Frequently asked questionsStraightforward answers, before your first visit.
Questions patients and families most often ask about liver transplantation, living donation and HPB surgery – answered plainly. For anything specific to a diagnosis, the reliable next step is a one-to-one evaluation.
What does a liver transplant involve?
A liver transplant replaces a diseased or failing liver with a healthy donor liver or an appropriate liver graft. It is followed by intensive care, a hospital stay and lifelong follow-up.
Who may need a liver transplant?
Patients with advanced or end-stage liver disease, selected liver cancers, acute liver failure and certain other severe liver conditions may be evaluated for transplantation.
Can children undergo liver transplantation?
Yes. Paediatric liver transplantation is performed for selected children with severe liver disease or liver failure, such as biliary atresia.
Can a transplant be done if blood groups don't match?
In selected cases, ABO-incompatible liver transplantation may be considered using specialised protocols.
Will I need medicines for life?
Most recipients need anti-rejection medicine for life, though the dose is often reduced over time. Never stop or change it without your team.
What is a living donor liver transplant?
It uses a portion of the liver from a medically suitable living donor. The liver has the ability to regenerate after surgery, in both donor and recipient.
Who can be a living donor?
Usually a healthy adult relative with a compatible blood group and suitable liver size. Donation must be voluntary, unpaid and approved as required by law.
How long does donor recovery take?
Donors usually stay in hospital about a week, and many return to desk work in about 6–8 weeks. Physically demanding work takes longer.
Can donor surgery be done by keyhole?
Suitable donors may be offered laparoscopic or robotic donor surgery. The donor evaluation decides this.
What is acute liver failure?
A rapid loss of liver function that can become life-threatening and may require urgent specialist assessment and, in selected cases, transplantation.
What are the warning signs?
Jaundice together with confusion, drowsiness, unusual behaviour, bleeding or persistent vomiting. These need emergency care straight away.
Is every case of jaundice an emergency?
No. Most jaundice from viral hepatitis gets better, but jaundice with confusion or bleeding is an emergency.
What is HPB surgery?
Surgery involving the liver, pancreas and biliary system (bile ducts and gallbladder), including complex procedures for tumours and other diseases.
Can I live with part of my liver removed?
Yes. A healthy liver regenerates, and people live normally after a large part is removed as long as enough healthy liver remains.
What is a Whipple procedure?
An operation for tumours of the head of the pancreas and nearby structures. It removes the pancreatic head, duodenum, gallbladder and lower bile duct, then reconnects the digestive tract.
Do all pancreatic cysts need surgery?
No. Many are monitored with scans. Surgery is advised for cysts with worrying features.
Are minimally invasive liver procedures possible?
Laparoscopic and robotic techniques may be used for appropriately selected liver, pancreatic and living-donor procedures.
What if my keyhole surgery is converted to open?
Conversion is done when it is safer for you. Your team will discuss this possibility before surgery.
How do I book an appointment?
Appointments are scheduled through Lilavati Hospital's appointment desk. You can also call +91 98192 59661, message on WhatsApp or email vibha.varma@gmail.com.
When is the OPD?
Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, Ground Floor, Room No. 23, Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre, Bandra. Timings are set by the hospital and may change, so please confirm the day before.
What should I bring to the first visit?
Previous diagnosis reports, scans (CDs or films and reports), discharge summaries and a list of current medicines.
What does treatment cost?
Costs depend on the procedure and the patient's condition. The hospital team gives a detailed estimate after evaluation.
Facing a transplant decision? Talk it through.
Speak with Dr. Vibha Varma's team for evaluation of liver disease, liver transplantation – including living donor options – and complex HPB conditions.
- Hospital
- Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre, Bandra, Mumbai
- OPD
- Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM · Ground Floor, Room No. 23
- vibha.varma@gmail.com
- Bring along
- Previous reports, scans and a list of current medicines