Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which doctor do I consult if I have a liver problem?Your Primary Care Physician will often first refer you to a Gastroenterologist if a liver problem is suspected. If a specific liver disease is identified, then it is best to seek consultation with a liver specialist (Hepatologist). In the case of liver disease that may require transplantation then the Hepatologist will refer to a liver transplant center for evaluation by the Transplant Surgeon and the rest of the team.
2. Who Determines What Patients Receive a Liver Transplant?
Each transplant center should have a Liver Transplant Selection Committee composed of Surgeons, Hepatologists and other transplant professionals to determine if a patient is suitable for being placed on the liver transplant waiting list. Selection criteria can be institution specific, but all centers try to maximize their patient outcomes by refusing to transplant patients who have a predicted poor postoperative survival (e.g., history of cancer, severe cardiovascular disease or certain chronic or active infections, etc.).
3. Where can I find donors for Living donor Liver Transplantation?
By law in India, living liver donors must be related to the recipient either by marriage or they must be close family relatives. Strict policies are followed to maintain the highest ethical and legal standards.
