Living-Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT)
Life-saving surgical replacement of end-stage diseased liver using a partial graft from a healthy living family donor.
Clinical Overview
India is a preeminent global destination for LDLT, executing over 2,500 liver transplants each year with 1-year patient survival rates above 90–95%. Procedures are governed strictly by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), requiring related family donors and thorough ethical committee approvals.
Conditions Commonly Evaluated
- Decompensated Cirrhosis (Hepatitis B/C, NASH, Alcoholic, Autoimmune, Cryptogenic)
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) within Milan or UCSF criteria
- Acute Liver Failure (ALF)
- Biliary Atresia and pediatric metabolic liver diseases
Diagnostic & Workup Pathways
Surgeons and clinicians review the following diagnostic investigations to determine eligibility:
Surgical Procedures & Stay Duration
Right Lobe Living-Donor Liver Transplantation
Standard procedure for adult recipients where segments V, VI, VII, VIII of donor liver are grafted.
Pediatric Left Lateral Segment Graft
Partial graft (segments II & III) transplanted to pediatric recipient with biliary atresia or genetic liver failure.
Preparing for Your Specialist Consultation
Documents to Have Ready Before Consultation:
- Comprehensive biochemical liver profile: Bilirubin, INR, Serum Albumin, Creatinine, Sodium (to calculate MELD-Na score)
- Donor candidate details (must be medically fit relative aged 18–50, matching blood group or ABO-incompatible protocol candidate)
- Clear digital copies of contrast-enhanced CT abdomen of recipient and prospective donor
- Complete home country medical summary with viral markers and history of gastrointestinal bleeding or ascites
Questions You May Want to Ask Your Doctor:
- What is the estimated MELD-Na score and urgency level for the recipient?
- What are the statutory legal approval requirements for our specific country under Indian THOTA regulations?
- How does your center safeguard donor safety during and following right lobe resection?
- What is the immunosuppression monitoring protocol once we return to our home country?
Recovery & Commercial Flying Clearance
- Recipients remain in India for a mandatory 6 to 8 weeks post-discharge for weekly liver function and tacrolimus trough level checks
- Donors regenerate ~85–90% of their liver volume within 6 to 8 weeks and can usually fly home within 3 to 4 weeks
- CareBridge India coordinates specialized hygienic serviced apartments with private kitchen facilities to protect immunosuppressed recipients
Living-donor liver transplant packages in India typically range from $28,000 to $42,000 USD (inclusive of recipient and donor surgery, ICU stay, and initial medications), compared to $400,000 to $800,000 USD in North America and Western Europe.
Source: National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) & Directorate General of Health Services (Verified: 2025-07-20)
Accredited Hospital Centers
This content is educational and for preliminary planning purposes. It does not replace individualized clinical assessment by a licensed physician. Treatment suitability is established only after comprehensive diagnostic examination.