Combined Liver Kidney Transplant in India
The liver filters toxins and aids digestion, while the kidneys balance fluids and remove waste. When both organs fail due to advanced liver disease with kidney failure, polycystic disease, or systemic conditions like hepatitis or diabetes, a Combined Liver Kidney Transplant (CLKT) replaces both organs in one surgery—restoring health and quality of life.
Discover what this treats so that you can choose confidently
Combined liver-kidney transplant is indicated when both organs are irreversibly damaged—such as chronic liver disease with kidney failure (hepatorenal syndrome), polycystic liver and kidney disease, or systemic illnesses where a single-organ transplant won’t suffice. Replacing both organs together restores detoxification and filtration in one coordinated procedure.
Why people choose India when this procedure is needed
- Expert transplant surgeons with dual-organ experience (USA/Europe trained)
- NABH/JCI-accredited hospitals with advanced transplant ICUs
- Costs 70–80% lower than Western countries
- Living-donor and deceased-donor pathways available
- NOTTO-backed national, ethical organ-sharing network
- Comprehensive rehab and rigorous infection control programs
Top Indian hospitals report eighty-five to ninety percent success—comparable with leading global centers.
How the procedure works in simple steps
Like replacing two essential filters at once, CLKT restores synchronized liver and kidney function together.
- Evaluation: Blood tests, imaging, and cardiac assessment confirm fitness for dual-organ surgery.
- Donor matching: Compatible living or deceased donor organs identified and cross-matched.
- Surgery: Failing liver and kidney removed; the donor liver is implanted first and connected to vessels and bile duct, then the donor kidney is placed (usually in the lower abdomen) and connected to vessels and ureter.
- Recovery: ICU monitoring ensures both organs start functioning and medications are optimized.
Typical operating time is 10–14 hours; average hospital stay is 3–4 weeks.
Who should consider this and when to wait
- Permanent failure of both liver and kidney
- Hepatorenal syndrome with advanced cirrhosis
- Polycystic liver and kidney disease
- Failure of a prior single-organ transplant
Consider deferring if either organ may recover with medical therapy, there’s an active infection/cancer, or you’re unfit for anesthesia. Your transplant team finalizes timing after full evaluation and donor availability.
Benefits and risks that you should understand
Benefits
- Restores both liver and kidney function in one surgery
- Avoids two separate operations and recoveries
- Improves survival and quality of life
- Can reduce rejection risk via coordinated immunology
Possible risks (closely managed)
- Bleeding or infection after surgery
- Rejection episodes (controlled with immunosuppressants)
- Biliary or vascular complications
- Side effects from long-term medications
With modern surgical precision and multidisciplinary care, most patients experience smooth recovery and durable outcomes.
Recovery timeline so that planning feels easier
- Week 1–2: Intensive ICU monitoring; organ function stabilizes.
- Week 3–4: Mobility increases; diet advances; discharge planning.
- Month 2–3: Return to light work and daily activities.
- Month 6–12: Full recovery with stable liver and kidney function.
Patient moment “Before surgery I was on dialysis and losing strength. After CLKT in India, both organs work perfectly—and I feel alive again.”
Cost overview without surprises
| Type of Transplant | Average Cost (USD) | Typical Hospital Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Living Donor Combined Liver–Kidney Transplant | 55000 – 75000 | 25 – 30 days |
| Deceased Donor Combined Transplant | 65000 – 85000 | 30 – 35 days |
| Complex or Re-Transplant Case | 80000 – 100000 | 35 – 40 days |
Final cost depends on donor type, organ condition, hospital category, and recovery duration. Personalized quotes follow medical evaluation.
How to compare hospitals and specialists with confidence
Think of it as trusting two expert pilots—precision, coordination, and 24×7 readiness are essential.
- Team with proven dual-organ experience and outcomes
- 24×7 multidisciplinary ICU with strict infection control
- NOTTO access for ethical donor allocation
- In-house hepatology, nephrology, anesthesia, and critical care
- Transparent packages and long-term follow-up support
Ask about dual-organ survival rates, GVHD/rejection protocols, and the rehab plan before deciding.
Questions people often ask before this treatment
Why combine both transplants?
Doing both together improves survival, prevents immune complications, and shortens total recovery time.
Who can donate in a living-donor CLKT?
Typically a close relative donates part of the liver and another relative donates a kidney—after ethical and medical clearance.
What success rates in India?
Top centers report 85–90% success for dual-organ transplants.
How long do new organs last?
With good care and lifelong medication, both organs can function well for 15–25+ years.
How long is the deceased-donor wait?
Varies by blood group and region; India’s national organ-sharing system helps reduce delays.
Video testimonials from real patients
Watch recovery stories from patients who underwent combined liver–kidney transplants in India.
Important care note so that every reader stays safe
Take immunosuppressive medicines exactly as prescribed. Avoid raw foods, maintain strict hygiene, and never miss follow-ups—both organs need lifelong monitoring.
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 multi-organ transplant content for Treatmentcost.com to ensure accuracy, transparency, and patient safety.
Disclaimer
This page is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Combined organ transplantation must be planned and supervised by a licensed multidisciplinary transplant team under legal and ethical protocols.
References
Watch patient videos
https://www.youtube.com/@TreatmentCost