Liver transplantation: Healing, hope, and a new life in patients with liver disease

The liver is one of the most vital organ in our body. It performs numerous life-sustaining functions – from detoxifying harmful substances we consume, synthesising essential proteins, aiding in digestion with bile, and storing nutrients. But when the liver undergoes severe, irreversible damage, these functions are compromised, leading to life-threatening complications. In such a case, liver transplant often becomes the only curative option.

Liver transplantation in India: A growing lifeline

According to the National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) Annual Report (2013–2023), the number of liver transplants in India has risen sharply – from 4,490 in 2013 to nearly 18,000 in 2023. (Source: NOTTO Annual Report 2013–2023 (MoHFW, Govt. of India))

This steady rise reflects how liver transplantation has rapidly emerged as a definitive treatment for advanced liver disease and liver cancer in our country.

When is a liver transplant needed?

Several medical conditions can cause irreversible liver injury and failure that can not be cured with medical management. Liver transplantation is the best option in following conditions. Some of the common conditions include,

• 1. Chronic liver disease and portal hypertension
  Alcohol associated liver disease (ALD): Prolonged heavy alcohol consumption can cause cirrhosis, the final stage of alcohol related liver disease.
  Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): Directly related to obesity, diabetes and other metabolic parameters, this condition occurs when excess fat in the liver leads to inflammation, scarring, and eventual liver fibrosis.
  Portal hypertensive complications, such as
  - Refractory ascites (repeated fluid build-up in the abdomen)
  - Hepatic encephalopathy (confusion or unconsciousness from ammonia build-up in the brain secondary to liver dysfunction)
  - Hepato-renal syndrome (kidney failure due to liver disease)
  - Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (life-threatening abdominal infection)
• 2. Acute liver failure (non-cirrhotic)
  It occurs suddenly within days or weeks and is often caused by viral infections, drug toxicity (like paracetamol overdose), rat killer poisoning or autoimmune disease. Acute liver failure requires urgent liver transplantation.
• 3. Chronic hepatitis & autoimmune disorders
  - Hepatitis B & C: Long-term viral infections can progress to cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular cancer.
  - Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, leading to injury and sometimes necessitating transplantation.
• 4. Genetic disorders
  - Wilson’s disease: Copper accumulation in the body damages the liver.
  - Hemochromatosis: Excess iron storage in the liver leads to cirrhosis.
  - Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: A genetic cause of chronic liver disease.
• 5. Biliary atresia in infants
  A rare congenital condition where the bile ducts in the liver are absent or blocked. It prevents bile from flowing properly, causing liver damage. For infants with this condition who do not respond to surgery, a liver transplant is often necessary to prevent life-threatening complications.
• 6. Hepatocellular carcinoma

The liver transplant process

During a transplant, the diseased liver is replaced with a healthy donor liver. There are two primary types

- Living donor liver transplant (LDLT): In this procedure, a living donor—often a first-degree family member—donates a portion of their liver, which naturally regenerates in both the donor and the recipient.

- Deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT): In this procedure, the liver is obtained from a deceased donor. Due to high demand and limited availability, patients often remain on a waiting list until a suitable match is found.

A second chance at life

Liver transplantation is a complex but life-transforming surgery. For patients with advanced liver disease, it provides not only survival but also the opportunity to regain health and quality of life.

At KD Hospital, Ahmedabad, we are proud to be one of the leading liver transplant centres in Gujarat, offering cutting-edge facilities, a highly experienced team of transplant surgeons, hepatologists, and advanced intensive care under one roof.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to give patients a new lease of life filled with healing and hope through liver transplantation.