Liver Transplant
in India
“India is a top destination for liver transplants, with high success rates, world-class care, and affordable treatment. With the best liver transplant specialists and advanced medical centers, patients from India and across the globe get cutting-edge, life-saving care. See below for a list of the best liver transplant specialists in India.”
Introduction
Liver transplant is a life-saving surgery for patients with end-stage liver disease. With world-class facilities, well-qualified surgeons, and low costs, India is a destination of choice for Indians as well as foreign patients seeking a liver transplant. This blog encapsulates all you need to know about liver transplants in India, from costs to the best hospitals, best doctors, patient testimonials, and registration procedures.
Picture: Diseases and transplanted liver
What is a liver transplant?
A liver transplant is a surgery that removes a diseased or failing liver and replaces it with a healthy donor liver. This surgery is usually advised in patients with end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Liver transplantation may be done using a deceased donor liver or a living donor liver, in which a section of the donor’s liver is implanted in the recipient. The liver can regrow on its own, making living donor liver transplantation an attractive and sound solution.
Picture: A doctor performing liver transplant in India
The transplant surgery includes the removal of the diseased liver, the implantation of the healthy donor liver, and the reattaching of the blood vessels and bile ducts. After the surgery, patients need immunosuppressive drugs to avoid organ rejection and adhere to strict medical protocols for recovery. With improved medical technology, liver transplants today have high success rates, enabling patients to live normal, healthy lives after the surgery.
Types of liver transplant
Liver transplantation is a life-saving operation for end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, or specific liver cancer. It entails the exchange of a sick liver with a normal liver from a donor. Depending on the donor source of the liver and surgical methods applied, liver transplantation may be divided into various types.
1. Deceased Donor Liver Transplant (DDLT)
Deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) is the most prevalent form of liver transplantation. In this type of transplant, the liver is taken from a donor who is brain dead but whose organs are still viable. The liver of the donor is removed with utmost care, preserved, and subsequently transplanted into the recipient.
There are two major types of deceased donor liver transplants:
- Whole Liver Transplant: The entire liver from the donor is transplanted into the recipient.
- Split Liver Transplant: In some cases, a single donor liver is divided into two parts and transplanted into two recipients, typically an adult and a child. This maximizes organ utilization and benefits more patients.
2. Living Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT)
In a living donor liver transplant (LDLT), part of the liver is taken from a healthy living donor—often a close relative—and implanted in the recipient. Because the liver can regenerate so well, both the donor’s and recipient’s livers can regenerate to almost full size within a few months.
LDLT has various benefits, such as reduced waiting time, improved organ quality, and the possibility of timed surgery. It also carries a risk for the donor, such as surgical morbidity and a recovery period of weeks.
3. Auxiliary Liver Transplant
An auxiliary liver transplant is an uncommon form of transplantation where part of a donor liver is grafted into the recipient while keeping part of the recipient’s damaged liver.
This is generally performed in those situations where the liver can be expected to recover, for instance, acute liver failure due to hepatitis or drug overdose. In the event that the recipient’s original liver grows back and reestablishes function, the implanted liver can reduce in size or be taken out later.
4. Domino Liver Transplant
A domino liver transplant is a unique form of liver transplantation in which a liver from one recipient is transplanted into another. This typically occurs when an individual with a metabolic liver disease, like familial amyloidosis, receives a transplant.
Since their liver is structurally normal but results in an abnormal protein, it may be transplanted into a patient who is less damaged by this protein. This enables two patients to be given the advantage of one donor liver.
5. ABO-Incompatible Liver Transplant
Typically, liver transplants need to match the blood types of donor and recipient. In severe need and shortages of organs, ABO-incompatible liver transplants can be done. There are special treatments, including plasma exchange and immunosuppressive therapy, to avoid rejection.
Every type of liver transplant has its indications, risks, and benefits, but all seek to enhance the quality of life and survival of the recipient.
Why choose India?
India possesses a robust medical infrastructure with specialized liver transplant surgeons and affordable treatment facilities. India is home to some of the world’s most advanced hospitals with specialized liver transplant facilities adhering to global medical standards. There are many Indian hospitals that possess state-of-the-art operation suites, exclusive transplant ICUs, and sophisticated diagnostic equipment, which cater to the best possible patient care.
Moreover, India’s affordability advantage makes it a popular destination for patients from all over the world, as the cost of a liver transplant in India is much lower compared to Western nations. India also has a well-developed organ transplant registry system, which facilitates patients in finding a matching donor. Consequently, India has emerged as one of the leading destinations for liver transplants, with patients coming from Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Middle East, and Africa to receive quality care at reasonable costs.
Cost of liver transplant in India
The price of a liver transplant in India varies based on the hospital, doctor, and overall health condition of the patient. In Apollo Hospitals, one of the premier healthcare facilities, the price of a liver transplant is between \$35,000 and \$40,000 (INR 25 to 35 lakhs).
But for patients who are looking at an affordable option, there are many hospitals that provide liver transplants from a price range of $22,000 (INR 19 lakhs) onwards. This is very much less than in Western nations, where it is well over $200,000.
Top hospitals that provide affordable liver transplants are Venktateswara Hospital, Dwarka, ILBS Delhi, and Global Hospital, Chennai.
Top hospitals
India is home to some of the best hospitals for liver transplants. These hospitals are equipped with advanced medical technology and experienced transplant surgeons. Some of the top hospitals for liver transplants in India include:
Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad
Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram
Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, Delhi
BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi
Global Hospital, Chennai, Mumbai
Venktateswara Hospital, Dwarka, Delhi
How do I register?
To register for a liver transplant in India, follow these steps:
Medical Evaluation: Consult a hepatologist or a transplant specialist to assess your condition.
Select a Hospital: Choose a reputed hospital with a high success rate.
Legal and Ethical Clearance: Ensure compliance with Indian organ donation laws.
Register with NOTTO: The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) manages the organ transplant registry in India.
Waitlist & Matching: Patients are placed on a waiting list for a suitable donor organ.
Financial Preparation: Arrange funds through personal savings, insurance, or crowdfunding. CancerFax helps in arranging for funds for needy patients through online crowd funding platforms.
CancerFax End-to-End Services: CancerFax provides complete support for liver transplants in India. We arrange online consultations with top liver transplant doctors in India, provide cost estimates, handle medical visa documentation, book hotels/guest houses, schedule doctor appointments, arrange local services like SIM cards, and offer post-transplant consultancy services when the patient returns home. Patients can contact CancerFax at +91 96 1588 1588 or WhatsApp their reports on the same number or email at info(at)cancerfax.com.
Pakistani lady liver transplant
Numerous foreign patients, particularly from Pakistan, go to India for liver transplants because of better medical facilities and low expenses. One high-profile case was of a Pakistani woman who successfully got a liver transplant in India.
She complimented the Indian health system on the quality of care, empathetic staff, and low costs of treatment. Pakistani patients require a medical visa and pre-approvals to come to India for treatment.
Liver transplant success rate
The liver transplant success rate in India is comparable to international standards. The one-year survival rate is around 85-90%, while the five-year survival rate is approximately 75-80%. Factors affecting success rates include:
The patient’s overall health
The hospital’s infrastructure
Post-surgical care and lifestyle modifications
Liver transplant success stories
India has seen many inspiring success stories of liver transplants. One of them is of a six-year-old boy with acute liver failure, who was successfully transplanted at Apollo Hospital. The other one is of a 50-year-old businessman who was given a liver transplant at Fortis Hospital and was back to a normal life in just six months.
A heart-warming example was that of a Pakistani lady who came to India for a liver transplant and showed immense appreciation for the high-quality treatment she had. Secondly, at Venktateswara Hospital, Dwarka, a teacher aged 45 survived a transplant after fighting liver cirrhosis, which exemplifies the state-of-the-art medical facilities at the hospital. These examples bring to light India’s proficiency in liver transplants and the optimism it offers to patients across the globe.
Liver transplant survival rate
The survival rate after liver transplant in India is one of the highest in the world. The survival rate at one year is approximately 90%, and the survival rate at five years is almost 80%. Various reasons help to achieve such a high rate of success, such as superior medical technology, skillful surgeons, and strong post-transplant care programs.
Post-transplant care of patients undergoing liver transplants in India is very thorough, encompassing strict observation, lifestyle changes, and adherence to medication. Dedicated transplant follow-up clinics are made available by hospitals to help patients have good liver function and avoid complications. There are some new technologies for liver cancer treatment that are also available in India.
Foreign patients, especially from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Middle Eastern countries, opt for India because of its low costs and high survival rates. Top hospitals like Apollo Hospitals, Medanta, Fortis, ILBS Delhi, and Venktateswara Hospital, Dwarka have consistently recorded good patient outcomes.
With proper follow-up after the transplant, patients can live a normal and productive life, resume work, attend social events, and enjoy overall health. The use of high-quality immunosuppressive drugs, combined with India’s skills in the management of transplant patients, has led to the continued enhancement of survival rates.
Liver transplant doctors in India
India has some of the best liver transplant surgeons with extensive experience. One such renowned doctor is Dr. Selvakumar Naganathan, known for his expertise in liver transplantation and hepatobiliary surgery. Other top liver transplant doctors in India include:
Dr. Arvinder Singh Soin (Medanta)
Dr Selvakumar Naganathan (Venkateswara Hospital, Delhi)
Dr. Mohammed Rela (Global Hospital)
Dr. Subhash Gupta (Max Super Speciality Hospital)
Dr. Ajitabh Srivastava (Fortis Memorial Research Institute)
Cheapest liver transplant in the world
For patients looking for the most affordable liver transplant options, some hospitals offer economical packages starting from $25,000 (INR 20 lakhs). These hospitals include:
Venktateswara Hospital, Dwarka, Delhi
ILBS (Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences), Delhi
Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai
Picture: Venkateswara Hospital in India provides low cost liver transplant in India.
India has become a world leader in liver transplants, providing top-notch treatment at reasonable prices. With the finest hospitals, finest doctors, and highest success rates, patients from all over the globe, including Pakistan, come to India for their life-saving liver transplant. If you or your loved one are in need of a liver transplant, India offers a secure, budget-friendly, and successful alternative for top-notch treatment.
How does CancerFax assist?
CancerFax is a leading medical concierge service that assists international and domestic patients in undergoing liver transplant procedures in India. We offer end-to-end assistance to ensure a seamless and hassle-free medical journey for patients and their families.
Our Services Include:
Online Consultation with Experts: We arrange virtual consultations with India’s top liver transplant specialists to discuss the patient’s medical condition and treatment plan.
Cost Estimation & Hospital Selection: Based on the diagnosis and patient’s budget, we provide cost estimates and help choose the most suitable hospital.
Medical Visa Assistance: Our team assists in obtaining a medical visa by providing invitation letters and other necessary documents.
Travel & Accommodation Arrangements: We help patients and their families with flight bookings, hotel or guest house arrangements near the hospital, and airport pickups.
Doctor Appointments & Hospital Admissions: We schedule doctor consultations, pre-transplant evaluations, and hospital admissions to ensure a smooth process.
Local Assistance in India: We provide essential services like local transportation, language interpretation, and a local SIM card for communication.
Post-Transplant Care & Follow-Up: Once the transplant is completed, we coordinate with doctors for post-surgery checkups and follow-up consultations. We also assist in the procurement of medications and lifestyle management guidance.
Emergency Support & Second Opinion: In case of complications, we arrange emergency medical support and second opinions from top experts.
CancerFax ensures that patients receive the best medical care, cost-effective treatment, and a stress-free experience while undergoing a liver transplant in India. With our dedicated support, patients from Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Middle East, and African nations have successfully undergone transplants and returned to a healthy life.
For assistance, connect with CancerFax at +91 96 1588 1588 (Call/WhatsApp) or email info(at)cancerfax.com.