Liver TransplantA second chance, planned with care.
When the liver can no longer do its work, a transplant can restore health. Dr. Vibha Varma leads adult and paediatric liver transplantation at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai – with each step planned around the patient and, for living donation, the donor too.
What a liver transplant is
A liver transplant replaces a diseased liver with a healthy one – either a whole liver from a deceased donor, or part of a liver from a living donor, usually a close family member.
Because the liver regenerates, both the donor's remaining liver and the transplanted part grow back towards normal size in the weeks and months after surgery.
When a transplant is considered
Most people are referred when cirrhosis starts causing complications: fluid in the abdomen, bleeding from swollen veins, confusion, or jaundice that doesn't settle.
Others need a transplant quickly – for example with acute liver failure – or for a liver cancer that can be cured by replacing the liver.
The right time to talk about a transplant is before it becomes urgent.— Why early referral matters
What happens during surgery
The diseased liver is removed and the new liver – or part of a liver – is connected to the blood vessels and bile duct. For living donation, two coordinated operations run side by side.
After surgery, patients are cared for in a dedicated transplant ICU, with the surgical, hepatology, anaesthesia and critical care teams working together.
Recovery and the years ahead
Most patients walk within days and go home in a few weeks. The first three months need the closest follow-up; after that, visits become less frequent.
With lifelong medicines and regular check-ups, many people return to work, travel and family life.
Conditions treated with liver transplantation
Every patient is assessed individually. These are the conditions most often treated.
Ascites, variceal bleeding, encephalopathy or persistent jaundice.
Sudden liver failure needing emergency (super-urgent) listing.
Selected liver cancers within transplant criteria.
Children with end-stage or metabolic liver disease.
Genetic conditions affecting the liver.
Combined or staged liver–kidney transplantation.
From first visit to recovery
Timings vary with each patient. This is the usual order of steps.
Consultation
Review of diagnosis, liver function and previous treatment.
Transplant evaluation
Tests to confirm the need for, and safety of, a transplant.
Donor evaluation or listing
Living donor work-up, or listing for a deceased-donor liver.
Surgery & ICU care
Transplant surgery followed by intensive care.
Recovery & follow-up
Hospital recovery, then close and then lifelong follow-up.
Dr. Vibha Varma
Consultant, Liver Transplant and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai – with 25 years of experience in liver transplantation and HPB surgery.
Quick answers
How long is the hospital stay?
It varies, but many recipients stay around two to three weeks. Living donors usually go home in about a week.
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.
Can a transplant be done if blood groups don't match?
In selected cases, yes – an ABO-incompatible transplant uses special preparation before surgery.
What does it cost?
Costs depend on the type of transplant and the patient's condition. The hospital team will give a detailed estimate after evaluation.