Liver transplantation is the definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease. Dr. Babu Elangovan has been part of 300+ live and deceased-donor liver transplants, guiding patients and donors through evaluation, surgery and lifelong follow-up.
Liver Transplant Surgery in Chennai: When the Liver Can No Longer Recover
A liver transplant replaces a liver that is failing — from cirrhosis or acute liver failure — with a healthy liver, either a portion from a living donor or a whole liver from a deceased donor. It is the definitive treatment when the liver can no longer do its work and other measures are no longer enough.
Dr. Babu Elangovan is a Surgical Gastroenterologist and Liver Transplant Surgeon with over two decades of experience, and has been part of 300+ live and deceased-donor liver transplants. He guides both recipients and living donors through evaluation, surgery and long-term follow-up.
Who May Need a Liver Transplant?
A transplant is considered when chronic liver disease has progressed to advanced cirrhosis with serious complications, or when sudden (acute) liver failure occurs. Common underlying causes include hepatitis-B and C, alcohol-related liver disease, fatty liver disease (NASH), and some metabolic and biliary conditions.
Not everyone with liver disease needs or is suitable for a transplant. A detailed evaluation assesses how advanced the disease is, your general health, and whether a transplant is the right and safe option for you.
Living-Donor and Deceased-Donor Liver Transplant
Living-donor liver transplant uses a portion of liver from a healthy, willing and compatible family donor. Both the donated portion and the donor’s remaining liver grow back to near-normal size over the following weeks.
Deceased-donor (cadaveric) transplant uses a liver donated after death, allocated through the organ-sharing system. The right approach depends on your condition, urgency and donor availability — this is discussed fully during evaluation.
Evaluation, Surgery and Recovery
Transplant evaluation involves blood tests, imaging, heart and lung checks, and assessment by the wider transplant team. For living donation, the donor undergoes their own thorough, independent assessment to ensure safety.
After surgery, recovery begins in intensive care and continues on the ward. Lifelong medication (immunosuppression) prevents rejection, and regular follow-up keeps the new liver healthy. The team supports you and your family throughout this journey.
Liver Transplant — watch & learn
GI & Liver Health Awareness
A general awareness video on gastrointestinal and liver health.
A liver transplant replaces a failing liver with a healthy one — a portion from a living donor or a whole liver from a deceased donor. It is the definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease and acute liver failure.
Who is a candidate for a liver transplant?
Transplant is considered for advanced cirrhosis with serious complications, certain liver cancers within criteria, or acute liver failure. A detailed evaluation determines whether transplant is the right and safe option for each patient.
What is living-donor liver transplant?
In a living-donor transplant, a healthy, compatible family member donates a portion of their liver. Both the donated portion and the donor’s remaining liver regenerate to near-normal size over the following weeks.
Is liver donation safe for the donor?
Living donors undergo a thorough, independent assessment to confirm they are healthy and suitable. Donor safety is the first priority, and the donor’s liver regenerates after surgery. The risks are discussed in detail before any decision.
How experienced is Dr. Babu in liver transplant surgery?
Dr. Babu Elangovan has over two decades of experience in GI and HPB surgery and has been part of 300+ live and deceased-donor liver transplants at leading Chennai centres. He is also a former Professor of Surgical Gastroenterology.
What happens after a liver transplant?
Recovery begins in intensive care and continues on the ward. Lifelong immunosuppression medication prevents rejection, and regular follow-up keeps the new liver healthy. The team supports patients and families throughout.
Where does Dr. Babu Elangovan consult in Chennai?
Dr. Babu Elangovan consults across Chennai, including Mira Health Care (Adyar), Kauvery Hospital (Alwarpet), Capstone Clinics (Nungambakkam), Kumaran Hospital (Kilpauk) and THANC Hospital (Kilpauk). See the Locations page for days and timings.
How do I book an appointment or a second opinion with Dr. Babu?
Use the Book Appointment button or message on WhatsApp. Share your reports and scans when you book so the consultation is focused. We also arrange remote second opinions for outstation patients before they travel to Chennai.
Liver Transplant in Chennai
Dr. Babu Elangovan is a liver transplant surgeon in Chennai who has been part of 300+ live and deceased-donor liver transplants. He consults across leading Chennai locations including Kauvery Hospital (Alwarpet) and Mira Health Care (Adyar), coordinating transplant evaluation and surgery within a dedicated multidisciplinary programme.
Concerned about liver transplant?
Request a consultation and choose your preferred hospital. Enquiries reach Dr. Babu’s team and you are directed to the most suitable consulting location.
