In a significant clinical milestone, leading liver transplant surgeon from MGM Healthcare, Chennai, ably supported by hepatologist from Lily Mission Hospital, Madurai has successfully performed a 13-hour living donor liver transplant, saving the life of a 48-year-old patient from Madurai, who had been suffering from advanced chronic liver failure, marked by severe jaundice, abdominal swelling, fatigue, bleeding from the food pipe, and progressive liver failure. He made a steady recovery and was discharged within 14 days of post-surgery.
The patient’s wife volunteered to donate a part of her liver. Living donor liver transplantation involves replacing the diseased liver with a lobe from a related donor-leveraging the liver’s unique ability to regenerate within weeks. In this case, advanced 3D imaging and virtual surgery planning were used to map the donor's anatomy. The team utilised intraoperative ultrasound, synthetic graft reconstruction, and precision tools to minimize blood loss and ensure surgical accuracy, while real-time heart monitoring safeguarded the patient throughout the procedure.
The procedure involved a 24-member team comprising of surgeons and anaesthetists, and additional support staff. The transplant was led by Dr. Thiagarajan S, Senior Consultant & Director, Institute of Liver Diseases, Transplant & HPB Surgery MGM Healthcare, supported by Dr. A.C Arun, Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Endoscopist, Lily Mission Hospital, Madurai.
Dr. Thiagarajan S commented, “Chronic viral infections like Hepatitis B and C, alcohol consumption, obesity, and fatty liver disease are major contributors to liver failure. With timely diagnosis and access to modern surgical techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic liver surgeries, we are now able to treat even complex cases successfully. Our liver transplant program in patients from Madurai region has seen a 100% success rate. The Tamil Nadu government completely covers liver transplant under chief minister health insurance scheme making it affordable for everyone”.
Dr. A.C. Arun, Leading Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Madurai noted, “With rising liver disease cases across South Tamil Nadu, the need for early diagnosis and accessible transplant services is greater than ever. Our collaboration with MGM Healthcare has enabled us to bring advanced liver care to patients right here in Madurai. This case stands as a testament to what timely intervention and multidisciplinary teamwork can achieve”.
The patient commented, “I had almost lost hope. When I met the team at the MGM hospital, I was able to understand everything clearly. At the most critical point, my wife stepped in and saved me. That moment changed my life forever. I’ve now returned to a normal, active life and it feels like a fresh beginning.”
The MGM liver transplant team, with over 3,500 liver transplants and 4,000 HPB surgeries to its credit, ensured steady management and rapid optimization of the patient’s condition. The team includes liver critical care specialists, anaesthesiologist’s, pediatric and adult hepatologists, and diagnostic and interventional radiologists, ensuring end-to-end care for every transplant case.