For patients battling End-Stage Liver Disease without a living donor, DDLT is not just a procedure—it is a journey of hope. From the complexities of the ZCCK Waitlist to the miracle of "The Call," Dr. Srinivas Bojanapu's team walks this path with you, every step of the way.
A Deceased Donor Liver Transplant (DDLT) involves replacing a failing liver with a healthy whole liver from a donor who has been declared brain dead. This is often the only option for patients who do not have a suitable family member to donate.
The Reality of Supply & Demand: In India, the demand for organs far exceeds supply. This means patients must be placed on a strict government-regulated waiting list. Your position on this list is not just about "time waited"—it is about "medical urgency."
Many patients ask, "When will I get a liver?" The answer lies in how government bodies like Jeevasarthakathe (ZCCK) in Karnataka and TRANSTAN in Tamil Nadu allocate organs. Dr. Srinivas ensures you are optimally listed.
Priority is determined by the MELD-Na Score (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease). It uses your Bilirubin, INR, Creatinine, and Sodium levels.
Team Protocol: We check your bloodwork weekly. If your MELD spikes, we update the registry immediately to move you up the list.
Organs are shared rotationally among licensed hospitals to ensure fairness. However, "Super Urgent" listings (like Acute Liver Failure) skip the queue entirely.
Dual Listing Strategy: Since Dr. Srinivas operates in both Bangalore and Tamil Nadu borders (Hosur), eligible patients can be listed in both ZCCK and TRANSTAN registries, effectively doubling the chance of finding a match.
Waiting is not passive. Patients with liver failure often suffer from Sarcopenia (severe muscle wasting) and frailty. If you become too weak, you might not survive the surgery even if an organ arrives. Our team manages you aggressively during the wait:
Cirrhosis is a catabolic state (body eats its own muscle). We prescribe specific protein supplements that don't worsen ammonia.
Simple daily physiotherapy to keep core strength and lung capacity high (Incentive Spirometry).
Prophylactic antibiotics to prevent SBP (Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis) which can delist you.
The call often comes at night. It is a moment of panic and joy. Here is the strict protocol Dr. Srinivas's team follows:
While you sleep, three teams work in harmony. The surgery is technically demanding and involves three crucial phases.
Fig: The complex vascular connections required during implantation.
Transparency reduces fear. Here is what the immediate aftermath looks like:
You will wake up with a breathing tube. It prevents exhaustion. We usually remove it ("extubate") within 12-24 hours. You will be able to talk soon after.
Due to medications and lack of sleep, some patients feel confused or hallucinate. This is temporary and normal. Family visits help ground you.
Form 11 & Approvals: DDLT requires government approval. Our transplant coordinator handles the paperwork (Form 11), ensuring compliance with the Human Organ Transplant Act (THOA).
Cost & Insurance: Liver transplant is a major expense. We provide detailed counseling on insurance coverage (CGHS, ECHS, Private Insurance) and assist with crowdfunding documentation if required.
