Glossary term · Treatment
Liver transplant (also: Hepatic transplant, Living-donor liver transplant, LDLT): A liver transplant replaces a diseased liver with a whole liver from a deceased donor or part of a liver from a living donor.
A liver transplant is surgery to replace a diseased liver with a healthy one. MedlinePlus explains that the donor may be a deceased person or a living person who gives part of their liver. The donor’s liver regrows, and both people usually end up with working livers. Recipients need anti-rejection medicines for life and long follow-up.
Why might someone need a liver transplant?
MedlinePlus says the most common reason in adults is cirrhosis, often from long-term hepatitis B or C, alcohol use or fatty liver disease. In children it is often biliary atresia. Other causes include some poisonings, autoimmune hepatitis and metabolic disorders such as Wilson disease.
What does evaluation involve?
MedlinePlus lists blood typing, screening for infection and cancer, heart and liver imaging and sometimes a colonoscopy. It notes candidacy is often ruled out by active infection, some cancers, serious heart or lung disease, smoking or substance use, or a weak support system.
What does the operation and recovery involve?
MedlinePlus says the operation can last up to 12 hours and often needs a blood transfusion. Hospital stays are typically a week or longer. Patients may need to stay near the hospital for about three months. Lifelong medicines raise infection and cancer risk, so regular screening is needed.
Which donor rules apply for foreign patients in India?
Transplantation in India falls under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act 1994, implemented through NOTTO. IndiaMedica only supports living-donor liver transplants where the donor is a near relative. The relationship must be certified by the embassy (Form 21) and approved by the hospital authorisation committee. IndiaMedica never sources donors.
What should families plan for?
- A long stay in India for both recipient and donor.
- An additional attendant, since the donor also needs care after surgery.
- Complete medical reports, including imaging, for both people.
- Follow-up with a liver specialist at home.
Questions people ask
Is living liver donation safe for the donor?
Donating part of the liver is major surgery with its own risks. The transplant team assesses the donor separately and explains the risks before consent. The donor must make a free and informed decision.
Who decides whether I am suitable?
The transplant team decides after evaluating the recipient and the proposed donor. MedlinePlus lists factors that can rule a person out, including active infection and some other serious illnesses.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.