NEW DELHI: A 30-year-old man has made a remarkable recovery after surviving both acute liver failure and a sudden cardiac arrest, thanks to a life-saving liver transplant performed at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj.
The patient, whose liver had collapsed due to viral hepatitis, was admitted in critical condition, displaying severe jaundice and extremely high liver enzyme levels. During diagnostic evaluations, his health deteriorated rapidly, prompting doctors to inform the family that an urgent liver transplant was his only chance at survival.
Initially, the man’s sister was considered as a donor, but pre-surgical scans revealed her liver was too small for a successful transplant. The family then suggested the patient’s brother-in-law—a second-degree relative—who turned out to be a better match. However, transplants involving second-degree relatives require special regulatory approvals, causing delays.
While awaiting clearance, the patient’s condition worsened dramatically, and he went into cardiac arrest.
“This was one of the most difficult cases we’ve handled,” said Dr. Ajitabh Srivastava, Director of HPB Surgery & Liver Transplant at Max Hospital. “The situation demanded rapid decisions, coordinated teamwork, and absolute precision. Acute liver failure progresses quickly, and when the cardiac arrest happened, we knew we had to act immediately.”
Doctors successfully resuscitated the patient through CPR and, given the urgency, decided to move forward with the transplant using the sister as the donor to avoid further delays. A complex nine-hour surgery was performed, and the transplant was a success.
The patient is now stable and recovering well.
