Living Donor Liver Transplant — Process, Risks & Recovery | LiverGuru

Why Living Donor Transplant Matters in India

90%+

1-year graft survival rate at high-volume LDLT centres

PMC6290028 — Liver Transplantation

<0.5%

donor mortality risk at specialised centres with rigorous selection

PMC4498335 — Ann Surg

70%

of the liver can be donated -- both halves regenerate to full size within 6-8 weeks

PMC5572717 — Hepatology

The Process

From first evaluation to full recovery -- what the journey looks like

Recipient Evaluation

The patient undergoes a full assessment: liver function tests, imaging (CT volumetry, MRI), cardiac and pulmonary evaluation, and a multidisciplinary team review. The goal is to confirm the patient will benefit from transplant and can tolerate the surgery.

Donor Evaluation

Potential donors (blood-type compatible family members, typically 18-55 years old) undergo a rigorous 2-3 week evaluation: liver volumetry to confirm adequate remnant liver, complete metabolic panel, psychological assessment, and independent donor advocate review. The donor's safety is the absolute priority.

Surgery -- Donor

The donor's right lobe (for adults) or left lateral segment (for children) is resected. At experienced centres this is a 6-8 hour surgery. The donor's remnant liver begins regenerating immediately.

Surgery -- Recipient

The diseased liver is removed and the donor segment is implanted with meticulous vascular and biliary reconstruction. Total recipient surgery time: 8-12 hours.

Recovery

Donor: ICU 1-2 days, ward 5-7 days, back to normal activity in 4-6 weeks, full liver regeneration in 6-8 weeks. Recipient: ICU 3-5 days, 2-3 weeks in hospital, immunosuppression started immediately, monitored closely for rejection and bile leak.

Long-Term Follow-Up

Recipients need lifelong immunosuppression (anti-rejection medications) and regular monitoring of liver function, drug levels, and imaging. With good compliance, the transplanted liver can function normally for decades.

Who Can Donate

Age 18-55, in good overall health

Compatible blood group (ABO compatibility)

Adequate liver volume -- remnant liver must be at least 30% of total

No significant liver disease, diabetes, or obesity (BMI under 30)

Willing and informed -- no coercion, independent consent

Strong psychological readiness and support system

When Transplant Is Indicated for the Recipient

End-stage liver disease (Child-Pugh C or MELD score 15+)

Liver cancer meeting Milan criteria (HCC)

Acute liver failure unresponsive to medical therapy

Decompensated cirrhosis (ascites, variceal bleeding, encephalopathy)

Metabolic liver diseases (Wilson's, PFIC, MSUD)

No absolute contraindications (active infection, extrahepatic malignancy)

The donor's safety is never compromised. If any evaluation finding raises concern, the donation is stopped. The donor can also withdraw at any point without consequence.

Why LiverGuru for LDLT

Experience is everything in living donor surgery.

600+

Liver transplants performed -- the region's most experienced team

Years of dedicated transplant surgery, including complex LDLT cases

First successful liver transplant unit established in Punjab

States -- patients travel from across India for Dr. Sahota's LDLT programme

Is a living donor transplant the right option?

Whether you are a patient with end-stage liver disease or a family member considering donation, the first step is an honest, thorough evaluation. Dr. Sahota's team will walk you through every question.

Request a Consultation Call +91 75892 27787

WhatsApp: +91 75892 27787

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