Posted by Liver transplant surgery is a life-saving procedure performed on patients with severe liver diseases that cannot be treated with medication or other treatments. It involves replacing a diseased liver with a healthy liver from a donor. This surgery is one of the most complex medical procedures and requires a specialized team of surgeons, hepatologists, and medical professionals. Over the years, advancements in medical technology have improved the success rate of a liver transplant, making it a viable option for patients suffering from liver failure, cirrhosis, and other critical conditions.
In this blog, we will discuss everything about liver transplant surgery, including its procedure, recovery, cost, and the top hospitals and doctors in India providing this treatment.
Understanding Liver Transplant Surgery
A liver transplant surgery is performed when a person’s liver is severely damaged and can no longer function properly. Some of the most common reasons for requiring a liver transplant include:
- Cirrhosis: A severe liver disease caused by chronic hepatitis B or C, alcohol abuse, or fatty liver disease.
- Liver Cancer: When cancerous tumors develop in the liver and cannot be treated with other medical interventions.
- Acute Liver Failure: A sudden loss of liver function due to drug overdose, infections, or genetic disorders.
- Genetic Liver Diseases: Conditions like Wilson’s disease and hemochromatosis that lead to liver failure.
Types of Liver Transplant
There are three major types of liver transplants:
- Deceased Donor Liver Transplant (DDLT) – The liver is obtained from a recently deceased person whose family has consented to donate the organs.
- Living Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT) – A portion of a healthy liver from a living donor is transplanted into the patient. The donor’s liver regenerates within a few months.
- Split Liver Transplant – A deceased donor’s liver is split into two parts, which are then transplanted into two recipients, typically an adult and a child.
Top Hospitals and Surgeons for Liver Transplant in India
- Dr. Arvinder Singh Soin
- Address: Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana
- Contact Number: +91 124 4141414
- Doctor’s Timing: Monday to Saturday
- Education: MBBS, MS, FRCS (Edinburgh, UK)
- Areas of Expertise: Liver transplant, Hepatobiliary surgery, Liver cancer treatment
- Previous Experience: Over 20 years in liver transplantation
Dr. Arvinder Singh Soin is a leading liver transplant surgeon in India, having performed over 3,000 successful liver transplants.
- Dr. Mohamed Rela
- Address: Rela Institute & Medical Centre, Chennai
- Contact Number: +91 444 667 7000
- Doctor’s Timing: Monday to Saturday
- Education: MBBS, MS, FRCS (UK)
- Areas of Expertise: Pediatric and adult liver transplantation, Hepatobiliary surgery
- Previous Experience: 25+ years in liver transplantation
Dr. Mohamed Rela is internationally recognized for his expertise in liver transplant surgery and hepatobiliary diseases.
- Dr. Subhash Gupta
- Address: Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
- Contact Number: +91 114 665 5000
- Doctor’s Timing: Monday to Saturday
- Education: MBBS, MS, FRCS (UK)
- Areas of Expertise: Adult and pediatric liver transplants, Hepatobiliary surgery
- Previous Experience: 30+ years in liver transplantation
Dr. Subhash Gupta has successfully performed thousands of liver transplant surgeries and has been instrumental in advancing liver transplant procedures in India.
- Dr. A.S. Soin
- Address: Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
- Contact Number: +91 124 4855013
- Doctor’s Timing: Monday to Saturday
- Education: MBBS, MS, FRCS
- Areas of Expertise: Living donor liver transplantation, Hepatobiliary surgeries
- Previous Experience: Over 20 years of experience in liver transplants
Dr. A.S. Soin is regarded as one of the best liver transplant surgeons in India, known for his high success rate of a liver transplant.
- Dr. Neerav Goyal
- Address: Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi
- Contact Number: +91 112 690 1111
- Doctor’s Timing: Monday to Saturday
- Education: MBBS, MS, FRCS
- Areas of Expertise: Liver transplant surgery, Hepatobiliary surgeries, Liver cancer treatment
- Previous Experience: 15+ years in liver transplantation
Dr. Neerav Goyal is an experienced surgeon specializing in complex liver transplant surgeries and hepatobiliary disorders.
Cost for Liver Transplant Surgery in India
The liver transplant India cost varies depending on several factors, including the hospital, the complexity of the surgery, and post-operative care. On average, the cost for liver transplant surgery in India ranges between ₹18 lakh to ₹35 lakh. Some factors affecting the cost include:
- Hospital charges
- Surgeon’s fees
- Medications and post-operative care
- Donor liver procurement charges
- ICU stay duration
Despite the high cost, India remains one of the most affordable destinations for liver transplant surgery due to its advanced healthcare facilities and skilled surgeons.
Risks of Liver Transplant Operation
Like any major surgery, a liver transplant operation has risks, including:
- Infection: The immune system is weakened after surgery, increasing the risk of infections.
- Rejection of the Liver: The body’s immune system may attack the new liver, requiring lifelong medication.
- Bleeding and Blood Clots: Surgical complications can lead to excessive bleeding or clot formation.
- Kidney Dysfunction: Some patients may experience kidney-related issues post-surgery.
Liver Transplant Procedure
The liver transplant operation involves several critical steps:
- Pre-Surgery Evaluation – The patient undergoes medical tests, including blood tests, imaging scans, and liver function tests, to assess their eligibility for a transplant.
- Donor Matching – A suitable donor (either living or deceased) is identified based on blood type and liver size compatibility.
- Surgery – The diseased liver is removed, and the healthy donor liver is implanted.
- Post-Operative Care – Patients are monitored in the ICU for recovery and to prevent complications.
- Liver Transplant Recovery – The patient requires long-term medication and regular check-ups to ensure the liver functions properly.
Success Rate of a Liver Transplant
The success rate of a liver transplant has significantly improved due to advancements in medical technology and post-operative care. The average success rate is around 85% to 90%, with many patients living healthy lives for more than 10 years post-transplant.
Factors that contribute to success include:
- Early detection and timely surgery
- Proper post-operative care
- A healthy lifestyle post-transplant
Liver Transplant Recovery Process
Recovering from a liver transplant surgery can take several months. The key phases of liver transplant recovery include:
- Hospital Stay: Around 2 to 4 weeks post-surgery
- Medication: Lifelong immunosuppressants to prevent organ rejection
- Follow-Up Visits: Regular doctor consultations and monitoring
- Lifestyle Changes: Healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, and maintaining hygiene
Proper care and adherence to medical advice can help ensure a smooth recovery and long-term health.
Common Risks of Liver Transplant Surgery
Although liver transplant surgery has a high success rate, some risks include:
- Organ rejection
- Infections
- Bleeding and clotting issues
- Bile duct complications
- Side effects of immunosuppressive drugs
Proper medical care and monitoring can help in managing these risks effectively. cost for liver transplant
FAQs About Liver Transplant Surgery
- What is the cost for liver transplant surgery in India?
The cost for liver transplant surgery in India ranges from ₹18 lakh to ₹35 lakh, depending on the hospital and other medical expenses. - What are the risks associated with a liver transplant operation?
Risks include organ rejection, infections, bleeding, and complications related to immunosuppressants. - How long does it take to recover from a liver transplant?
Recovery can take 3 to 6 months, with patients requiring lifelong medication and regular follow-ups. - What is the success rate of a liver transplant?
The success rate of a liver transplant is around 85% to 90%, with many patients living a normal life post-transplant. - Can a living person donate a liver for transplant?
Yes, a living donor can donate a part of their liver, which regenerates within a few months. - How is a liver transplant donor selected?
A donor is selected based on blood type, liver size, and overall health compatibility. - What diet should be followed after a liver transplant?
A nutritious diet including protein, fiber, and vitamins is recommended, along with avoiding alcohol and junk food. - How soon can I return to work after a liver transplant?
Most patients can resume work within 3 to 6 months, depending on their recovery. - Is liver transplant surgery painful?
The surgery is performed under anesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during the procedure. - What hospitals in India offer the best liver transplant surgery?
Top hospitals include Medanta, Apollo Hospitals, and Max Super Specialty Hospital.
Liver transplant surgery is a crucial procedure that has saved countless lives. With advancements in medical care, patients have a high chance of leading a healthy life post-surgery. If you or a loved one requires a liver transplant, consult with a specialized doctor to understand your options.