Learn about Liver Transplant Donor Treatment in Turkey — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Liver Transplant Donor and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Liver Transplant Donor

A liver transplant donor procedure, specifically a living donor liver transplantation, is a life-saving surgical intervention where a healthy individual donates a portion of their liver to a recipient with end-stage liver disease. The liver's unique ability to regenerate allows both the donor's remaining liver and the transplanted segment in the recipient to grow to full size within weeks. This complex surgery is performed by a specialized liver transplantation team in a high-volume transplant center. It offers a critical alternative to deceased donor transplants, significantly reducing wait times. The procedure involves meticulous evaluation of the donor's health, precise surgical resection of a liver lobe, and careful post-operative monitoring to ensure the safety and well-being of both the donor and the recipient.

Key Highlights

    Provides a life-saving option for patients who may not survive the wait for a deceased donor organ.Significantly reduces transplant waiting times compared to deceased donor lists.The donor's liver regenerates to nearly its original size within 2-3 months.Offers the potential for better long-term outcomes and graft survival in recipients due to optimal organ quality and shorter cold ischemia time.Performed by a highly specialized multidisciplinary team in accredited transplant centers.

Who is this surgery for?

  • The primary indication is for a recipient diagnosed with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) from causes like cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C, or autoimmune hepatitis.
  • Acute liver failure (fulminant hepatic failure) where a transplant is urgently needed.
  • Certain metabolic liver diseases or genetic disorders (e.g., Wilson's disease, primary hyperoxaluria).
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) within specific transplant criteria (e.g., Milan criteria).
  • Biliary atresia in pediatric patients.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive medical, surgical, and psychosocial evaluation to ensure donor suitability and safety.
  • Extensive blood tests, imaging studies (CT/MRI with volumetry), and cardiac/pulmonary assessments.
  • Counseling sessions to ensure informed consent and understanding of all risks and benefits.
  • Pre-operative lifestyle modifications, including cessation of smoking and alcohol.
  • Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to surgery as instructed by the medical team.

Risks & possible complications

  • Surgical risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and reactions to anesthesia.
  • Bile leakage or stricture at the cut surface of the liver.
  • Potential for temporary liver dysfunction in the donor post-surgery.
  • Rare but serious risks include pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, or intra-abdominal abscess.
  • Long-term risks are minimal but can include incisional hernia or adhesions.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay of 5-10 days with close monitoring of liver function and pain management.
  • Gradual mobilization starting the day after surgery to prevent complications.
  • Avoidance of heavy lifting (more than 10 kgs) and strenuous activity for 2-3 months.
  • Regular follow-up visits for blood tests and imaging to monitor liver regeneration.
  • Most donors can return to sedentary work within 4-8 weeks and full normal activities within 3-6 months.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 2-3 months for full regeneration and return to normal activities

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering liver transplant donor in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for liver transplant donor compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 16,315 – USD 38,069 5-10 days ~ 2-3 months for full regeneration and return to normal activities Know More
Turkey USD 120,788 – USD 281,838 5-10 days ~ 2-3 months for full regeneration and return to normal activities Know More

Top hospitals for Liver Transplant Donor in Turkey

These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated liver transplantation teams and experience managing patients undergoing liver transplant donor.

Liv Hospital Ankara

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon140 Doctors

Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon38 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

Had my gallbladder out at MGM....

Had my gallbladder out at MGM. The surgery itself went fine, but the first two days after were rough. Dr. Subramanian was really clear about what to expect pain-wise and adjusted my meds a couple times until we found what worked. He didn't just send me home and forget—the nurses checked in on his instructions. It wasn't fun, but I felt managed, not just processed.