Mumbai: The liver is the second largest and the most complex organ in the body after the brain. And as Rahul Ghadge was to learn one day, could also be the cause of his father’s demise if he did not receive a transplant in time.
A few days after recovering from dengue, Bramhadev Ghadge, Head Constable, Motor Transport Department, Mumbai Police, developed digestion issues, nausea and joint pains. While initially he put it down to part of his recovery from dengue, he was later diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis. Liver transplant was the only option for the 53-year-old.
While registering for a cadaver organ, Rahul learned it could take up to two years for his father to get an organ. “His condition was deteriorating, and doctors advised that a transplant had to be done within four months,” says Rahul.
His eventual decision to be a live liver donor to his father was met with huge opposition at home. Experts say this is due to lack of awareness on the issue.
“My parents were averse to the idea with me being their only child. The counsellors explained to them that liver possesses the remarkable capacity to regenerate.
About 60 per cent of the organ is transplanted and it grows back in six months and I could carry on with my regular life without any complications,” says the 26-year- old Instrumentation Engineer.
After reclaiming his life, Ghadge senior and his son do all they can to spread awareness and are even called by the Fortis Hospital, Mulund, where the procedure was performed, to counsel and guide other families. “In India, the number of living organ donors is quite low. I hope that- more people realise how important this is,” Rahul says.
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Dr Rakesh Rai, Senior Hepato- biliary and Transplant Surgeon, who conducted the liver transplant surgeries on the Ghadges, says, “Post such procedures, the advise to a donor is not to lift heavy weights for two months and to eat healthy.” To donate, people do not have to be blood-related. Any healthy person can give a friend or relative the gift of life.