How To Get A Liver Transplant Faster?
Discover effective ways to get a liver transplant faster, including tips on early diagnosis, getting listed at multiple centres, living donor options, and optimising your health to improve eligibility and outcomes.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Introduction
A liver transplant is a life-saving procedure for individuals with severe liver disease or failure. However, the waiting period for a transplant can be long and stressful. If you or a loved one is in need of a liver transplant, you may wonder how to speed up the process. Here’s a simple, compassionate guide to help you understand the steps and strategies to get a liver transplant faster.
Understanding Liver Transplants
A liver transplant involves replacing a diseased liver with a healthy one from a deceased or living donor. It is usually recommended for patients with:
End-stage liver disease (cirrhosis)
Liver cancer (in certain cases)
Acute liver failure (sudden liver damage)
Genetic liver disorders (like Wilson’s disease)
Since the demand for donor livers is higher than the supply, waiting times can vary. However, certain steps can help expedite the process.
Steps to Get a Liver Transplant Faster
The process to get a liver transplant faster is as follows:
1. Get Evaluated Quickly
The first step is to undergo a thorough medical evaluation at a transplant centre. The sooner you complete this, the faster you can be placed on the waiting list. The evaluation includes:
Blood tests
Imaging scans (CT/MRI)
Heart and lung function tests
Psychological assessment
2. Choose the Right Transplant Center
Some transplant centres have shorter waiting times than others. Research hospitals with:
Higher transplant rates
Living donor programs
Multiple listing options (if allowed)
3. Register with Multiple Transplant Centers (If Possible)
In some countries, you can register at more than one transplant centre to increase your chances. Check local regulations before doing so.
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips
4. Consider a Living Donor Transplant
A living donor transplant (where a healthy person donates a portion of their liver) can significantly reduce waiting time. The liver regenerates in both the donor and recipient.
Who can donate: Family members, friends, or altruistic donors (after medical and psychological screening).
Benefits: Faster surgery, better outcomes, and no need to wait for a deceased donor.
5. Stay Medically Compliant
To remain eligible for a transplant, follow your doctor’s advice strictly:
Take prescribed medications
Avoid alcohol and tobacco
Attend all medical appointments
Maintain a stable weight
6. Improve Your MELD Score (For Deceased Donor Transplants)
The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score determines your priority on the waiting list. A higher score (indicating severe illness) means a higher chance of getting a liver faster.
Factors affecting MELD score:
Bilirubin levels
Creatinine levels (kidney function)
INR (blood clotting time)
How to improve your score: Follow treatment plans, manage complications (like infections), and stay healthy.
7. Be Ready for the Call
Once listed, you must be prepared to go for surgery immediately when a liver becomes available.
Keep your phone charged and nearby.
Arrange emergency transport to the hospital.
Have a hospital bag ready.
8. Explore International Options (If Feasible)
Some patients consider getting a transplant abroad where waiting times may be shorter. However, this involves legal, financial, and medical considerations.
Lifestyle and Diet Tips While Waiting
While waiting for a transplant, maintaining good health is crucial:
Eat a liver-friendly diet: Low salt, high protein, and avoid processed foods.
Stay active: Gentle exercises like walking help maintain strength.
Avoid alcohol and toxins: They worsen liver damage.
Manage complications: Treat infections, swelling, or bleeding promptly.
Conclusion
Waiting for a liver transplant can be challenging, but taking proactive steps can help speed up the process. Whether through a living donor, improving your MELD score, or choosing the right transplant centre, every effort counts. Stay positive, follow medical advice, and keep hope alive—your new liver could be just around the corner.
Consult Top Hepatologist
Consult Top Hepatologist
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. Akshatha Manjunath
General Surgeon
8 Years • MBBS, MS
Bangalore
Apollo Clinic Bellandur, Bangalore
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips
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. Akshatha Manjunath
General Surgeon
8 Years • MBBS, MS
Bangalore
Apollo Clinic Bellandur, Bangalore
