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How Long Does Liver Transplant Surgery Take For Donor?

Curious about liver donation? Learn how long liver transplant surgery takes for a donor, what the procedure involves, and how recovery works after donating.

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Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt

Last updated on 20th Jul, 2025

Introduction

Liver transplant surgery is a life-saving procedure that can give a new lease of life to someone suffering from severe liver disease. If you or a loved one is considering becoming a living liver donor, you may have questions about the surgery, including how long it takes and what to expect. This article will guide you through the process in a simple and compassionate way.

Understanding Liver Transplant for Donors

A living liver donor transplant involves removing a portion of a healthy person’s liver to transplant into someone whose liver is failing. The liver is unique because it can regenerate—meaning both the donor’s and recipient’s livers will grow back to near-normal size within a few months.

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

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(125+ Patients)

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Dr. Pukhraj Singh Jeji, Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

Dr. Pukhraj Singh Jeji

Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

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Bhubaneswar

Apollo Hospitals Old Sainik School Road, Bhubaneswar

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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

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How Long Does the Surgery Take?

The liver donor surgery typically takes 6 to 8 hours, though the exact duration can vary based on factors like:

  • The portion of the liver being donated, usually the right or left lobe.

  • The donor’s anatomy and overall health.

  • The surgical team’s experience.

After surgery, donors usually stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days for recovery and monitoring.

What Happens During Liver Donor Surgery?

The liver donation process is structured in phases to ensure safety and success.

1. Before Surgery

  • Medical evaluations ensure you are healthy enough to donate.

  • Blood tests, imaging scans like CT or MRI, and psychological assessments are done.

2. During Surgery

  • You will be under general anaesthesia and remain fully unconscious.

  • The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to remove a portion of the liver, usually 40-60% of the organ.

  • The remaining liver is carefully closed, and the incision is stitched.

3. After Surgery

  • You’ll be monitored in the ICU for a day or two before moving to a regular room.

  • Pain management and early movement help in recovery.

  • Most donors can return to normal activities within 2 to 3 months, but full liver regeneration takes about 6 months.

Recovery Tips for Liver Donors

To ensure a smooth recovery, follow these tips:

  • Rest well: Avoid heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks.

  • Eat a balanced diet: Focus on proteins, vitamins, and fluids to help liver regeneration.

  • Follow-up visits: Regular check-ups ensure your liver is healing properly.

  • Avoid alcohol: Give your liver time to recover fully.

Risks and Considerations

While liver donation is generally safe, potential risks include:

  • Bleeding or infection.

  • Bile leakage, rare but possible.

  • Temporary fatigue or discomfort.

Most donors recover fully and lead normal, healthy lives afterward.

When to Seek Medical Help

Contact your doctor if you experience:

  • Severe pain or swelling.

  • Fever or signs of infection.

  • Yellowing of skin (jaundice).

Final Thoughts

Donating a part of your liver is a noble act that can save a life. The surgery takes 6-8 hours, with a recovery period of a few months. If you’re considering becoming a donor, consult a specialist to understand the process fully.

If you have more questions or wish to schedule a consultation, Apollo24|7 provides expert guidance and support for liver transplant evaluations. Book an appointment today to learn more!

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. Pukhraj Singh Jeji, Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

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

800

80 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

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No Booking Fees

Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Liver Health Advice

Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, Hepatologist

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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. Pukhraj Singh Jeji, Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

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

800

80 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

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. 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. Pukhraj Singh Jeji, Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist

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

800

80 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

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