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Chances Of Survival After Liver Transplant

Discover the chances of survival after a liver transplant, including key factors that influence outcomes, long-term success rates, and tips for post-surgery recovery and wellness.

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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025

Introduction

If you or a loved one is considering a liver transplant, you may have questions about survival rates and what to expect after the surgery. A liver transplant is a life-saving procedure for people with severe liver disease, but understanding the chances of success can help ease concerns and prepare for the journey ahead.

What Is a Liver Transplant?

A liver transplant is a surgical procedure where a diseased liver is replaced with a healthy one from a donor. This is often the best treatment option for patients with end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, or certain liver cancers.

Survival Rates After Liver Transplant

The good news is that liver transplants have high success rates, thanks to advances in medical science and post-operative care. Here’s what you should know:

1. Short-Term Survival (First Year After Transplant)

  • About 90% of patients survive the first year after a liver transplant.

  • The highest risk period is the first few months due to possible complications like infections, organ rejection, or surgical issues.

2. Long-Term Survival (5 Years and Beyond)

  • 70-80% of patients survive for at least five years after the transplant.

  • Many patients go on to live 10, 20, or even 30 years with a healthy liver.

  • Long-term survival depends on factors like age, underlying health conditions, and adherence to medications.

Factors That Affect Survival After Liver Transplant

Several factors influence how well a patient recovers and how long the new liver functions:

1. Underlying Health Conditions

  • Patients with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems may have slightly lower survival rates.

  • Hepatitis C or liver cancer can also impact outcomes, though newer treatments have improved success rates.

2. Age of the Patient

  • Younger patients (under 60) generally have better survival rates.

  • Older patients can still have successful transplants but may need extra monitoring.

3. Donor Liver Quality

  • A liver from a living donor (usually a family member) often has better outcomes than a deceased donor liver.

  • The overall health and compatibility of the donor liver play a crucial role.

4. Post-Transplant Care

  • Taking immunosuppressant medications (to prevent organ rejection) as prescribed is critical.

  • Regular follow-ups with the transplant team help detect complications early.

Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips

Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)

Manikonda Jagir

Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir

recommendation

89%

(125+ Patients)

1000

150 Cashback

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr Amey Sonavane, Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

Dr Amey Sonavane

Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

11 Years • "MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine) DNB (Gastroenterology) "

Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai

recommendation

94%

(75+ Patients)

2300

150 Cashback

2300

No Booking Fees

Dr. Rajeev Shandil, Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

Dr. Rajeev Shandil

Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

15 Years • MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine), DNB (Gastroenterology)

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

89%

(125+ Patients)

2000

200 Cashback

2000

No Booking Fees

How to Improve Survival Chances After a Liver Transplant?

To maximise the success of your transplant, follow these tips:

1. Take Medications as Prescribed

  • Never skip anti-rejection medicines, even if you feel fine.

  • Missing doses increases the risk of liver rejection.

2. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

  • Eat a balanced diet (low in salt, sugar, and processed foods).

  • Exercise regularly (as advised by your doctor) to maintain a healthy weight.

3. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

  • Alcohol can damage the new liver.

  • Smoking increases infection risks and slows healing.

4. Regular Check-ups

  • Frequent blood tests and doctor visits help monitor liver function.

  • Report any unusual symptoms (fever, fatigue, jaundice) immediately.

When to Seek Medical Help?

After a liver transplant, contact your doctor if you notice:

  • High fever or chills

  • Yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice)

  • Severe abdominal pain

  • Unexplained weight gain or swelling

Conclusion

A liver transplant can give patients a new lease on life, with high survival rates when proper care is taken. If you or a loved one needs a liver transplant, consult a specialist to understand the best options.

Consult Top Hepatologist

Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)

Manikonda Jagir

Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir

recommendation

89%

(125+ Patients)

1000

150 Cashback

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr Amey Sonavane, Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

Dr Amey Sonavane

Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

11 Years • "MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine) DNB (Gastroenterology) "

Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai

recommendation

94%

(75+ Patients)

2300

150 Cashback

2300

No Booking Fees

Dr. Rajeev Shandil, Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

Dr. Rajeev Shandil

Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

15 Years • MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine), DNB (Gastroenterology)

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

89%

(125+ Patients)

2000

200 Cashback

2000

No Booking Fees

Consult Top Hepatologist

Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, Hepatologist

Dr. Srinivasa Reddy

Hepatologist

12 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Hepatology),ASGE

Hyderabad

Myra Liver & Gastro Care, Hyderabad

750

No Booking Fees

Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)

Manikonda Jagir

Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir

recommendation

89%

(125+ Patients)

1000

150 Cashback

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Sushith C, General Physician

Dr. Sushith C

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

60 Cashback

Dr Amey Sonavane, Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

Dr Amey Sonavane

Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

11 Years • "MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine) DNB (Gastroenterology) "

Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai

recommendation

94%

(75+ Patients)

2300

150 Cashback

2300

No Booking Fees

Dr. Rajeev Shandil, Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

Dr. Rajeev Shandil

Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

15 Years • MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine), DNB (Gastroenterology)

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

89%

(125+ Patients)

2000

200 Cashback

2000

No Booking Fees

Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips

Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, Hepatologist

Dr. Srinivasa Reddy

Hepatologist

12 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Hepatology),ASGE

Hyderabad

Myra Liver & Gastro Care, Hyderabad

750

No Booking Fees

Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)

Manikonda Jagir

Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir

recommendation

89%

(125+ Patients)

1000

150 Cashback

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Sushith C, General Physician

Dr. Sushith C

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

60 Cashback

Dr Amey Sonavane, Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

Dr Amey Sonavane

Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

11 Years • "MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine) DNB (Gastroenterology) "

Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai

recommendation

94%

(75+ Patients)

2300

150 Cashback

2300

No Booking Fees

Dr. Rajeev Shandil, Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

Dr. Rajeev Shandil

Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

15 Years • MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine), DNB (Gastroenterology)

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

89%

(125+ Patients)

2000

200 Cashback

2000

No Booking Fees

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