantation at the Hospital de Clínicas, explained that liver transplantation is among the most complex transplants in terms of the type of organ, because they are patients who are condemned, unlike other more recurrent transplants such as kidney transplants, where the patient, before surgical treatment, can choose to live on dialysis for the rest of his life.
“When we talk about liver transplantation, people should know that in many countries of the world they do not have a liver transplant program, precisely because of the medical complexity involved and the enormous effort that is needed, not only human, but from the point of view of from a material point of view, medicines and supplies; and building a transplant team is not easy; That is why in several countries in South America and the rest of the world there are no liver transplant programs,” he said.
The professional said that the road is quite long, the work is immense, and not only does the transplant surgeon work, but also involves an entire multidisciplinary team, including hepatologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, nutritionists, among others. And it is not only the responsibility of health personnel but also of citizens, society, because a transplant is not possible without organ donors.
“Currently the FCM is making a fairly strong effort with the same budget, we are trying to reactivate the program that was badly affected by the pandemic; And not only that, this is not only an activity that affects the medical world, but also depends on society; society has a fundamental participation, it has to know that they have rights, but also obligations, obligations with respect to their friends, neighbors, the neighbor; the transplant is a chain, if there is no donation, there cannot be a liver transplant in this case, ”he explained.
Liver Transplant Program
The Faculty of Medical Sciences of the UNA and the Hospital de Clínicas, despite maintaining a limited budget, are committed to working on the reactivation of the program for the benefit of Paraguayans; emphasizing that for this, it also requires the support of society. The Institution has a double function, care by carrying out transplants and teaching, whose learning depends on care practice.
“As an institution we are committed to the country, and society must respond to this, through organ donations, putting itself in the critical situation of the compatriot who hopefully awaits that opportunity of life; if there is no donation, there can be no transplant, and our patients will continue to die on the waiting list”, said Prof. Arellano.
Waiting list for liver transplant
The patient who registers on the waiting list for a liver transplant is a person with few life alternatives; if the intervention is not performed, the patient dies.
“The patient is evaluated by the hepatologist of the Transplant Unit, depending on the severity of the disease, and after studies that show he is a candidate for a transplant, he is included in the list, and subsequently prepared by the multidisciplinary team. Being able to save a patient is very important for us, we cannot save everyone because they are people who are in a delicate and very serious condition, “she said.
testimony of life
Mario is a person who had the opportunity to have a liver transplant; and he relates that since then, after the surgery, his life changed. “When I was sick I had a very bad time, I lost my job, I had to see my family sacrificed for my condition; today I can say that I feel like I have a new life, thanks to the transplant I feel like an active person again, I can work and help my family; Life is not enough for me to thank the donor of the organ that brought me back to life and the entire staff of the Hospital de Clínicas for the work they did to reach the transplant; For this reason, I urge Paraguayans not to be afraid to donate and offer an opportunity to those who want to continue living.”
