Key facts
- Who needs a transplant: Decompensated cirrhosis from any cause; Liver cancer within transplant criteria; Acute liver failure.
- Who may not be suitable: Active alcohol use, uncontrolled infection, cancer that has spread outside the liver, or severe heart or lung disease.
- Living donor requirements: Age 18–55, healthy, with a suitable body weight; Compatible blood group, or suitable for ABO-incompatible transplant; Enough liver volume on CT to leave at least about 30–35% behind.
- Documents: Proof of relationship for near-relative donors; Identity and address proof of recipient and donor; Photographs and affidavits in the prescribed format.
- The legal process in India: All transplants follow the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA).
On this page
Who needs a transplant
- Decompensated cirrhosis from any cause
- Liver cancer within transplant criteria
- Acute liver failure
- Genetic and metabolic liver disease
- Biliary atresia and other childhood liver disease
Who may not be suitable
Active alcohol use, uncontrolled infection, cancer that has spread outside the liver, or severe heart or lung disease. Each case is reviewed by the full team.
Living donor requirements
- Age 18–55, healthy, with a suitable body weight
- Compatible blood group, or suitable for ABO-incompatible transplant
- Enough liver volume on CT to leave at least about 30–35% behind
- Free, informed consent without any payment
Documents
- Proof of relationship for near-relative donors
- Identity and address proof of recipient and donor
- Photographs and affidavits in the prescribed format
- For foreign nationals: embassy verification letter
Tests in the recipient evaluation
| Area | Typical tests |
|---|---|
| Liver | Liver function tests, INR, triple-phase CT or MRI, tumour markers |
| Heart | ECG, 2D echo, stress test or angiography if needed |
| Lungs | Chest X-ray, lung function tests, bubble echo for hepatopulmonary syndrome |
| Kidneys | Creatinine, urine tests, kidney ultrasound |
| Infection | Hepatitis B and C, HIV, tuberculosis screening, dental check |
| General | Blood group, nutrition assessment, psychological and social review |
Living donor evaluation step by step
- Blood group and basic blood tests
- Liver ultrasound and blood tests for liver function, sugar and infections
- CT volumetry to measure liver size and map blood vessels and bile ducts
- MRCP or MRI for bile duct anatomy, and a check for fatty liver
- Heart, lung and fitness checks; psychological assessment
- Independent donor advocate and authorisation committee interview
Evaluation can stop at any step if a problem is found, so the donor does not have unnecessary tests.
The legal process in India
All transplants follow the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA). Near-relative donors (spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren) are approved by the hospital authorisation committee. Other donors need extra checks to confirm that there is no payment or pressure involved. Foreign nationals need documents verified by their embassy. See visa and documents.
Frequently asked questions
Can a friend donate?
Non-relative donors are allowed after additional review by the authorisation committee to confirm there is no payment involved.
Can a woman donate after childbirth?
Usually after a gap; the team advises based on health and time since delivery.
Who can donate a liver to a family member?
A healthy adult aged about 18–55 with a suitable blood group, a healthy liver of adequate size and no major illness. Near relatives are approved by the hospital committee; other donors need additional review.
What are the requirements to get a liver transplant?
End-stage liver disease, liver cancer within criteria or acute liver failure; enough fitness to recover from major surgery; no active alcohol use; and a living donor or a place on the deceased donor list.
Can a person with diabetes donate a liver?
Usually not, because diabetes increases the risks of surgery for the donor. Each case is assessed individually.
Can a donor with fatty liver donate?
Mild fat may be acceptable, and some donors can reduce liver fat with diet and exercise before donation. Significant fatty liver usually rules out donation.
How long does the evaluation take?
Recipient and donor evaluation usually takes 1–2 weeks, and less in an emergency.
Do I need to stop drinking alcohol before a transplant?
Yes. Complete abstinence is required, and the team looks for a commitment to stay alcohol-free for life.
Group Director – Liver Transplant, HPB, GI & Robotic Surgery, Yatharth Group of Hospitals. 18+ years in liver transplantation.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Speak to the transplant team for a personal assessment.
