How Long Liver Transplant Patients Live?
Curious about life expectancy after a liver transplant? Learn about survival rates, key factors that influence longevity, and expert tips to stay healthy post-transplant.
Written by Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
Reviewed by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam MD (Physician)
Last updated on 22nd Jul, 2025
Introduction
A liver transplant is a life-saving procedure for people with severe liver disease or failure. If you or a loved one is considering or has undergone a liver transplant, you may wonder about life expectancy afterward. The good news is that liver transplants have high success rates, and many patients go on to live long, healthy lives.
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Liver Health Advice
Life Expectancy After a Liver Transplant
The survival rate after a liver transplant has improved significantly over the years due to advancements in surgical techniques, better post-transplant care, and effective anti-rejection medications. Here’s a general outlook:
- Short-term survival (1 year): Around 90% of patients survive the first year after a liver transplant.
- Long-term survival (5 years and beyond): About 70-80% of patients live for at least five years, and many live for 20 years or more with proper care.
Factors Affecting Life Expectancy
Several factors influence how long a liver transplant patient lives, including:
1. Underlying Health Condition
Patients with conditions like cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C, or liver cancer may have different survival rates.
Those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or autoimmune liver diseases often have better long-term outcomes.
2. Age and Overall Health
Younger patients, under the age of 60, generally recover better and have higher survival rates.
Patients with other health issues—heart disease, diabetes, or kidney problems—may face additional challenges.
3. Donor Liver Quality
A healthy, well-matched liver from a living or deceased donor improves success rates.
Living donor transplants—from a family member or close match—often have excellent outcomes.
4. Post-Transplant Care & Medication Adherence
Taking immunosuppressants (anti-rejection drugs) as prescribed is crucial.
Regular follow-ups with doctors help detect complications early.
How to Improve Longevity After a Liver Transplant?
To maximise life expectancy and quality of life after a liver transplant, patients should follow these guidelines:
1. Take Medications Faithfully
Immunosuppressants prevent the body from rejecting the new liver. Missing doses can lead to organ failure.
Always follow the doctor’s prescription and report any side effects.
2. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Eat a balanced diet—low in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats—to support liver health.
Exercise regularly—walking, yoga, or light workouts—to stay fit and reduce complications.
Avoid alcohol and smoking, as they can damage the liver.
3. Regular Medical Check-ups
Routine blood tests, liver function tests, and imaging scans help monitor liver health.
Watch for signs of infection, jaundice, or unusual fatigue and report them immediately.
4. Manage Other Health Conditions
Control diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol with medications and lifestyle changes.
Stay up-to-date with vaccinations—flu, hepatitis, etc.—to prevent infections.
When to Seek Medical Help?
After a liver transplant, contact your doctor if you experience:
- Fever, chills, or signs of infection
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Severe fatigue or weakness
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss or nausea
- Early intervention can prevent complications and improve long-term survival.
Final Thoughts
A liver transplant can give patients a new lease on life. With proper medical care, a healthy lifestyle, and strict adherence to medications, many transplant recipients live for decades. If you or a loved one needs guidance on liver health, consult a specialist at Apollo 24|7 for expert advice and personalised care.
Need help? You can book a consultation or schedule a liver function test through Apollo 24|7 for expert guidance. Stay healthy and take care of your liver—it’s vital for a long, fulfilling life!
Consult Top Hepatologists
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Liver Health Advice
Dr. Srinivasa Reddy
Hepatologist
12 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Hepatology),ASGE
Hyderabad
Myra Liver & Gastro Care, Hyderabad
Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Sushith C
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Aakash Garg
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS, DNB (Medicine), DrNB (Gastroentrology).
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Aswin S. Krishna
Hepatologist
10 Years • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine,MMC), DM (Hepatology, MMC), PDF(Fellowship in Liver Transplanatation)
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
(100+ Patients)
Consult Top Hepatologists
Dr. Srinivasa Reddy
Hepatologist
12 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Hepatology),ASGE
Hyderabad
Myra Liver & Gastro Care, Hyderabad
Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Sushith C
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Aakash Garg
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS, DNB (Medicine), DrNB (Gastroentrology).
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Aswin S. Krishna
Hepatologist
10 Years • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine,MMC), DM (Hepatology, MMC), PDF(Fellowship in Liver Transplanatation)
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
(100+ Patients)
