Dr. Rela Institute and Medical , Chennai
About Hospital
Considering liver transplant in India? See why Dr. Rela Institute, led by record-holding surgeon Prof. Mohamed Rela, is a leading choice for international patients, plus process, accreditation, and FAQs.
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Liver Transplant at Dr. Rela Institute, Chennai: A Guide for International Patients
For patients with advanced liver disease, the search for the right hospital usually comes down to one question: who has actually done this procedure, at scale, with consistent outcomes? In Chennai, that search regularly leads to Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre — a hospital built specifically around the expertise of one of the most experienced liver transplant surgeons in the world.
Why This Hospital Stands Out for Liver Care
Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre was founded in 2018 by Professor Mohamed Rela, a liver transplant and hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgeon who has been practising for over four decades. He leads the Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, which has grown into one of the largest liver transplant programs in India. His professional record includes pioneering split liver transplantation — a technique where a single donor liver is divided to treat two recipients — and performing one of the youngest successful pediatric liver transplants recorded in India. In 2000, he was recognised in the Guinness Book of Records for a liver transplant performed on a five-day-old infant.
This matters for international patients because liver transplantation outcomes are closely tied to surgical volume and team experience. A hospital built around a high-volume, specialist-led transplant program is a fundamentally different proposition than a general multi-specialty hospital that also offers transplants.
Hospital Snapshot
Detail | Information
| Location | Chromepet, Chennai, India |
| Established | 2018 |
| Bed strength | 450 beds across 36 acres |
| Critical care capacity | 130 critical care beds |
| Operating rooms | 14 |
| Clinical departments | 55+ |
| Core specialty | Liver disease, multi-organ transplantation, critical care |
What the Institute Treats Beyond Liver Transplant
While liver transplantation is the Institute's defining specialty, it operates as a full multi-specialty hospital with departments spanning pediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, orthopaedics, and critical care, supported by advanced radiology and laboratory services on-site. This matters for patients travelling with family, since other health needs that arise during a long treatment stay can typically be managed within the same facility rather than requiring a transfer elsewhere.
What the Liver Transplant Journey Typically Involves
1. Initial case review — share existing diagnostic reports, imaging, and liver function test history for an expert review.
2. Treatment plan — the transplant team assesses candidacy, donor options (living or deceased donor, where applicable), and provides a personalised plan.
3. Pre-transplant workup — additional tests are usually required in person before surgery is scheduled.
4. Surgery and recovery — the transplant procedure itself, followed by an inpatient recovery period in critical care, then a step-down recovery phase.
5. Post-transplant monitoring — ongoing monitoring for rejection and infection risk, with a structured follow-up plan for continuing care once you return home.
[Note for editor: insert verified transplant volume, survival outcome data, and current donor-matching policies once confirmed directly by the hospital — do not publish estimated figures.]
Planning Travel as an International Patient
Liver transplant care typically requires a longer stay than many other procedures, both for pre-transplant evaluation and post-operative recovery and monitoring. When researching this treatment from abroad, the key things to confirm before booking travel are: whether a living donor needs to travel with you (and what that donor's own evaluation process involves), expected total length of stay, and what documentation is needed for a medical visa.
What Determines Treatment Cost
Liver transplant costs vary significantly based on factors including the type of transplant (living vs. deceased donor), pre-existing complications, length of ICU stay, and post-operative care needs. Because these vary substantially case to case, the most reliable step is requesting a personalised assessment and quote after sharing your medical records, rather than relying on a generic published figure.
[Note for editor: if the hospital provides a transparent starting price range, insert it here with the date last verified.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who performs liver transplants at Dr. Rela Institute?
The Institute was founded by Professor Mohamed Rela, a liver transplant and HPB surgeon with over four decades of surgical experience, who leads the hospital's transplant program alongside a dedicated specialist team.
Does the hospital perform pediatric liver transplants?
Yes. The hospital's team has experience with pediatric liver transplantation, including some of the youngest cases performed in India, though every case is evaluated individually for suitability.
Can a family member act as a living liver donor?
Living donor transplants are performed at the hospital, but donor eligibility depends on a separate medical evaluation. Discuss this directly with the transplant team during your initial consultation.
How long does the liver transplant process typically take from arrival to discharge?
This depends on pre-transplant workup time, donor availability (for living donor cases), and post-operative recovery, which the transplant team will outline in your personalised treatment plan.
Does the hospital treat conditions other than liver disease?
Yes. Alongside its liver and multi-organ transplant program, the hospital operates as a full multi-specialty centre with pediatrics, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and critical care departments.
What support is available for international patients during a long transplant-related stay?
International patients should confirm visa documentation requirements, accommodation options for accompanying family or donors, and language support directly with the hospital's international patient services team before travelling.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment suitability, costs, and outcomes vary by individual case and should be confirmed directly with the hospital's medical team.*
