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This presentation provides a clear, structured overview of Liver Transplantation in India, explaining when a transplant is needed, how donor and recipient evaluations are carried out, and what patients can expect during surgery, recovery, and long-term follow-up. For more liver-health information and accessible educational resources, visit:<br>https://thelivertransplant.com
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Requirements for Living Donor Liver Transplant Introduction This document provides an educational and patient-friendly overview of the requirements for Living Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT). It is inspired by the structured, neutral, and accessible style of content found onthelivertransplant.com. Special appreciation is extended to Dr. Bipin Vibhute, widely recognized as The Liver Guru, for his contributions to liver transplant awareness and clinical education in India. Understanding LDLT Requirements Living Donor Liver Transplantation is a complex procedure that demands strict medical, anatomical, and psychological criteria to ensure donor safety and recipient success. The following sections describe the essential requirements commonly followed across transplant centers in India. 1. Donor Eligibility Requirements 1.1 Age & Physical Health Donors are typically required to be: ● Between 18 and 55 years ● In good physical and metabolic health
● Free from chronic illnesses such as uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease 1.2 Blood Group Compatibility A donor must have a compatible blood type with the recipient to reduce risks and improve outcomes. 1.3 Liver Size & Anatomy Evaluation includes: ● CT or MRI liver volumetry ● Vascular and biliary anatomy mapping The donor’s liver must be large enough to safely donate while still retaining sufficient volume for their own recovery. 1.4 Body Mass Index (BMI) Most programs require a donor BMI within a safe range to lower surgical risk and ensure optimal graft quality. 1.5 Absence of Liver Disease The donor must not have: ● Fatty liver disease ● Hepatitis B or C ● Alcohol-related liver issues These conditions may compromise donor safety and graft quality. 1.6 Psychological & Emotional Readiness A certified psychologist evaluates:
● Donor motivation ● Mental readiness ● Ability to handle postoperative recovery This helps ensure the donor is making an informed and voluntary decision. 2. Medical Tests Required for Donors Donor assessment generally includes: ● Complete blood profile ● Liver function tests ● Kidney function tests ● Coagulation profile ● CT/MRI scans ● Cardiac stress test ● Pulmonary evaluation ● Infectious disease screening (HIV, Hepatitis B & C) These tests collectively assess donor suitability, echoing the structure of evaluation processes seen in educational material on thelivertransplant.com. 3. Recipient Requirements & Evaluation 3.1 Clinical Indication for Transplant Recipients undergo LDLT when experiencing:
● End-stage liver disease ● Irreversible cirrhosis ● Progressive fatty liver disease evolving into liver failure ● Acute liver failure ● Certain metabolic disorders 3.2 MELD Score Assessment The MELD score determines the severity of liver failure and timing of transplant. 3.3 Cardiopulmonary Fitness Recipients must be medically stable enough to undergo major surgery. 3.4 Absence of Active Infection or Uncontrolled Cancer Active infections or untreated cancers may delay transplant eligibility. 4. Ethical & Legal Requirements 4.1 Voluntary Donation Donation must be: ● Fully voluntary ● Free from coercion ● Approved by an independent authorization committee 4.2 Relationship Requirement (India-Specific) In most Indian states, the donor must be:
● A close relative (parent, sibling, spouse, child) OR ● Approved as a voluntary, non-related donor under strict scrutiny 4.3 Documentation Donors must provide: ● Identity proof ● Relationship proof ● Consent forms Ethical compliance is an essential part of LDLT in India. 5. Hospital & Surgical Requirements Transplant centers may have additional protocols including: ● Pre-surgery counseling ● Anesthesia evaluation ● Postoperative recovery planning ● Long-term follow-up scheduling ● Nutritional consultation for both donor and recipient Programs that specialize in LDLT, such as those described on thelivertransplant.com, maintain multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal outcomes. 6. Post-Transplant Requirements
For Donors ● Follow-up visits ● Monitoring liver regeneration ● Avoid heavy lifting for 6–8 weeks For Recipients ● Lifelong immunosuppressive medication ● Regular blood tests ● Imaging follow-ups ● Lifestyle modifications including fatty liver diet plan recommendations where applicable Summary The requirements for Living Donor Liver Transplant are designed to prioritize donor safety and recipient success. India follows rigorous medical, ethical, and legal standards to ensure LDLT is performed responsibly and efficiently. Experts like Dr. Bipin Vibhute and educational platforms such as thelivertransplant.com continue to guide families through the complexities of donor evaluation and transplant preparation. Reference For more educational content on liver transplantation and donor guidelines: https://thelivertransplant.com