How Long Is Liver Transplant Surgery?
Wondering how long a liver transplant surgery takes? Learn about the typical duration, surgery steps, recovery timeline, and what to expect before and after the procedure.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 7th Jul, 2025
Introduction
If you or a loved one is preparing for a liver transplant, you may have many questions, especially about how long the surgery takes. A liver transplant is a major procedure, and understanding the timeline can help ease some of the anxiety surrounding it.
What Is a Liver Transplant?
A liver transplant is a surgical procedure where a diseased or damaged liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a donor. This life-saving surgery is usually recommended for patients with severe liver conditions such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, or acute liver failure.
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Liver Health Advice
How Long Does Liver Transplant Surgery Take?
The duration of a liver transplant surgery can vary depending on several factors, including:
The patient’s overall health
The complexity of the case
Whether the liver comes from a living or deceased donor
On average, a liver transplant surgery takes 6 to 12 hours. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
1. Pre-Surgery Preparation (1-2 hours)
Before the surgery begins, the medical team will prepare you by:
Administering anaesthesia to ensure you are asleep and pain-free.
Inserting necessary IV lines and monitoring devices.
2. The Transplant Surgery (6-10 hours)
The main procedure involves:
Removal of the diseased liver – The surgeon carefully removes the damaged liver.
Implantation of the new liver – The healthy donor liver is placed and connected to blood vessels and bile ducts.
Closing the incision – Once the new liver is functioning, the surgical team closes the incision.
3. Recovery in the ICU (1-3 days)
After surgery, you will be moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close monitoring. The medical team will check:
Liver function
Signs of rejection
Overall recovery progress
4. Hospital Stay (1-2 weeks)
Most patients stay in the hospital for 7 to 14 days before being discharged, depending on their recovery speed.
Factors That Affect Surgery Duration
Several variables can influence how long a liver transplant surgery takes:
Living vs. Deceased Donor Transplant – A living donor transplant—where a portion of a healthy person’s liver is used—may take slightly less time than a deceased donor transplant.
Patient’s Condition – If there are complications like excessive bleeding or previous surgeries, the procedure may take longer.
Surgeon’s Experience – Highly experienced transplant teams may complete the surgery more efficiently.
What Happens After the Surgery?
Recovery after a liver transplant is a gradual process:
First Few Weeks: You will need frequent check-ups to monitor liver function.
Medications: Lifelong immunosuppressants are required to prevent organ rejection.
Lifestyle Adjustments: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol are crucial for long-term success.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
To support your healing and reduce the risk of complications, follow these essential post-surgery care tips:
Follow your doctor’s medication schedule strictly.
Eat a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Avoid infections by maintaining good hygiene.
Attend all follow-up appointments.
When to Seek Help?
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
High fever or chills
Severe pain or swelling
Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
If you or a loved one needs guidance on liver transplants, Apollo 24|7 offers expert consultations and support. You can book an appointment with a specialist or schedule tests through our easy online platform.
Final Thoughts
A liver transplant is a complex but life-saving procedure. While the surgery itself may take several hours, the recovery process requires patience and care. With the right medical team and lifestyle adjustments, many patients go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives after a transplant.
Would you like to speak to a liver specialist? Book a consultation today on Apollo 24|7!
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. Pukhraj Singh Jeji
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
13 Years • MBBS, MD ( Internal Medicine ), DM ( Gastroenterology ), Consultant - Gastroenterology
Bhubaneswar
Apollo Hospitals Old Sainik School Road, Bhubaneswar
Dr U V U Vamsidhar Reddy
Hepatologist
10 Years • MBBS, MD (JIPMER), DM (Hepatology, PGIMER)
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. Pukhraj Singh Jeji
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
13 Years • MBBS, MD ( Internal Medicine ), DM ( Gastroenterology ), Consultant - Gastroenterology
Bhubaneswar
Apollo Hospitals Old Sainik School Road, Bhubaneswar
Dr U V U Vamsidhar Reddy
Hepatologist
10 Years • MBBS, MD (JIPMER), DM (Hepatology, PGIMER)
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
(100+ Patients)
