Liver Transplant Evaluation in Dhaka

The evaluation process determines whether a patient will benefit from liver transplantation and whether they can safely undergo the procedure. It includes a complete medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and specialist consultations.

Dr. Arefin's evaluation protocol assesses liver disease severity, comorbid conditions, nutritional status, psychosocial factors, and patient understanding of lifelong immunosuppression requirements.

For living donor transplants, both donor and recipient undergo simultaneous evaluation. Donor assessment includes blood group compatibility, liver volume measurement, vascular anatomy mapping, and fitness for major surgery. Recipient assessment focuses on MELD score, portal hypertension complications, and extrahepatic disease exclusion.

Dr. Arefin ensures that living donors are fully informed, medically suitable, and psychologically prepared — with no undue pressure to donate.

Comprehensive imaging includes triphasic CT or MRI of the liver, MRCP for biliary anatomy, Doppler ultrasound for vascular assessment, and echocardiography for cardiac clearance. Laboratory workup covers liver function tests, viral markers, coagulation profile, renal function, and tumour markers.

For patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, Dr. Arefin ensures tumours meet transplant criteria (Milan criteria) through careful imaging review and, when needed, multidisciplinary tumour board discussion.

Transplantation is indicated for irreversible liver failure from cirrhosis, acute liver failure, selected metabolic liver diseases, and early hepatocellular carcinoma. Common indications in Bangladesh include chronic hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Dr. Arefin evaluates each patient individually, considering not just medical suitability but also social support, financial capacity for lifelong medication, and geographic access for follow-up care.