Liver transplantation - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which doctor should you consult for a liver transplant?

A liver transplant is carried out by a specialist liver transplant surgeon. The team involved in the transplantation may include a hepatologist, surgeon, transplant co-ordinators, a psychiatrist and other specialists.

2. How are donors selected for a liver transplant?

The donor must want to give away his liver willingly as a gift. The donor must be ideally 18 to 60 years of age, in good health both physically and mentally, and should have been a non-smoker for at least 6 weeks before surgery. Female donors should not be pregnant.

3. What should I do when a non-ideal liver becomes available?

The condition of your liver keeps changing during the waiting period. When a non-ideal liver becomes available, the doctors will help you best judge the risks and benefits of using the non-ideal liver in the present situation. It is finally your decision whether you want to go ahead with the non-ideal liver. Your status on the waiting list will not change if you decide to wait for another liver at this point.

4. Can immunosuppressant drugs have side effects?

Yes, they have significant side effects. Immunosuppressants make the individual more susceptible to other infections by suppressing the body’s immune system.

Other side effects could be weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, osteoporosis or kidney damage. Long-term use can increase the risk of skin or other cancers too.