🔹 LIVER TRANSPLANT FAQs
Who needs a liver transplant?
A liver transplant is considered for patients with advanced liver disease or liver failure when medical treatment can no longer control complications or maintain quality of life. This includes decompensated cirrhosis, acute liver failure, selected cases of liver cancer, and certain metabolic or genetic liver diseases.
How is liver transplant timing decided?
Liver transplant timing is based on a combination of factors, including:
Severity of liver disease
Presence of complications (ascites, bleeding, encephalopathy)
MELD score
Overall physical condition
Disease trajectory over time
Timing decisions are individualised and not based on MELD score alone.
What does a liver transplant physician do?
A liver transplant physician manages the medical aspects of transplant care, including pre-transplant evaluation, optimisation of organ function, transplant timing decisions, coordination with surgical teams, and long-term post-transplant care such as immunosuppression management and complication prevention.
Is Dr Chetan Kalal involved in liver transplant care?
Yes. Dr Chetan Kalal is a Liver Transplant Physician involved in pre-transplant assessment, transplant timing decisions, post-transplant management, and long-term aftercare for liver transplant recipients.
When should a patient seek a transplant second opinion?
A transplant second opinion is helpful when:
Transplant has been advised but the patient feels unsure
MELD score is low but symptoms are worsening
There are repeated hospitalisations
Liver cancer management options are unclear
There is disagreement between treating teams
Can patients with low MELD scores still need a transplant?
Yes. Some patients experience frequent complications and declining quality of life despite a relatively low MELD score. In such cases, transplant evaluation may still be appropriate based on overall clinical status.
Is liver transplant possible in patients with liver cancer?
Liver transplant may be an option for selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), depending on tumour size, number, vascular involvement, response to treatment, and overall liver function. Each case requires careful multidisciplinary evaluation.
What is living donor liver transplantation (LDLT)?
Living donor liver transplantation involves transplanting a portion of a healthy donor’s liver into the recipient. The donor’s liver regenerates over time. LDLT is commonly performed in India and requires detailed donor and recipient evaluation for safety.
What are the risks after liver transplantation?
Post-transplant risks may include infection, rejection, metabolic complications, medication side effects, and recurrence of underlying disease. Long-term follow-up and medication adherence are essential for good outcomes.
How long is follow-up needed after a liver transplant?
Liver transplant recipients require lifelong medical follow-up to monitor liver function, adjust immunosuppression, prevent complications, and manage associated conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
Can international or NRI patients receive transplant aftercare in India?
Yes. International and NRI patients often receive structured post-transplant aftercare in India, including virtual consultations, medication monitoring, and coordination with local healthcare providers.
Does Dr Chetan Kalal provide post-transplant follow-up care?
Yes. Dr Chetan Kalal provides long-term post-transplant care, including immunosuppression management, monitoring for complications, infection prevention, and coordination of multidisciplinary follow-up.
How can patients discuss liver transplant evaluation or second opinions?
Patients can seek transplant evaluation or second opinions through in-person or virtual consultations via the official website:
https://www.drchetankalal.com
