✅ Criteria for Liver Transplant in India Explained by Dr. Chetan Kalal – DM Hepatology | Liver Transplant Physician, Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai Serving India & Global Patients (UAE | UK | USA | Africa | Canada | Middle East) ________________________________________ 🧬 What is Liver Transplant? A liver transplant is a life-saving surgery where a diseased liver is replaced with a healthy donor liver. It is recommended when the liver can no longer perform its essential functions despite all medical efforts. ________________________________________ 🩺 Who Needs a Liver Transplant? You may be considered for a liver transplant if you have: ✅ Underlying Liver Disease ✅ Decompensation Features Cirrhosis (alcoholic, NASH, hepatitis B/C) Jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin) Liver cancer (within transplant criteria) Ascites (fluid in abdomen) Acute liver failure (e.g., drug overdose) Variceal bleeding (vomiting blood) Genetic diseases (e.g., Wilson's Disease) Hepatic encephalopathy (confusion/drowsiness) Autoimmune liver diseases Low sodium, poor kidney function, muscle loss ________________________________________ 🔍 Core Criteria Used for Liver Transplant Evaluation in India: 1. MELD Score (Model for End-stage Liver Disease) • A score based on lab tests (bilirubin, INR, creatinine) • MELD ≥ 15 usually indicates need for transplant • Higher score = higher urgency 2. Child-Pugh Score • Used to classify liver damage (A to C) • Class C = highest severity 3. Liver Cancer (HCC) Within Milan/UCSF Criteria • Tumor ≤ 5 cm, or ≤ 3 tumors each ≤ 3 cm • No vascular invasion or metastasis 4. No Absolute Contraindications • Active infections not controlled • Ongoing alcohol/substance abuse • Uncontrolled heart/lung disease • No psychosocial support or medical non-compliance 5. Psychiatric & Nutritional Assessment • To ensure long-term success post-transplant ________________________________________ 👨⚕️ Dr. Chetan Kalal’s Expert Advice: “We don’t wait till the very last moment. Early referral improves outcomes. If you have recurrent fluid buildup, bleeding, or liver cancer, you may already be a transplant candidate. Timely evaluation saves lives.” ________________________________________ 📍 Why Choose Dr. Chetan Kalal? • 🩺 First DM Hepatologist in Maharashtra • 🏥 Liver Transplant Specialist, Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai • 🌐 Serving domestic & international patients (India, Dubai, UK, Africa, US, Canada) • 💻 Second opinions and virtual consults available • 🔄 Expert in ABO-incompatible, acute liver failure, pediatric & adult transplants ________________________________________ 📞 Book Your Liver Transplant Evaluation Today Website: www.drchetankalal.com 📍 Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai 📱 +91 8506873687 🌍 Online Consults | Report Review | Second Opinion