Liver Transplant in India
The liver is vital for toxin filtration, digestion, and energy storage. When severe disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis, acute liver failure) stops these functions, a liver transplant replaces the diseased organ with a healthy one from a living or deceased donor—restoring function and giving a renewed chance at life.
Discover what this treats so that you can choose confidently
The liver is the body’s “chemical factory.” When it fails due to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatitis, or acute failure, life-threatening complications follow. A liver transplant restores normal function—often transforming fatigue, jaundice, and weakness into renewed strength and health.
Why people choose India when this procedure is needed
- Renowned transplant surgeons with international training (UK, USA, South Korea)
- High success rates — over 90–95% in living donor liver transplants
- NABH and JCI-accredited hospitals with dedicated transplant ICUs
- Ethical, transparent donor evaluation under government-approved processes
- Costs 70–80% lower than Western countries
- Advanced post-transplant care and infection control systems
- End-to-end international support for travel, visa, and donor coordination
How the procedure works in simple steps
Think of your liver as the body’s chemical factory. A transplant replaces the failing factory with a healthy one that starts working right away.
- Evaluation: Detailed health tests confirm suitability for transplant.
- Donor matching: Compatible living donor (often a family member) or deceased donor identified.
- Surgery: In living donor transplants, a portion of the donor’s liver is implanted; in deceased donor transplants, the entire liver is transplanted.
- Post-surgery care: Patient and (if applicable) donor monitored in specialized ICUs.
- Recovery: The liver regenerates and typically reaches full function within weeks.
The surgery lasts 8–12 hours. Typical hospital stay: recipient 2–3 weeks; living donor 7–10 days.
Who should consider this and when to wait
- End-stage liver disease or cirrhosis not controlled by medication
- Symptoms such as ascites, jaundice, confusion, or gastrointestinal bleeding
- High MELD score indicating severe impairment
- Acute liver failure due to toxins or infection
You may wait or delay if disease is stable with medication or if infections/certain cancers must be treated first. Your hepatologist and transplant surgeon decide timing after full evaluation.
Benefits and risks that you should understand
Benefits
- Replaces a failing organ with a healthy, functioning liver
- Restores digestion, metabolism, and energy levels
- Significantly improves survival and life expectancy
- Enables a full, active, and independent life
Possible risks (closely managed)
- Organ rejection (prevented with immunosuppressants)
- Infection or bleeding after surgery
- Bile leakage or clot formation (rare and correctable)
- Side effects of lifelong medications
Top Indian centers use advanced monitoring and individualized medication protocols to minimize risks.
Recovery timeline so that planning feels easier
- Week 1–2: ICU stay for close observation; gradual diet and movement.
- Week 3–4: Discharge with medication and lifestyle plan.
- Month 2–3: Return to light activities and social life.
- Month 6–12: Full recovery with stable liver function.
Patient moment “Before the transplant, every day was a struggle. After surgery in India, I felt energy returning — like I got my life back.”
Cost overview without surprises
| Type of Liver Transplant | Average Cost (USD) | Typical Hospital Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Living Donor Liver Transplant | 28000 – 38000 | 18 – 22 days |
| Deceased Donor Liver Transplant | 32000 – 45000 | 21 – 25 days |
| Complex or Re-Transplant Case | 40000 – 55000 | 25 – 30 days |
Final cost depends on donor type, liver condition, hospital category, and post-surgery care. Personalized estimates are provided after review.
How to compare hospitals and specialists with confidence
Choosing the right transplant team is like entrusting your body’s engine to expert engineers—precision, ethics, and teamwork ensure success.
- Transplant surgeon’s experience (minimum 500+ successful transplants)
- Hospital accreditation and government license for organ transplants
- 24×7 transplant ICU and advanced infection control
- Transparent donor evaluation and ethics committee clearance
- Long-term follow-up and medication support for international patients
Ask about one-year survival rate, infection prevention, and donor recovery protocols before deciding.
Questions people often ask before this treatment
How long does a transplanted liver last?
A transplanted liver can function well for 15–25 years or longer, depending on care and medication.
Can a living person donate part of their liver safely?
Yes. The liver regenerates within weeks, allowing both donor and recipient to live healthy lives.
How soon can I return to work or travel?
Most patients return to desk work within 2–3 months and travel after their doctor’s approval.
Do I need to take medicines lifelong?
Yes, immunosuppressive medicines prevent rejection and must be continued under medical supervision.
What is the success rate of liver transplants in India?
Over ninety to ninety-five percent success for living-donor cases at leading centers.
Video testimonials from real patients
Watch inspiring recovery journeys of patients who underwent liver transplants in India.
Important care note so that every reader stays safe
Follow all medication schedules and hygiene practices strictly. Avoid raw food, smoking, or alcohol. Attend regular follow-ups and blood tests to keep your new liver healthy and strong.
Medically reviewed by
Dr Aryan Malhotra
MBBS, David Tvildiani Medical University, Georgia
Radiation Oncology Resident, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital
Registration number: 95565
Dr Malhotra reviews transplant-related medical content for Treatmentcost.com to ensure factual accuracy, patient clarity, and clinical reliability.
Disclaimer
This page is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Liver transplantation must be planned by qualified hepatologists and transplant surgeons under legal and ethical protocols.
References
Watch patient videos
https://www.youtube.com/@TreatmentCost