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How Long Does A Liver Transplant Last In Adults?

Wondering how long a liver transplant lasts in adults? Learn about average survival rates, factors that influence longevity, and how to care for your transplanted liver for a healthy future.

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Written by Dr. Md Yusuf Shareef

Reviewed by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam MD (Physician)

Last updated on 21st Jul, 2025

Liver Transplant Last In Adults

Introduction

A liver transplant is a life-saving procedure for adults with severe liver disease or failure. If you or a loved one is considering or has undergone a liver transplant, you might wonder: How long does a transplanted liver last? The good news is that liver transplants have a high success rate, and many recipients live long, healthy lives with proper care.

How Long Does a Transplanted Liver Last?

On average, a liver transplant can last 15 to 20 years or longer, depending on various factors. According to medical studies:

  • 1-year survival rate: Around 90% of patients
  • 5-year survival rate: About 70-80%
  • 10-year survival rate: Approximately 60-70%

Some patients live with a transplanted liver for 30 years or more, especially if they follow medical advice and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Liver Health Advice

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. Kumaragurubaran. S, Hepatologist

Dr. Kumaragurubaran. S

Hepatologist

0 Years • MBBS.,MD.,FPIC.,DM.,

Tiruchirappalli

Apollo Speciality Hospitals Old Palpannai, Tiruchirappalli

recommendation

95%

(25+ Patients)

400

60 Cashback

400

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

Factors That Affect Liver Transplant Longevity

Several factors influence how long a transplanted liver functions well:

1. Underlying Health Condition

Patients with conditions like hepatitis C (now curable) or alcohol-related liver disease—if they abstain from alcohol—tend to do well.
Autoimmune diseases like primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) or primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) may affect long-term outcomes.

2. Age and Overall Health

  • Younger patients, under 60, generally have better outcomes.
  • Those with well-managed conditions like diabetes or heart disease recover better.

3. Surgical Success

A smooth surgery with minimal complications improves long-term success.

4. Medication Adherence

  • Immunosuppressants (anti-rejection drugs) must be taken lifelong to prevent organ rejection.
  • Missing doses can lead to rejection, reducing the liver’s lifespan.

5. Lifestyle Choices

  • Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and unhealthy diets helps the liver stay healthy.
  • Regular exercise and a balanced diet improve overall health.

6. Follow-Up Care

Regular check-ups with your transplant team help detect issues early.

How to Take Care of Your Transplanted Liver

To maximise the lifespan of your new liver, follow these tips:

1. Take Medications as Prescribed

  • Never skip or adjust doses without consulting your doctor.
  • Report any side effects like infections or high blood sugar immediately.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet

  • Eat lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Avoid processed foods, excessive salt, and sugar.
  • Stay hydrated.

3. Exercise Regularly

Light to moderate exercise, like walking or yoga, helps maintain weight and heart health.

4. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

  • Alcohol can damage the liver, even after a transplant.
  • Smoking increases infection risks.

5. Monitor for Signs of Rejection

Symptoms of liver rejection include:

  • Fatigue
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Dark urine or pale stools
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Report these to your doctor immediately.

When to Seek Medical Help

  • Contact your transplant team if you experience:
  • Fever or chills 
  • Sudden weight gain or swelling 
  • Persistent nausea/vomiting
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding

Can You Get a Second Liver Transplant?

Yes, a second liver transplant may be considered if the first transplant fails. However, these are more complex and carry increased risks. Eligibility depends on overall health, cause of failure, and donor availability.

Final Thoughts

A liver transplant can significantly extend and improve life for adults with liver failure. With proper care, many recipients enjoy decades of healthy living. The key is strict medication adherence, a healthy lifestyle, and regular medical follow-ups.

If you or a loved one needs expert advice on liver health, consider consulting a specialist. You can book a consultation or schedule a liver function test through Apollo 24|7 for personalised care.

Consult Top Hepatologists

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. Kumaragurubaran. S, Hepatologist

Dr. Kumaragurubaran. S

Hepatologist

0 Years • MBBS.,MD.,FPIC.,DM.,

Tiruchirappalli

Apollo Speciality Hospitals Old Palpannai, Tiruchirappalli

recommendation

95%

(25+ Patients)

400

60 Cashback

400

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 Liver Health Advice

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. Sushith C, General Physician

Dr. Sushith C

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

60 Cashback

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. Kumaragurubaran. S, Hepatologist

Dr. Kumaragurubaran. S

Hepatologist

0 Years • MBBS.,MD.,FPIC.,DM.,

Tiruchirappalli

Apollo Speciality Hospitals Old Palpannai, Tiruchirappalli

recommendation

95%

(25+ Patients)

400

60 Cashback

400

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 Hepatologists

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. Sushith C, General Physician

Dr. Sushith C

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

60 Cashback

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. Kumaragurubaran. S, Hepatologist

Dr. Kumaragurubaran. S

Hepatologist

0 Years • MBBS.,MD.,FPIC.,DM.,

Tiruchirappalli

Apollo Speciality Hospitals Old Palpannai, Tiruchirappalli

recommendation

95%

(25+ Patients)

400

60 Cashback

400

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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