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Every year, India has over 1 Lakh people waiting for a liver transplant, with the incidence of liver diseases increasing by 30% over the last 20 years. The liver is the biggest solid organ in our body, and it performs critical functions like:
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The liver makes proteins & albumin.
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The liver clears toxins from the blood (detoxification).
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The liver is responsible for regulating immunity and preventing various infections.
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The liver produces bile that enables our bodies to absorb nutrients like fats, cholesterol, and vitamins.
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The liver helps in the regulation of hormones and medicines.
The liver operates and regulates critical functions that help us live. We can't live without a functioning liver. If you are suffering from any liver disease or are seeking the best liver transplant hospitals in Jaipur, call Manipal Hospitals to book a consultation with our experts today.
Synopsis
The Liver: Your Body’s Silent Powerhouse
A liver transplant helps people with liver cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, liver cancer & acute liver failure. Liver failure can be a chronic problem or a sudden casualty resulting from infection, injury or disease such as a severe case of hepatitis.
Causes of Chronic Liver Failure
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Chronic hepatitis B & hepatitis C.
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The body's immune system destroys the bile ducts.
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An inflammation results in scars within the liver.
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Blockage of the tube carrying bile from the liver to the gallbladder, such as in cholangiocarcinoma.
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Excess alcohol builds scar tissue in the liver, causing its failure.
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Liver cancer.
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Excess copper deposition in the body as a result of Wilson's disease.
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Excess iron deposition in the liver as a result of hemochromatosis.
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Genetic disorders like Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
A Liver transplant surgery replaces a failed liver that no longer regulates its functions with a donation from a deceased or living person. A patient can also get a healthy liver from a dead person. They can also get treatment from a live person's portion of a healthy liver. Book an appointment to consult with the Best Liver transplant surgeon in Jaipur.
The doctors at Manipal Hospitals recommend a liver transplant only after undergoing other treatment procedures. Manipal Hospitals, Jaipur, is fully equipped to handle a liver transplant. However, the patient needs to be in a healthy condition that allows doctors to operate. Cancer in parts other than the liver, alcohol or drug abuse, complications in the heart or other infections may rule out the chances of a liver transplant.
Types of Liver Transplant
1. Donation from a deceased person
A person who has died recently (brain death) with a healthy liver is eligible to donate their liver.
2. A liver donated from a living person
As the liver can regenerate itself, a portion of the liver helps the impacted person to live everyday life.
3. Split donation
Doctors split the liver received from a dead (brain-dead) person into two portions. Each portion can help a patient in need of a transplant. The part of the liver gradually regenerates itself.
Today, most transplants happen with donations from a living person LDLT.
The experts at Manipal Hospitals, Jaipur, help patients enrol on the national donor registry (waitlist) for liver transplants. However, if the patient has a donor available, the doctors help match the requirements to ensure the patient can accept the donor's liver. Doctors match parameters like blood type, body size, and several medical conditions before acknowledging a suitable donor.
The patients who enter the wait list for a donor get a priority score based on their condition. Patients with urgent requirements enter into a priority list to ensure donation reaches the patient who needs it the most. The coordinator from the hospital keeps the patients informed, as there is a long queue for liver transplants in India.
The expert liver transplant surgeons in Jaipur at Manipal Hospitals access the liver using an incision across the abdomen. The surgeons install the new liver after separating the existing liver and attaching the blood vessels and bile ducts to the new liver. The patient then reaches the intensive care unit under expert monitoring for several days.
The team of doctors monitors the condition and blood samples to ensure that the new liver starts to function as desired. The intravenous catheters manage blood sugar levels, electrolytes and blood volume. The patient moves to a recovery unit for a few days and is gradually brought back on liquids, regular bowel and food before getting discharged. Patients need to choose an expert facility and doctor for their liver transplant, as it's a complicated procedure.
Post-Liver Transplant Complications
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Immune System Rejecting Liver
Our immune system identifies and destroys anything unwanted that enters our body. It might treat the new liver as an undesirable element and launch an attack on it. The first 90 days are critical, as more than 64% of patients need medicines to overcome the rejection from the immune system. The same drugs that help overcome the rejection might cause infections that may last for some time and need medical supervision.
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Infections
Various bacterial & viral infections can occur in post-transplant patients because of poor immunity due to immunosuppressants, therefore, early diagnosis & treatment of infections are necessary. Visit today to have more clarity on the risks of infections associated with Liver transplantation in Jaipur.
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The pre-existing illnesses
Any pre-existing illnesses may again cause liver failure. Some of these illnesses are Hepatitis C, fatty liver and inflamed bile ducts.
Post-Transplant Immunosuppressant Recurrences Increase Cancer Chances
Patients undergoing liver transplants are 25% more likely to get skin cancer than others. Cancer can happen from drugs that suppress the immune response and other disorders like post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (P.T.L.D.).
Manipal Hospitals, Jaipur, a multispeciality hospital, has an expert team to monitor patients during liver transplant surgery.
The team includes:
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A liver specialist.
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A liver transplant surgeon.
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A dedicated nurse is the primary contact point for the patient and transplant team.
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A psychiatrist helps patients overcome stress and anxiety.
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An expert in delivering anaesthesia.
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Experts from cardiac and other departments.
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Insurance coordinator.
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A coordinator from the Blood Bank.
What to Expect Before, During and Post Liver Transplant
Pre-Transplant (Evaluation and Preparation)
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Comprehensive Evaluation: Includes blood tests, imaging (ultrasound/CT/MRI), liver biopsy, heart/lung assessment, and psychological screening.
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Eligibility Determination: The Medical team assesses the severity of liver disease, overall health, and transplant suitability.
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Waiting List Placement: If eligible, the patient is added to the transplant list, or a living donor evaluation begins.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: Patients must stop alcohol use, eat healthily, manage other medical conditions, and attend regular appointments.
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Counselling & Education: Patients and families are educated on the procedure, risks, and post-transplant care.
During Liver Transplant Surgery
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Anaesthesia & Incision: The patient is under general anaesthesia; a large incision is made in the abdomen.
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Removal of Diseased Liver: The damaged liver is surgically removed.
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New Liver Placement: The donor liver is implanted, and blood vessels and bile ducts are connected.
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Duration: Surgery typically lasts 6–12 hours.
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Monitoring: Post-surgery, the patient is moved to the ICU for close monitoring.
Post-Transplant (Recovery and Long-Term Care)
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Hospital Stay: Usually 2–3 weeks, including time in the ICU and a step-down unit.
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Immunosuppressive Medications: Lifelong medications to prevent rejection; dosage is closely monitored and adjusted.
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Follow-up Visits: Frequent medical visits to monitor liver function, signs of rejection, and medication side effects.
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Lifestyle Changes: A healthy diet, no alcohol, regular exercise, and avoiding infections become essential.
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Long-Term Outlook: Most patients enjoy significantly improved quality of life and can return to work, travel, and daily activities within months.
Life After Liver Transplant
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Gradual improvement in energy levels and physical strength
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Regular follow-up visits to monitor liver function and overall health
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Need for lifelong immunosuppressive medications to prevent organ rejection
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Increased risk of infections due to immune suppression
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Possible side effects from medications (e.g., weight gain, high blood pressure)
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Adoption of a balanced, low-salt diet and healthy lifestyle
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No alcohol consumption, as it can harm the new liver
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Regular exercise is encouraged after recovery
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Strict adherence to medications and medical advice
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Avoiding raw or undercooked foods reduces infection risk
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Emotional ups and downs are common; counselling or support groups may help
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Many patients experience a renewed sense of life and gratitude
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Managing anxiety about rejection or complications is part of recovery
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Most patients return to work or normal activities within 3–6 months
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Driving, travel, and hobbies can resume after clearance from the doctor
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School and social life generally return to normal for younger recipients
FAQ's
A liver donor can be a living donor (usually a close relative or emotionally connected individual) or a deceased donor. Living donors must be healthy, aged 18–55, with a compatible blood type, and free from major medical or psychiatric conditions. The liver regenerates, allowing donors to live healthy lives after donation. Deceased donors must have healthy livers and have consented to organ donation before death.
Liver transplant is indicated for patients with end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, or specific liver cancers. Common conditions include cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and primary biliary cholangitis. It is also recommended in metabolic liver disorders and certain congenital liver diseases when medical therapy fails.
With proper care and follow-up, 70–80% of liver transplant recipients live for at least 10–15 years, and many live much longer. Factors influencing longevity include the underlying cause of liver failure, age, overall health, medication adherence, and lifestyle choices post-transplant. Regular monitoring and immunosuppressive medications are key to long-term success.
Liver donors must have a compatible blood type, healthy liver function, and be free from infections, cancers, or chronic conditions like diabetes or obesity. Living donors should be 18–55 years old, in good physical and mental health, and willing to undergo a thorough evaluation. Deceased donors must meet strict criteria to ensure the liver is viable for transplant.
To book a consultation for a liver transplant, contact Manipal Hospital. You can book through the hospital’s website, phone helpline, or mobile app. Provide relevant medical records, imaging, and lab results. Many centres offer initial teleconsultations, followed by in-person evaluations to determine eligibility and treatment planning.
Manipal Hospitals Jaipur is one of India's most advanced facilities for Gastroenterology that offers liver transplant surgery. Patients from all over India and globally arrive here to avail the expertise of India's leading doctors and world-class facilities. Contact us to learn more about liver transplants.
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