Liver failure is a serious medical condition that can result from various chronic diseases or acute infections. When all other treatments fail, a liver transplant becomes the last and most critical option. This surgical procedure involves replacing a damaged liver with a healthy one from either a living or deceased donor.
If you are considering a liver transplant in Delhi, it is vital to understand the entire process, including evaluation, surgery, recovery, and aftercare.
Why Is a Liver Transplant Needed?
Liver transplantation is recommended in cases of end-stage liver disease, where the liver is no longer able to function. Common causes include:
- Chronic viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B and C)
- Cirrhosis from long-term alcohol use
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Genetic conditions like Wilson’s disease or hemochromatosis
- Acute liver failure due to toxins or infections
- Biliary atresia in children
Symptoms that indicate the need for a transplant can include jaundice, fluid buildup in the abdomen, gastrointestinal bleeding, and cognitive issues such as confusion or disorientation.
Types of Liver Transplants
There are two primary types of liver transplants:
- Deceased Donor Liver Transplant: The liver comes from a person declared brain dead but who has not suffered liver damage. These organs must be transplanted within six hours of retrieval.
- Living Donor Liver Transplant: A healthy person donates a portion of their liver, which regenerates within 6 to 8 weeks. Some of the leading transplant centres in Delhi perform this procedure.
The Evaluation Process
Before a transplant, a comprehensive evaluation is carried out to determine whether the patient is fit for surgery. The process includes:
- Blood and imaging tests (MRI, CT scan, ultrasound)
- Cardiopulmonary assessments
- Psychological evaluation
- Nutritional and physical assessments
Multidisciplinary transplant teams comprising hepatologists, radiologists, anaesthetists, infectious disease specialists, and transplant coordinators ensure that every aspect of care is covered.
Finding a Suitable Donor
In a living donor transplant, the donor must be a close relative, aged 18 to 55, with a compatible blood type and no significant health issues. In the case of deceased donors, organ allocation is based on urgency and medical compatibility.
A healthy liver can regenerate, making living donor transplantation a feasible and effective option. This also allows the transplant to be planned, improving outcomes for both donor and recipient.
The Surgical Procedure
Liver transplant surgery can last somewhere between 6-12 hours. It includes three key steps:
- Retrieving the liver from the donor
- Removing the patient’s diseased liver
- Implanting and connecting the donor liver to blood vessels and bile ducts
The patient is kept under general anaesthesia, and the surgical team uses advanced tools and sterile environments to minimise complications.
Post-Operative Recovery
Patients typically remain in the ICU for 6 to 10 days post-surgery, followed by 3 to 4 weeks in the hospital. The liver regenerates within a few weeks. Immunosuppressive medications are essential to prevent rejection and are continued lifelong.
Structured post-transplant care generally includes:
- Regular follow-up visits
- Anti-rejection medication management
- Nutritional support
- Physiotherapy
- Psychological counselling
Risks and Complications
Like all major surgeries, liver transplants come with potential risks, such as:
- Organ rejection
- Infections due to immunosuppressants
- Bile duct complications
- Bleeding or blood clots
Most of these are manageable through prompt medical intervention and consistent follow-up care. Side effects of immunosuppressants may include high blood pressure, diabetes, or bone thinning, which require additional care.
Long-Term Outlook
With advancements in transplant techniques and post-operative care, the five-year survival rate after a liver transplant is approximately 85–90%. Many patients go on to live full, active lives, provided they follow medical advice and lead a healthy lifestyle.
India is now recognised as a centre of excellence for living donor liver transplantation. Facilities in Delhi continue to push the boundaries of care through clinical expertise and modern infrastructure.
Know more about : Care and Precautions After Liver Transplant Surgery
Conclusion
Opting for a liver transplant is a life-altering decision that must be guided by reliable information and support. For individuals seeking a liver transplant in Delhi, several reputed hospitals, like BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, offer specialised services backed by experienced professionals. The hospital combines multidisciplinary care, advanced critical care units, and dedicated transplant programmes to support patients through every step of the journey—from evaluation to recovery.
