If you are in need of a liver transplant, you should approach the best liver transplant surgeon in Chennai to receive the best possible care. Also, ensure to choose a location that is near to your home for the sake of convenience but it may not always be the optimal choice.
It can be challenging to determine which liver transplant specialist is best suited to your needs. Therefore, it is crucial to consider several critical factors when selecting a liver transplant surgeon that is right for you.
What is a Liver Transplant?
A liver transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or failing liver with a healthy one from a donor. It’s usually needed when the liver stops working properly due to conditions like cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver cancer. The process is complex and requires expert care, making it essential to choose the Best Liver Transplant Surgeon in Chennai. A skilled surgeon ensures not only successful transplantation but also smooth recovery, better long-term results, and quality of life post-surgery.
Best Liver Transplant Surgeons in Chennai
Finding the right surgeon can shape the entire liver transplant experience—from safety during surgery to a smooth and lasting recovery. Chennai stands out as a hub of highly skilled liver transplant doctors who offer world-class care with a human touch. Below are some of the leading liver transplant specialists in Chennai who have earned their reputation through consistent results and compassionate service.
Dr. Magnus Jayaraj Mansard
Dr. Magnus Jayaraj Mansard is a leading liver transplant surgeon in Chennai known for his calm, methodical approach and a strong focus on patient outcomes. His blend of surgical skill and compassionate care has made him a reliable name in complex liver transplant cases.
Experience
- Over 15 years of experience in hepatobiliary and liver transplant surgeries across leading hospitals in Chennai and South India.
Special Expertise
- Particularly known for handling high-risk transplants with co-existing conditions like diabetes or cardiac issues.
- Expertise in managing failed transplants and complex re-transplantation cases.
Patient-Centered Approach
- Communicates openly with patients and families, explaining procedures in simple terms.
- Implements evidence-based techniques that reduce complications and support smooth post-operative recovery.

Dr. Aswin Krishna
Dr. Aswin Krishna is recognized as a highly skilled and forward-thinking liver transplant specialist in Chennai. His ability to perform complex surgeries with precision makes him a go-to expert for both adults and children.
Experience
- Has more than 12 years of experience performing liver transplants in both living and deceased donor cases.
Special Expertise
- Known for using minimally invasive techniques, reducing surgical stress and promoting faster recovery.
- Works across multidisciplinary teams to deliver tailored treatment plans for each patient.
Patient-Centered Approach
- Highly rated for his post-surgery care instructions and regular follow-up routines.
- Guides patients through lifestyle changes post-transplant for long-term success.

Dr. Radhika Venugopal
Dr. Radhika Venugopal stands out for her dedication to pediatric liver care. She brings a compassionate and detailed approach to each child and family she works with, ensuring safe surgeries and emotional support throughout the process.
Experience
- Over 10 years of experience in liver transplantation, with a special focus on pediatric cases.
Special Expertise
- Manages rare liver conditions in children, including congenital liver defects and metabolic disorders.
- Performs liver transplants on infants and young children with high success rates.
Patient-Centered Approach
- Places emphasis on early detection and family counseling.
- Ensures smooth post-op recovery through personalized monitoring and care.

Dr. Karthik Natrajan
Dr. Karthik Natrajan is known for his sharp surgical acumen and systematic approach to complex liver conditions. He consistently delivers high success rates and transparent patient communication.
Experience
- Brings more than 14 years of surgical experience, specializing in both cadaveric and living donor transplants.
Special Expertise
- Handles advanced liver diseases like cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and portal hypertension.
- Leads surgical planning for re-transplants and high-BMI patients.
Patient-Centered Approach
- Provides detailed pre-surgery assessments to reduce intraoperative risks.
- Patient education on nutrition and lifestyle after transplant.

Prof. Dr. Mohammed Ali
Prof. Dr. Mohammed Ali is one of the most senior and respected liver transplant doctors in Chennai. Known for his leadership and academic excellence, he has trained many younger surgeons in the field.
Experience
- Over 25 years of experience in liver transplant surgery, with thousands of successful procedures performed.
Special Expertise
- Expert in complicated liver surgeries, including re-transplants and multi-organ transplants.
- Introduced several best practices still followed in Chennai’s top transplant centers.
Patient-Centered Approach
- Maintains a structured surgical process with a focus on long-term survival.
- Encourages research-driven treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.

Dr. Elankumaran Krishnan
Dr. Elankumaran Krishnan is a veteran transplant surgeon known for his dependable surgical outcomes and long-standing contribution to transplant medicine in South India.
Experience
- Over 20 years of experience in liver transplantation, covering adult, pediatric, and complex dual-lobe cases.
Special Expertise
- Skilled in re-transplants and managing transplant failures from previous centers.
- Offers dual-lobe and split-liver transplants for better donor-recipient matching.
Patient-Centered Approach
- Strong believer in team-based care involving hepatologists, nutritionists, and psychologists.
- Educates patients on long-term care including medication, diet, and emotional well-being.

Dr. Nivas Venkatachalapathi
Dr. Nivas Venkatachalapathi is known for combining strong clinical expertise with personalized care. He brings a thoughtful, detailed approach to transplant planning and execution, making him a trusted liver transplant surgeon in Chennai.
Experience
- Over 13 years of experience in liver transplant surgeries, including both adult and pediatric transplants.
Special Expertise
- Specializes in acute liver failure cases requiring emergency transplantation.
- Proficient in managing transplant cases with portal vein thrombosis and other vascular complications.
Patient-Centered Approach
- Ensures patients and families are mentally and physically prepared before surgery.
- Provides step-by-step follow-up care, including medication planning, nutrition, and emotional support.

Dr. Swati Raju
Dr. Swati Raju is among the few women liver transplant surgeons in Chennai making a mark with her precision, attention to detail, and empathetic patient care. She is especially known for her patient communication and pre-surgery counseling.
Experience
- Brings over 11 years of experience in liver surgery and transplantation, having trained under senior transplant experts.
Special Expertise
- Focuses on pre-transplant optimization, especially in patients with poor liver function or malnutrition.
- Skilled in working with female transplant recipients, addressing gender-specific post-op issues.
Patient-Centered Approach
- Offers extensive guidance before and after surgery to ensure both physical healing and emotional readiness.
- Encourages a family-inclusive care plan, especially in younger patients and working professionals.

Dr. Surendran. R
Dr. Surendran is one of the most experienced and respected names in liver transplant care in Chennai. His leadership in complex transplant programs and dedication to academic growth has made him a pillar in the transplant community.
Experience
- Over 28 years of experience in gastrointestinal and liver transplant surgery, heading major transplant units in Chennai.
Special Expertise
- Known for pioneering several advanced techniques in liver surgery including living donor liver transplants.
- Expert in managing long-term post-transplant care and treating rare liver disorders.
Patient-Centered Approach
- Advocates for structured preoperative education and realistic expectation setting.
- Invested in long-term patient monitoring and research-backed treatment upgrades.

Dr. M. Subramanian
Dr. M. Subramanian is widely recognized for his balanced approach to surgical precision and emotional support. His compassionate handling of patients during critical liver failure episodes has earned him great trust.
Experience
- Has over 16 years of experience in liver transplants and complex hepatobiliary surgeries.
Special Expertise
- Specializes in high-risk transplants, including patients with cardiovascular complications and chronic kidney disease.
- Uses innovative surgical planning and post-op rehab programs to reduce recovery time.
Patient-Centered Approach
- Known for his calm presence and clear, empathetic communication with families.
- Prioritizes long-term care with lifestyle counseling and early detection of complications.


Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Transplant
- The diagnosis for a liver transplant begins with comprehensive evaluation, including liver function tests, imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI, and sometimes liver biopsy. These assessments help determine the extent of liver damage and whether transplantation is the only viable treatment.
- Patients are also screened for overall health, including cardiac, pulmonary, and renal function, to ensure they can safely undergo surgery. Psychological and social evaluations are conducted to assess the patient’s support system and readiness for post-transplant care.
- Once deemed eligible, the patient is placed on a transplant waiting list, or evaluated for living donor options. The cost of liver transplant in chennai works closely with a multidisciplinary team to match recipients with the most suitable liver grafts.
- The treatment involves surgically replacing the diseased liver with a healthy donor liver, followed by intensive monitoring and long-term immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection and ensure successful recovery.
Types of Liver Transplant
- Deceased Donor Liver Transplant (DDLT) involves transplanting a liver from a donor who has been declared brain-dead but kept on life support. This is the most common type of transplant and is carefully matched based on compatibility factors by the Best Liver Transplant Surgeon in Chennai.
- Living Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT) allows a healthy individual, usually a relative, to donate a portion of their liver. The liver’s natural ability to regenerate enables both the donor’s and recipient’s livers to regrow to normal size within a few weeks.
- Split Liver Transplant is a technique where a deceased donor liver is divided and transplanted into two recipients, often an adult and a child. This complex procedure requires advanced surgical skill and is performed in select high-volume transplant centers in Chennai.
Each type of transplant is chosen based on medical urgency, donor availability, and the patient’s overall condition, ensuring optimal outcomes under expert surgical care.
Advantages of a Liver Transplant
- A liver transplant can be life-saving for patients with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure, significantly improving survival rates. Under the care of the Best Liver Transplant Surgeon in Chennai, patients receive expert evaluation and treatment tailored to their specific condition.
- Post-transplant, many patients experience a dramatic improvement in quality of life, including better energy levels, appetite, and overall well-being. This allows them to return to normal activities and regain independence.
- The procedure also halts the progression of complications caused by chronic liver disease, such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and variceal bleeding. With proper follow-up and medication, long-term outcomes are highly favorable.
In skilled hands, particularly those of experienced cost of liver transplant in chennai, liver transplants have excellent success rates, making it a reliable option for restoring health and extending life expectancy.

What is a GI Specialist?
Before diving into when to see a GI specialist, let’s first clarify what exactly a GI specialist is. A gastrointestinal specialist, often referred to as a gastroenterologist, is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the gastrointestinal tract. This includes the stomach, liver, gallbladder stones, oesophagus, small intestine, large intestine (colon), and pancreas.
Conclusion
Choosing the best liver transplant surgeon in Chennai involves considering a variety of factors as mentioned above. Take the time to research and ask questions to ensure that you select a surgeon who can provide the highest level of care and achieve the best possible outcome.
Read also the Best Liver Doctor in Chennai.