Overview
Liver transplantation is a life-saving surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or failing liver with a healthy liver from another person (the donor). It is considered one of the greatest achievements in modern medicine — offering patients with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure a chance at renewed life and long-term survival.
The liver is the body’s largest internal organ, responsible for critical functions such as filtering toxins, regulating blood clotting, digesting fats through bile production, and managing metabolism. When it becomes irreversibly damaged, no medical treatment can substitute its role permanently — and transplantation becomes the only definitive cure.
When Liver Transplantation Is Needed
Liver transplantation is typically advised when the liver can no longer perform its essential functions despite maximal medical or endoscopic therapy.
Common indications include:
- Cirrhosis (End-stage liver disease): The most frequent reason for transplant, caused by long-standing hepatitis B or C, alcohol abuse, or fatty liver (NASH).
- Acute liver failure: Sudden, severe loss of liver function due to viral infection, drugs (like paracetamol overdose), or toxins.
- Liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma): Early-stage cancers limited to the liver, within transplant criteria.
- Genetic or metabolic liver diseases: Such as Wilson’s disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis, biliary atresia (in children), or hemochromatosis.
Understanding the Types of Liver Transplantation
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Deceased Donor Liver Transplant (DDLT):
The liver is taken from a donor who has been declared brain-dead while organ functions are maintained.
The entire liver is transplanted into the recipient.
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Living Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT):
A portion of the liver (usually the right lobe in adults or the left lobe in children) is surgically removed
from a healthy, compatible living donor—often a family member.
The liver’s unique regenerative ability allows both the donor’s and recipient’s livers to grow back to
normal size within a few months.
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Split Liver Transplant:
In selected cases, a single donor liver is divided between two recipients—most commonly one adult and one child.
How Liver Transplantation Is Performed
Liver transplantation is a highly complex surgery performed by a multidisciplinary team of
hepatologists, transplant surgeons, anesthetists, and intensive care specialists.
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Pre-Transplant Evaluation:
Before surgery, a thorough assessment determines if the patient is fit for transplantation. This includes:
- Liver function and imaging tests
- Cardiac and kidney function tests
- Psychological and nutritional evaluation
- Blood type and tissue compatibility testing
The patient is then registered on the transplant waiting list (for deceased donor) or matched with a suitable living donor.
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The Surgery:
Once a donor liver is available:
- The diseased liver is carefully removed.
- The new liver (whole or partial) is implanted and connected to major blood vessels and bile ducts.
- The surgery may last 6–12 hours, depending on complexity.
- The patient is shifted to an intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring post-operation.
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Post-Transplant Care:
Recovery after transplantation involves:
- Continuous monitoring of liver function, blood flow, and bile production.
- Immunosuppressive medicines to prevent rejection of the new liver.
- Gradual return to normal diet and physical activity.
With good care and adherence, most patients enjoy normal, healthy lives after transplant.
Life After Liver Transplantation
A successful transplant can dramatically improve both lifespan and quality of life.
Patients can:
- Resume normal daily activities and work.
- Eat regular food and maintain healthy nutrition.
- Experience restored energy, improved appearance, and freedom from jaundice or fluid accumulation.
- Lead a full life with periodic medical follow-up and lifelong immunosuppressant therapy.
Maintaining discipline with medicines, infection precautions, and healthy lifestyle habits is essential for long-term success.
Liver Transplant Success and Long-Term Outlook
Advances in surgical technique, immunosuppressive drugs, and post-operative care have made
liver transplantation one of the most successful organ transplants today.
- The 1-year survival rate exceeds 90% in major centres.
- Many patients live 15–20 years or more with excellent quality of life.
Routine follow-up visits ensure early detection of any complications and monitoring of
medication levels to keep the new liver functioning optimally.
In Summary
Liver transplantation is not just a surgical procedure — it’s a rebirth for patients with
irreversible liver failure. It transforms lives by restoring normal liver function, strength,
and health.
With early referral, skilled medical teams, and modern technology, survival rates continue to
improve, and patients can look forward to a healthy, productive future.
Doctor’s Message / Call to Action
If you or someone you care about is living with liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver failure,
remember — a liver transplant can truly give life a second chance.
Reach out to Dr. Hitendra K Garg, Liver and Gastroenterology Specialist in Delhi, for clear
guidance and the right support every step of the way.
A timely consultation can bring back health, hope, and a new beginning.