“Jaundice After Liver Transplant”
By Dr. Chetan Kalal – Liver Transplant Specialist, DM Hepatology, Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai
🟡 Is Jaundice After Liver Transplant Normal?
Short Answer: Sometimes yes — but it must be evaluated.
🔍 Why Jaundice May Occur After Liver Transplant:
After a liver transplant, some patients may notice yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice). This can be:
✅ Benign Causes (usually manageable):
- Initial liver adjustment phase post-surgery
- Bile duct narrowing (anastomotic stricture)
- Minor rejection episodes (controlled with meds)
- Temporary bile leak or sluggish bile flow
These causes are often diagnosed early and treated successfully with medication, endoscopy (ERCP), or minor intervention.
⚠️ Warning Signs That Need Urgent Evaluation:
- Deepening jaundice
- Fever, chills
- Dark urine, pale stool
- Abdominal pain
- Confusion or drowsiness
These could indicate:
- Acute rejection
- Biliary obstruction or leak
- Infection (including CMV, sepsis)
- Recurrent disease (rare but possible)
🧠 Dr. Chetan Kalal Explains:
“Mild jaundice is not uncommon after a transplant. But never ignore it. In our center, we closely monitor bilirubin levels post-surgery. Early intervention prevents complications and protects graft function.”
🧪 Evaluation Includes:
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
- Ultrasound or MRCP
- Liver biopsy (if needed)
- Drug level monitoring
- Viral markers
🩺 What to Do if You See Jaundice Post-Transplant?
- 🔔 Contact your transplant hepatologist immediately
- 🧴 Do not self-medicate
- 🚫 Avoid turmeric, herbal products, or over-the-counter pills
📍 Trusted Liver Transplant Follow-up with:
👨⚕️ Dr. Chetan Kalal – Liver Transplant Specialist
Maharashtra’s First DM Hepatologist
📍 Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai
🌍 Serving patients across India, UAE, Africa, UK, USA
📱 +91 8506873687
🌐 www.drchetankalal.com
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