Liver Cirrhosis on the Rise in Nepal: 92% Liver Transplant Success Offers New Hope
7th January 2026, Kathmandu
The number of patients suffering from serious liver diseases, particularly liver cirrhosis, is increasing rapidly in Nepal. Due to late diagnosis and lack of timely treatment, many patients are losing their lives.
Liver Cirrhosis Rise in Nepal
However, according to renowned liver transplant surgeon Dr. Ekanand Singh, liver transplant procedures performed in Nepal have shown a 92 percent success rate, offering new hope to patients and their families.
What Is Liver Cirrhosis?
Liver cirrhosis is a condition in which healthy liver cells are gradually replaced by scar tissue, causing the liver to become hard and lose its ability to function properly. It is considered the final stage of chronic liver disease. Once cirrhosis develops, the liver cannot return to its normal condition.
Major Causes of Liver Cirrhosis in Nepal
According to Dr. Singh, the most common causes of liver cirrhosis in Nepal include:
- Excessive alcohol consumption (the leading cause in Nepal)
- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections
- Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and high blood pressure
- Autoimmune diseases
- Bile duct–related disorders
Early identification and management of these risk factors are crucial to preventing severe liver damage.
Symptoms and Disease Progression
One of the most dangerous aspects of liver cirrhosis is that there are usually no symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, patients may experience:
- Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Weight loss and digestive problems
By the time these symptoms appear, the disease has often reached an advanced stage.
Treatment Options: Why Liver Transplant Is the Final Solution
Dr. Ekanand Singh explains that once cirrhosis develops, medications can only manage symptoms and complications; they cannot restore the damaged liver. Therefore:
Advertisement
Liver transplantation remains the only definitive and life-saving treatment for end-stage liver cirrhosis.
Status of Liver Transplant in Nepal
Liver transplant services are now available within Nepal, significantly reducing the need for patients to travel abroad for treatment.
Key Facts:
- Hospitals: KIST Medical College and a few other specialized centers
- Cost: Approximately NPR 3.5 to 4 million
- Success Rate: 92 percent
- Donor Type: Living donor only (currently practiced in Nepal)
Is Liver Donation Safe?
Addressing common concerns, Dr. Singh reassures that liver donation is generally safe for healthy donors.
“A donor’s liver regenerates and returns to its original size within four to six weeks. Donors can continue to live a healthy and normal life after donation,” Dr. Ekanand Singh
How to Prevent Liver Cirrhosis
Health experts recommend the following preventive measures to reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis:
- Avoid or strictly limit alcohol consumption
- Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B
- Undergo regular health checkups
- Manage diabetes and blood pressure effectively
- Maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle
Conclusion
Although liver cirrhosis is a life-threatening disease, early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and timely liver transplantation can save lives.
The availability of liver transplant services in Nepal, with a 92 percent success rate, marks a major milestone in the country’s healthcare sector and provides renewed hope for patients battling end-stage liver disease.
For more: Liver Cirrhosis Rise in Nepal
