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Did you know that over 50,000 Indians need a liver transplant every year, but only a fraction receive one due to donor shortages? If you or a loved one is suffering from end-stage liver disease, a cadaver liver transplant could be a life-saving solution. This guide covers everything from the process and costs to availability in India (2025).
A liver transplant is prescribed for patients afflicted with the following conditions:
- Alcohol-Induced Liver Cirrhosis: Liver damage caused by long-term alcohol consumption.
- Chronic Hepatitis Liver Failure: Long-term liver damage caused by hepatitis infection.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): liver cancer that affects liver cells.
- Acute Liver Failure: Liver failure resulting from toxins, infection, or drug allergy.
With liver cancer responsible for 25–30% of transplants, the demand for cadaver liver donations in India is higher than ever.
Who Gets a Cadaver Liver First? Organ Allocation Process in India
- Step 1: Medical Evaluation & Registration
A hepatologist assesses the patient’s condition.
Eligible patients are registered on the transplant waiting list. - Step 2: MELD Score-Based Priority
The MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score determines urgency.
Patients with a higher MELD score get priority. - Step 3: Finding a Matching Donor
The donor liver must match the patient’s blood type and body size.
Organ is allocated through NOTTO, ROTTO, and state registries. - Step 4: Surgery & Recovery
The transplant surgery is performed immediately after a match is found.
Post-surgery, the patient stays in the ICU for 5-7 days, then another 10-14 days in the hospital.
State registries like Jeevandan, TRANSTAN, and ROTTO help streamline organ allocation.
Cost of Liver Transplant in India vs. Other Countries
India: ₹18–₹30 lakhs
USA: ₹1–₹2 crore
UK: ₹80 lakhs–₹1.5 crore
Singapore: ₹60–₹80 lakhs
Cost of Liver Transplant in Cadaver in India (2025)
India is a preferred choice for liver transplants due to its significantly lower costs compared to Western nations.
The cost of cadaver liver transplant in India is approximately ₹18–₹30 lakhs
Financial Assistance: Government schemes like Ayushman Bharat and the Tamil Nadu CM Health Insurance Scheme offer financial support for eligible patients.
Cadaver liver transplant process:
Cadaver Liver Transplant: Step-by-Step Timeline
Pre-Surgery (1–3 Weeks Before Transplant)
Blood tests, CT scans, and psychological evaluations are done.
The NOTTO registry matches the donor liver with the recipient.
Day of Surgery (6-12 Hours Procedure)
The surgeon removes the damaged liver and transplants the healthy cadaver liver.
Blood vessels and bile ducts are reconnected.
Recovery Phase (2–3 Weeks in Hospital)
ICU stay: 5–7 days.
Hospital stay: 10-14 days with strict monitoring.
Immunosuppressive medication to prevent rejection.
Risks & Chances Of Survival
While liver transplants have the potential to save lives, there are some risks:
Organ Rejection: Occurs in 10-15% of cases but is usually manageable with immunosuppressive drugs.
Infections: There’s a higher chance for infections as the immune system is suppressed.
Bile Duct Complications: Leakage or blockages may occur.
Survival Rates:
1-Year Survival: 85-90%
5-Year Survival: 70-75%
How to Apply for a Cadaver Liver Transplant in India?
To be eligible for a cadaver transplant, the patient has to:
See a hepatologist in an accredited transplant facility.
Apply for the transplant list through NOTTO, ROTTO, or state-level registries.
Patients require continual evaluations and MELD score checks.
Find a matching liver donor through NOTTO or state transplant registries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long is the waiting time for a cadaver liver transplant in India?
It depends on availability and urgency. Some patients wait a few weeks, while others may wait months or even years.
Q.Which hospitals in India perform cadaver liver transplants?
Some top hospitals include Jupiter Hospital, Apollo Hospitals, Fortis, Medanta, and AIIMS Delhi.
Q.Can a foreign patient get a liver transplant in India?
Yes. Foreign patients are placed lower on the priority list than Indian citizens.
Conclusion:
If you or a loved one has end-stage liver disease, registering for a transplant could be life-saving. There is an urgent need to create awareness about cadaver liver transplants and organ donation to balance the supply and demand scenario. One should consult a hepatologist to know more about the process and make a promise to become a registered organ donor for maximum impact.
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