Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, or liver cancers that cannot be managed with conventional treatments. At the forefront of advanced liver care in Bangalore, Dr. Santhosh R offers comprehensive liver transplantation services, combining clinical expertise with personalised patient care.

When is Liver Transplantation Needed?

Liver transplantation becomes necessary when the liver can no longer perform its vital functions. Common indications include:

• End-Stage Liver Disease (Cirrhosis): Severe scarring of the liver due to chronic hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, or autoimmune conditions.
• Acute Liver Failure: Rapid deterioration of liver function due to toxins, infections, or drug-induced liver injury.
• Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): When the cancer is confined to the liver and surgical removal of tumours is not sufficient.
• Metabolic Liver Diseases: Certain inherited conditions affecting liver function may require transplantation.
• Congenital Liver Disorders: Structural or functional abnormalities present from birth.

Types of Liver Transplantation

Dr. Santhosh R offers both living donor and deceased donor liver transplantation options:

• Living Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT): A portion of a healthy liver from a living donor is transplanted. The liver has the remarkable ability to regenerate in both the donor and the recipient.
• Deceased Donor Liver Transplant (DDLT): The entire liver from a brain-dead donor is transplanted into the patient.

Each procedure is carefully planned to match donor and recipient characteristics, ensuring the best outcomes.

The Liver Transplant Process

A successful liver transplant involves multiple steps, guided by a team of specialists:

Pre-Transplant Evaluation

• Detailed medical assessment, imaging, and liver function tests
• Cardiac and pulmonary evaluations to ensure surgical safety
• Nutritional and psychological assessment for transplant readiness

Surgical Procedure

• Performed under general anaesthesia by an experienced surgical team
• Removal of the diseased liver and replacement with the donor liver
• Meticulous attention to vascular and biliary connections to restore function

Post-Transplant Care

• Intensive monitoring in the ICU for the first few days
• Immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection
• Gradual return to diet, activity and normal routines under supervision

Preparing for a Liver Transplant

Preparation is crucial for both the recipient and the donor. Patients undergo:

• Complete medical and psychological evaluation.
• Blood tests and imaging to assess liver and overall health.
• Preoperative counselling to understand the procedure, risks and post-transplant lifestyle.
• Donor evaluation (for living donor transplants) to ensure safety and compatibility.

Recovery and Long-Term Care

Post-transplant care is as important as the surgery itself:

• Regular monitoring for organ rejection, infections, and complications
• Lifelong immunosuppressive medications
• Nutritional guidance and lifestyle modifications to maintain liver health
• Periodic imaging and blood tests to track liver function

With careful follow-up and adherence to medical guidance, liver transplant patients can lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Take the First Step Towards a Healthy Liver

If you or a loved one is facing advanced liver disease, early evaluation and expert care can save lives. Book a consultation with Dr. Santhosh R today and explore the safest, most effective liver transplantation options available in Bangalore.