Delhi man revived after cardiac arrest, undergoes 9-hour liver transplant

A 30-year-old man suffering from acute liver failure underwent a successful liver transplant after being revived from a cardiac arrest while awaiting donor approval at a private hospital in Delhi.

The transplant was performed at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, according to the hospital.

Dr Ajitabh Srivastava, Director, HPB Surgery & Liver Transplant, said the patient had been admitted with viral hepatitis, which caused his condition to deteriorate rapidly. “He presented with deep yellowness in the eyes and elevated liver enzyme levels,” said Srivastava, adding that an urgent transplant was needed.

Initially, the patient’s sister was selected as the donor. However, pre-operative assessments revealed that her liver was undersized and not suitable for the transplant.

The family then proposed the patient’s brother-in-law as a donor. While his liver was found to be a better match, the fact that he was a second-degree relative meant additional regulatory approvals were required — a process that was more complex and time-consuming.

While awaiting the necessary approvals, the patient’s condition worsened, and he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. The hospital’s critical care team immediately initiated CPR and successfully revived him. He was then placed on ventilator support.

Given the critical nature of the situation, and in consultation with the family, the medical team decided to proceed with the transplant using the sister’s liver to save the patient’s life.

A complex nine-hour surgery was carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising hepatobiliary surgeons, anaesthesiologists and intensive care specialists.

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“This was one of the most challenging cases we have encountered. The patient’s survival depended on precise coordination, swift decision-making and the expertise of our multidisciplinary team. Acute liver failure progresses rapidly and every second counts. When the patient suffered sudden cardiac arrest, immediate resuscitation and timely surgical intervention were key,” said Srivastava.

He added that the transplant was successful and that the patient is currently stable and under observation.