Liver Transplantation
A liver transplant is a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease, liver failure, or specific liver cancers. The procedure replaces a diseased liver with a healthy donor liver, helping restore liver function, improve quality of life, and extend survival.
Indications for Liver Transplantation:
Liver transplantation is recommended for patients with:
End-stage liver disease (cirrhosis): Due to viral hepatitis (B/C), alcoholic liver disease, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Acute liver failure: Rapid deterioration of liver function from toxins, drugs, or viral causes
Primary liver cancers: Limited to the liver and meeting transplant criteria (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma within Milan criteria)
Inherited or metabolic liver disorders: Such as Wilson’s disease or biliary atresia
Complications of liver disease: Recurrent variceal bleeding, ascites, encephalopathy, or severe portal hypertension
Contraindications for Liver Transplantation:
Not all patients are suitable candidates. Absolute and relative contraindications include:
- Untreated active infections or sepsis
- Advanced heart or lung disease not suitable for surgery
- Uncontrolled malignancies outside the liver
- Active alcohol or substance abuse
- Severe psychiatric or social conditions limiting post-transplant compliance
Patient Evaluation Before Liver Transplant:
Before transplantation, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation to assess suitability:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Liver function tests, coagulation profile, kidney function
- Imaging studies: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI of the liver
- Cardiac and pulmonary evaluation to ensure surgical fitness
- Nutritional and metabolic assessment
- Screening for infections and cancers
- Psychosocial evaluation to ensure adherence to lifelong post-transplant care
Optimization of the patient’s condition before surgery is crucial.
This may include:
- Treating infections, ascites, varices, or hepatic encephalopathy
- Correcting nutrition and anemia
- Managing coexisting medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease
Types of Liver Transplant Surgery:
- Deceased Donor Liver Transplant (DDLT): The whole liver is transplanted from a brain-dead donor.
- Living Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT): A portion of liver (usually the right lobe) is donated by a healthy relative.
- Auxiliary or Split Liver Transplant: A portion of a donor liver is transplanted, sometimes leaving part of the recipient’s liver intact.
- Donor Requirements
Living donors must be:
- Healthy adults with no chronic liver or systemic disease
- Compatible blood group with the recipient
- Psychologically stable and willing to undergo surgery
- Adequate liver volume to ensure donor safety and recipient liver function
Matching Requirements:
Successful transplantation depends on:
- Blood group compatibility
- Liver size matching to avoid small-for-size syndrome
- Overall health and metabolic compatibility
Post-Transplant Care:
- After surgery, patients require:
- Immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection
- Regular liver function monitoring
- Infection prevention and vaccinations
- Lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise, and abstinence from alcohol
Why Consult Dr. Abhinav Kumar Before a Liver Transplant?
Dr. Abhinav Kumar is the first Liver Transplant Society of India (LTSI) recognized Transplant Hepatologist in the region, with extensive training and hands-on experience from Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Center, Chennai, Asia’s largest liver transplant program.
Key reasons to consult Dr. Abhinav before a liver transplant:
Experience: Over nine years in Interventional Gastroenterology, Advanced Endoscopy, and Transplant Hepatology
Expertise: Trained in Therapeutic ERCP, Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), Advanced Endoscopy, and Liver Transplantation across India, France, and China
Comprehensive Pre-Transplant Evaluation: Ensures the patient is optimized medically, nutritionally, and psychologically
Personalized Treatment Plan: Assesses whether transplant is the best option or if alternative therapies are possible
Management of Complications: Handles portal hypertension, varices, ascites, and biliary issues before and after transplant
Empathy and Guidance: Provides patient-centered care, supporting families throughout the transplant journey
Regional Expertise: Bringing global knowledge back to the patient’s community for high-quality care close to home
Take the First Step:
Consulting Dr. Abhinav Kumar ensures your liver transplant journey is guided by a specialist with unmatched expertise, experience, and compassion, giving you the best chance for a successful outcome.