Introduction
A living donor liver transplant is a complex surgical procedure in which a portion of a healthy liver from a living donor is transplanted into a patient with advanced liver disease.
Because the liver has the unique ability to regenerate, both the donor’s remaining liver and the transplanted portion can grow and restore full function over time.
Living donor liver transplantation offers a life-saving option for patients who may not be able to wait for a deceased donor organ.
It allows for planned surgery, reduced waiting time, and timely intervention before liver disease becomes life-threatening.
Türkiye is a trusted destination for advanced liver transplantation, offering highly experienced transplant surgeons, modern facilities, and strict ethical and medical standards.
Averia Health supports international patients through an ethical, structured, and fully coordinated living donor liver transplant journey focused on safety, transparency, and long-term outcomes.
Why Choose Türkiye for Living Donor Liver Transplant
Türkiye is internationally recognized for high-quality liver transplant care because of:
- Highly experienced liver transplant surgeons
- Advanced hepatobiliary and transplant surgery units
- Strict donor safety and ethical evaluation protocols
- Multidisciplinary transplant teams
- Modern intensive care and postoperative monitoring
- Internationally accredited hospitals
- High standards of infection control and patient safety
Türkiye combines surgical excellence with comprehensive transplant medicine.
Why Choose Averia Health
Averia Health provides structured coordination for living donor liver transplantation:
- Pre-arrival review of recipient and donor medical records
- Coordination of compatibility and transplant evaluation
- Referral to experienced liver transplant centers
- Multidisciplinary coordination (hepatology, surgery, anesthesia, radiology, immunology)
- Clear explanation of the transplant process, risks, and expectations
- Professional interpreter services
- 24/7 patient and donor support during the stay
- Post-transplant follow-up and international care coordination
Our approach prioritizes ethical practice, donor safety, and patient-centered care.
Who Is a Candidate for Living Donor Liver Transplant
Living donor liver transplantation may be considered for patients with:
- End-stage liver disease
- Cirrhosis with complications
- Acute or chronic liver failure
- Selected liver tumors within transplant criteria
- Genetic or metabolic liver diseases
- Progressive liver disease despite medical treatment
Final eligibility is determined after comprehensive medical evaluation.
Living Liver Donors
Living liver donors are usually:
- Close relatives (parents, siblings, children)
- Spouses
- Other related or unrelated donors approved by ethical committees
All donors undergo extensive evaluation to ensure:
- Adequate liver volume and anatomy
- No long-term risk to donor health
- Fully informed, voluntary consent
- Psychological readiness and independent donor advocacy
Donor safety is the highest priority throughout the process.
Diagnostic Evaluation Before Transplant
Comprehensive evaluation includes:
Recipient Evaluation
- Liver function tests and disease staging
- Imaging studies of the liver and blood vessels
- Cardiac and pulmonary assessment
- Infection screening
- Nutritional and general health evaluation
Donor Evaluation
- Detailed liver imaging and volumetric analysis
- Liver function testing
- General medical and psychological assessment
- Independent ethical and donor advocacy review
This thorough process ensures safety and transplant success.
Liver Transplant Surgery Procedure
Donor Surgery
A portion of the donor’s liver is removed using advanced surgical techniques designed to preserve donor safety and liver function.
Recipient Surgery
The transplanted liver segment is implanted and connected to the recipient’s blood vessels and bile ducts.
Both procedures are performed by experienced transplant teams under specialized anesthesia and monitoring.
Treatment Journey in Türkiye
- Pre-Arrival Case Review
Recipient and donor medical records are reviewed in advance. - Comprehensive Transplant Evaluation
Medical, surgical, and ethical assessments are completed. - Transplant Planning
Surgical approach and timing are confirmed. - Living Donor Liver Transplant Surgery
Donor and recipient surgeries are performed safely. - Post-Operative Care & Monitoring
Intensive monitoring of liver function and recovery. - Follow-Up & Long-Term Care Coordination
Immunosuppressive therapy and ongoing monitoring are coordinated internationally.
Expected Results & Benefits
- Restoration of liver function
- Improved survival and quality of life
- Timely transplantation without prolonged waiting
- Planned surgery under optimal conditions
- Long-term disease control with appropriate follow-up
Outcomes depend on disease severity, donor compatibility, and adherence to long-term care.
Risks & Considerations
Liver transplantation is a major procedure and may involve:
Recipient Risks
- Surgical complications
- Rejection episodes
- Infection due to immunosuppression
- Biliary or vascular complications
- Need for lifelong medication
Donor Risks
- Surgical risks
- Temporary recovery period
- Rare long-term complications
- Need for ongoing health monitoring
All risks are carefully explained before proceeding.
What’s Included in Your Medical Trip
- Pre-transplant consultations and evaluations
- Living donor and recipient coordination
- Liver transplant surgery
- Anesthesia and hospital services
- Post-operative care and medications
- Interpreter services
- 24/7 patient and donor support
- International follow-up and transplant care coordination
Averia Health ensures ethical, precise, and patient-centered transplant care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is living donor liver transplant safe for the donor?
Yes. Donors are carefully selected and monitored to ensure long-term safety.
Can the liver regenerate after donation?
Yes. Both donor and recipient livers regenerate to functional size over time.
Will I need lifelong medication after transplant?
Yes. Immunosuppressive medication is required to prevent rejection.
Can international patients receive liver transplants in Türkiye?
Yes, in accordance with strict legal and ethical regulations.
Is long-term follow-up available after returning home?
Yes. International follow-up and coordination are provided.
Ready to Start Your Health Journey?
Restore liver function and quality of life with a living donor liver transplant in Türkiye.
Request a case review or contact us on WhatsApp to speak with our transplant coordination team.
