Liver Transplant Surgery: Step by Step Process for Patients

The liver is one of the most important organs in our body. It helps in digestion, removes toxins, and stores energy. When the liver stops working properly, it can become life-threatening. For many patients with advanced liver disease, a liver transplant surgery in Chennai is the only option for survival. Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, a leading surgical gastroenterologist in Chennai, has more than 17 years of experience in advanced liver and gastrointestinal surgeries. He specialises in complex procedures like liver transplant surgery, liver cancer treatment in Chennai, and robotic GI surgeries. This blog will help patients and families understand the step by step process of liver transplant surgery.

When Do Doctors Recommend a Liver Transplant?

Doctors recommend a liver transplant when the liver is damaged beyond repair. Some common conditions include:

• Liver cirrhosis due to alcohol, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease.

• Liver cancer where surgery or medicines are not enough.

• Liver failure due to sudden damage from drugs or infection.

• Repeated liver abscesses that weaken the liver function.

If you are suffering from these problems, consult an experienced laparoscopic surgeon in Chennai like Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy to know if transplant is the right choice.

Tests Before Liver Transplant:

Before recommending surgery, doctors perform many tests to check if the patient is fit for transplant. These include:

• Blood tests to measure liver function.

• Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

• Heart and lung function tests.

• Screening for infections.

• Psychological evaluation to check mental health and family support.

These tests are important to ensure that the patient can tolerate major surgery and that the liver transplant will be successful.

Finding a Donor for Liver Transplant:

Finding a suitable donor is the most crucial step. There are two main options:

• Living Donor: A healthy family member donates a part of their liver. The liver has the unique ability to grow back in both the donor and the patient.

• Deceased Donor: A liver is taken from a brain-dead patient whose family consents for donation.

The compatibility of blood group and size of the liver are checked before proceeding. At advanced centres like GEM Hospital in Chennai, strict protocols are followed for donor selection and surgery.

The Liver Transplant Surgery – A Step by Step Journey:

The surgery is performed by a specialised team led by an experienced surgical gastroenterologist in Chennai. Here is how the process works:

• Anaesthesia: The patient is given general anaesthesia.

• Removal of Diseased Liver: The damaged liver is carefully removed.

• Implanting the Donor Liver: The healthy liver is placed inside the body. The surgeon connects blood vessels and bile ducts.

• Stitching and Recovery: Once the liver is stable, the incision is closed, and the patient is shifted to the intensive care unit.

Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, a skilled robotic surgeon in Chennai, also uses advanced minimally invasive techniques where possible. This reduces pain, blood loss, and hospital stay for patients.

Recovery After Liver Transplant:

Recovery is a slow process, but with proper care, most patients return to a normal life. After surgery:

• Patients stay in the ICU for a few days for close monitoring.

• They are shifted to a regular ward once stable.

• Medicines are given to prevent rejection of the new liver.

• Regular check-ups and blood tests are needed.

• A healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding alcohol are very important.

With expert care, the survival rates of liver transplant surgery in Chennai are excellent.

Risks and Complications After Surgery:

Like any major surgery, a liver transplant also has risks. Some possible complications include:

• Rejection of the new liver by the body.

• Infections due to weak immunity.

• Bleeding or bile duct problems.

• Side effects of long-term medicines.

Choosing an experienced liver cancer surgeon in Chennai like Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy helps reduce these risks. His expertise in both open and laparoscopic surgery in Chennai ensures safe outcomes for patients.

Cost of Liver Transplant in Chennai – What to Expect:

The cost of a liver transplant in Chennai depends on the hospital, donor type, and medical condition of the patient. On average, it may range between ₹20 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs. The cost usually includes: