Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT)

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a specialized type of liver transplantation offered at Sterling Hospitals Ahmedabad, one of the most trusted centers in Gujarat for liver transplantation. LDLT is a viable option for patients with end-stage liver disease who do not have a suitable deceased donor available or who require a more timely transplantation. 

LDLT involves the removal of a healthy segment of liver from a living donor, usually a close family member, and transplanting it into the recipient. Both the donor and the recipient's remaining liver have the ability to regenerate, allowing for two functional livers after the surgery. LDLT requires a highly skilled surgical team with expertise in liver transplantation and careful evaluation and selection of both the donor and the recipient. 

Here is a detailed overview of the LDLT procedure at Sterling Hospitals: 

Donor Evaluation and Selection: The evaluation process begins with a thorough assessment of the potential living donor's overall health, liver function, and compatibility with the recipient. The medical team carefully evaluates the donor's liver anatomy, size, and function to ensure that the liver segment to be donated is adequate for the recipient's needs. The donor's medical and psychological suitability for donation is also assessed, following established criteria and ethical guidelines. 

The constitution of India passed an act (8th July 1994) as Transplantation of Human Organs Act. The Act mentions the following: 

• The age of donor must be above 18 years and must agree voluntarily to organ removal. 
• The organ can only be removed by a registered medical practitioner and the transplant must take place in a registered hospital. 
• Any transaction related to the sale of human organs is deemed under criminal offense. 
• The payment to the donor will not be deemed criminal for reimbursement cost of organ removal or transportation cost of the organ. 
• No organ shall be removed and transplanted unless the donor is a close relative. 

Recipient Evaluation and Selection: The recipient's medical condition, liver function, and other relevant factors are thoroughly evaluated to determine their suitability for LDLT. The medical team assesses the severity of the liver disease, the urgency of the transplantation, and the potential benefits of LDLT compared to other treatment options. A comprehensive evaluation helps in selecting the most appropriate candidates for LDLT. 

Surgical Procedure: LDLT surgery is a complex procedure that typically involves two simultaneous surgeries - one for the donor and one for the recipient. The donor's healthy liver segment is carefully removed, and the remaining liver in the donor regenerates over time. The healthy liver segment is then transplanted into the recipient's abdomen, and the blood vessels and bile ducts of the donor liver segment are meticulously connected to the recipient's blood vessels and bile ducts. The surgical team ensures that the blood flow and bile flow to and from the transplanted liver segment are restored. 

Postoperative Care: After the surgery, both the donor and the recipient are closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) and then transferred to specialized liver transplant recovery units. The medical team provides comprehensive postoperative care, including monitoring of liver function, management of immunosuppressive medications to prevent organ rejection, infection control, and other supportive measures. The donor's liver segment regenerates over time, and the recipient's progress is closely monitored for any complications or issues that may arise. 

Rehabilitation and Follow-up: Once the donor and recipient's conditions stabilize, rehabilitation and recovery plans are initiated. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional support, and other measures to optimize their recovery and return to normal activities. The medical team provides ongoing follow-up care to both the donor and the recipient to ensure the long-term success of the liver transplant, including monitoring of liver function, management of medications, and regular check-ups to detect and manage any potential complications. 

Success Rates and Global Standards: Sterling Hospitals is proud to offer LDLT services that match global standards. The hospital has a dedicated team of experienced hepatologists, transplant surgeons, and other specialists who follow evidence-based protocols and best practices to ensure the best possible outcomes for LDLT patients. The success rates of LDLT at Sterling Hospitals are consistently monitored and benchmarked against international standards. 

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a complex and specialized procedure that requires careful evaluation and selection of both the donor and the recipient. Sterling Hospitals Ahmedabad is a trusted center in Gujarat for LDLT, providing comprehensive evaluation, surgical expertise, postoperative care, and long-term follow-up for both the donor