Liver transplantation
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Liver transplantation is a surgical procedure in which a diseased liver is replaced with a healthy one from a donor. The liver’s remarkable ability to regenerate allows even a portion of a liver to grow to near-normal size within weeks. It is a life-saving treatment for patients with acute or chronic liver failure.
Approximately 3,000 liver transplants are performed annually in India, offering renewed life and health.
Who Needs Liver Transplantation?
- Severe acute liver failure (ALF): Sudden liver failure in a previously healthy liver
- End-stage chronic liver disease (cirrhosis): Permanent scarring and loss of liver function from causes like:
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Fatty liver disease (especially with obesity or diabetes)
- Chronic Hepatitis B or C
- Genetic disorders (Wilson disease)
- Autoimmune liver diseases
- Selected liver cancers and certain bile duct disorders
Types of Liver Transplantation
1. Deceased Donor Transplant:
- Whole liver from a brain-dead donor, or split/reduced liver shared between two recipients
- Commonly performed for adults
2. Living Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT):
- A healthy adult, often a family member, donates a portion of their liver
- Donated portion is typically ~60% of recipient’s requirement
- Both donor and recipient livers regenerate within 6–8 weeks
- Safe and effective with favorable outcomes
Results & Survival
- Patients often resume normal life within 6–12 months post-transplant
- Survival rates:
- 1-year survival ~90%
- 5-year survival ~75%
- Long-term health depends on:
- Strict adherence to immunosuppressive medications
- Balanced diet and regular exercise
- Routine follow-ups with the transplant team
Post-Transplant Medications
- Lifelong immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection
- Regular check-ups and lab tests to monitor liver health
- Transplant team guidance ensures safe medication management and recovery
Living Donor Information
- Recovery:
- Hospital stay: ~1 week
- Home recovery: ~4 weeks
- Most donors resume normal activities within a month
- Long-term medications are not required
Eligibility:
- Healthy adult (18–55 years), usually a close family member
- Matching blood group
- No major medical problems
- Medically, mentally, and physically fit
- Willing to donate voluntarily after evaluation and counseling
Pre-Transplant Donor Evaluation:
- Physical examination: Full medical check-up
- Blood tests: Liver & kidney function, blood counts, diabetes, thyroid, hepatitis B & C, HIV
- Imaging (Ultrasound/CT/MRI): Liver structure, blood vessels, bile ducts, liver volume
- Heart & lung tests: Chest X-ray, ECG, echocardiography
- Specialist assessment: Medical and psychosocial evaluation to ensure readiness and safety
Why Choose Our Liver Transplant Program
- Expert hepatologists, surgeons, and multidisciplinary team
- Advanced surgical techniques for both living and deceased donor transplants
- Comprehensive donor and recipient evaluation
- Personalized care for optimal outcomes and long-term health
Take the first step toward life-saving liver care—consult our specialist today.
FAQ's
What is liver transplantation?
Surgical replacement of a diseased liver with a healthy liver from a deceased or living donor.
Who needs it?
Patients with acute liver failure, end-stage cirrhosis, selected liver cancers, or bile duct disorders.
Types of transplantation?
- Deceased donor (whole or split liver)
- Living donor (portion of liver from a healthy adult)
What is the recovery and success rate?
- Recipients: Normal life in 6–12 months; 1-year survival ~90%, 5-year ~75%
- Living donors: Hospital stay ~1 week, full recovery ~4 weeks
Medications after transplant?
Lifelong immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection.
Who can be a living donor?
Healthy adult (18–55 years), usually a family member, compatible blood group, medically and mentally fit.
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