How Long To Wait For A Liver Transplant?
Wondering how long you'll wait for a liver transplant? Learn what affects the waiting time, from MELD scores to donor type, and how to manage the wait effectively.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 20th Jul, 2025
Introduction
If you or a loved one has been advised to undergo a liver transplant, one of the most pressing questions on your mind is likely: How long will I have to wait? The waiting period for a liver transplant can be stressful, but understanding the factors that influence this timeline can help you prepare better.
Understanding Liver Transplants
A liver transplant is a life-saving procedure where a diseased or failing liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a donor. It is usually recommended for patients with end-stage liver disease, liver cancer, or acute liver failure when other treatments are no longer effective.
Types of Liver Transplants
Before discussing the waiting period, it helps to know the two main types of transplants.
1. Deceased Donor Transplant – The liver comes from a recently deceased donor.
2. Living Donor Transplant – A portion of a healthy liver is donated by a living person, usually a family member.
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Liver Health Advice
Factors Affecting the Waiting Time
The waiting period for a liver transplant varies widely based on several factors:
1. Severity of Liver Disease (MELD/PELD Score)
The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score determines how urgently a patient needs a transplant.
Higher MELD scores, ranging from 6 to 40, indicate more severe liver disease and a shorter waiting time.
For children, the Paediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) score is used.
2. Blood Type Compatibility
Your blood type must match the donor’s for a successful transplant.
Patients with blood type O often wait longer because they can only receive an O-type liver.
3. Body Size and Donor Availability
Larger patients may need a bigger liver, which can be harder to find.
Paediatric patients may also face challenges due to size matching.
4. Geographical Location
Liver allocation is based on regional waiting lists.
Some areas have longer waiting times due to higher demand and fewer donors.
5. Living Donor Option
If a family member or friend is willing to donate a portion of their liver, the waiting time can be significantly reduced.
Average Waiting Time for a Liver Transplant
While timing varies, here is a general overview:
Deceased Donor Transplant: The average wait time can range from a few months to over a year, depending on the MELD score.
Living Donor Transplant: If a suitable donor is available, the transplant can happen within weeks to a few months.
Patients with acute liver failure—sudden liver shutdown—are given the highest priority and may receive a liver within days.
How to Reduce Waiting Time?
While you cannot control all factors, here are some steps to help manage the waiting period:
1. Maintain Good Health
Follow your doctor’s advice strictly to keep your condition stable.
Avoid alcohol and medications that can harm your liver.
2. Explore Living Donor Options
If possible, discuss with family or friends who may be willing to donate.
3. Stay on Top of Medical Appointments
Regular check-ups ensure your MELD score is updated accurately.
4. Register at Multiple Transplant Centres (if possible)
Some patients opt to register at more than one centre to increase their chances.
What Happens While You Wait?
During the waiting period, your healthcare team will monitor your health and support your readiness for surgery.
Regular Monitoring: Your doctor will track your liver function and overall health.
Lifestyle Adjustments: A healthy diet, light exercise (if approved), and avoiding infections are crucial.
Mental Health Support: Waiting can be emotionally taxing—consider counselling or support groups.
When to Seek Immediate Help?
If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor immediately:
Severe abdominal pain
Confusion or extreme fatigue
Worsening jaundice
Uncontrolled bleeding
Final Thoughts
The waiting period for a liver transplant can be unpredictable, but staying informed and proactive can help ease the process. If you or a loved one is on the transplant list, Apollo 24|7 offers expert consultations to guide you through every step.
Book a consultation with a liver specialist today or schedule a health check-up to monitor your liver health.
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. Sushith C
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Rajeev Shandil
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine), DNB (Gastroenterology)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Aakash Garg
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS, DNB (Medicine), DrNB (Gastroentrology).
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
(125+ Patients)
Consult Top Hepatologists
Dr. Srinivasa Reddy
Hepatologist
12 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Hepatology),ASGE
Hyderabad
Myra Liver & Gastro Care, Hyderabad
Dr. Sushith C
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Rajeev Shandil
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine), DNB (Gastroenterology)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Aakash Garg
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS, DNB (Medicine), DrNB (Gastroentrology).
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
(125+ Patients)
