Performed by Dr. Ravi Chandra Reddy Obili at Dr Ravi Chandra Reddy
Liver transplantation is a major surgical procedure that removes a failing or diseased liver and replaces it with a healthy liver from a donor. The donor liver may come from a deceased person or from a living donor who donates part of their liver. This procedure is considered when the liver is severely damaged and can no longer function properly.
We believe in honest, upfront disclosure so you can make an informed decision.
A step-by-step look at what happens during this procedure.
A large incision is made across the upper abdomen to access the liver. Blood vessels and bile ducts connected to the diseased liver are carefully identified.
The blood supply to the failing liver is clamped and divided. The diseased liver is carefully separated from surrounding structures and removed from the body.
The healthy donor liver is positioned in the correct anatomical location. This may be a whole liver from a deceased donor or a portion of liver from a living donor.
Blood vessels are reconnected in a specific sequence. The inferior vena cava, hepatic artery, and portal vein are attached to restore blood flow to the new liver.
The bile duct is reconstructed to allow bile drainage from the new liver. The incision is closed in layers and drains may be placed to monitor for fluid or bleeding.
A structured, patient-first approach from first consultation to full recovery.
Dr Ravi Chandra Reddy works with a multidisciplinary team to assess your liver disease severity, overall health, and readiness for transplantation through detailed investigations.
The procedure is performed with meticulous attention to vascular and biliary connections, ensuring the new liver is properly positioned and blood flow is established.
Immediate post-operative care in an intensive care unit monitors vital signs, liver function, and any signs of complications, with close attention to bleeding and early graft function.
Regular follow-up includes blood tests to check liver function and medication levels, imaging studies, and monitoring for rejection or complications to ensure the best long-term outcomes.
What to expect at each stage of your recovery journey.
The first weeks involve close monitoring in hospital, gradual mobilisation, adjustment of immunosuppressive medications, and management of drains and wound healing. Timelines vary based on individual progress.
After discharge, frequent clinic visits are needed to monitor liver function and adjust medications. Activity is gradually increased while avoiding heavy lifting. Nutrition and hydration support healing.
Over months, energy levels improve and normal activities resume. Lifelong immunosuppressive medication is required to prevent rejection. Regular blood tests and follow-up continue indefinitely to monitor the transplanted liver.
The transplanted liver can take over essential functions that the diseased liver could no longer perform, including processing nutrients, making proteins, and removing toxins.
Many people experience relief from symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, fluid retention, and confusion that accompanied liver failure, allowing return to daily activities.
Immunosuppressive medications are necessary for life to prevent rejection. These medications require monitoring and carry their own risks including infection and kidney effects.
Certain conditions such as advanced cancer outside the liver, active substance use, or severe heart and lung disease may make transplantation unsuitable or carry prohibitive risks.
The right choice depends on your diagnosis, risks and circumstances — discussed with you at your consultation.
For early or compensated cirrhosis, medications and lifestyle changes may slow disease progression. This is considered when liver function is still adequate and complications are manageable.
For certain localised liver tumours or limited disease, surgical removal of part of the liver may be an option if the remaining liver is healthy enough to function.
When transplantation is not possible due to medical reasons or unavailability of donors, management focuses on symptom control, quality of life, and treating complications like fluid retention and infections.
Let's clear up some of the most common myths about liver transplantation.
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