Why Choose China for Liver Transplantation
Patients considering liver transplantation can look to China, a country recognized globally for its high standards. China offers a powerful combination of massive clinical experience, leading-edge surgical techniques, and a commitment to an ethical, regulated system that prioritizes both excellent patient outcomes and innovative research.
1. A Robust and Evolving Regulatory Foundation
China's transplant program is built on the National Organ Donation and Transplant System, centrally managed by COTRS, which ensures the transparent and ethical allocation of deceased donor organs. Supported by the strict "Regulation on Human Organ Transplantation," this government-led framework strictly prohibits trafficking and commercialism, standardizing ethical practices across leading hospitals.
Comprehensive Liver Transplant Process
Medical Evaluation
Comprehensive assessment including MELD score and liver function tests
Pre-Transplant Care
Optimization of medical condition and surgical preparation
Liver Transplant Surgery
Advanced hepatic surgery by specialized transplant teams
Post-Transplant Management
Intensive care and long-term immunosuppressive therapy
2. High Transplant Volume with International Outcomes
China performs the second-highest number of organ transplants worldwide each year. Driven by patient demand and rising expertise, the program has conducted tens of thousands of liver and kidney transplants to date, consistently achieving survival rates on par with global benchmarks.
Excellent Outcomes Matching Global Standards
Liver transplant survival rates achieved in China's leading facilities are on par with the highest clinical outcomes documented across the United States and Europe.
Technical Innovation and Pioneering Procedures
Chinese transplant centers are hubs for surgical and technological innovation, constantly expanding the possibilities of transplantation.
Advanced Donor Techniques:
Centers routinely perform complex procedures like the world-first 2:1 living-donor liver transplant (West China Hospital, 2021) and utilize robotic and totally laparoscopic donor hepatectomy to maximize donor safety. They also successfully manage complex cases via ABO-Incompatible transplants using advanced desensitization protocols.
Cutting-Edge Research & Technology:
China is heavily investing in translational research, including Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) infusion trials to reduce organ injury (CLTR-MSC register) and implementing Normothermic Machine Perfusion alongside universal DCD expansion within the national plan.
Pioneering Xenotransplantation:
China is at the forefront of future transplant solutions. Xijing Hospital achieved a global milestone in January 2025 by performing the world's first whole pig liver transplant into a brain-dead patient, utilizing CRISPR technology to enhance compatibility and address the critical donor shortage.
A Growing Living Donor Program:
Living Donor Liver Transplantation (LDLT) is a highly developed and sophisticated practice in China. Centers possess vast experience in complex LDLT, prioritizing donor safety through advanced minimally invasive techniques. LDLT is particularly crucial for pediatric patients, demonstrating excellent outcomes.
A Collaborative and Comprehensive Model:
Transplantation in China relies on a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) model. This integrated team, which includes hepatologists, surgeons, intensivists, immunologists, and coordinators, ensures seamless, patient-centered care extending from the initial evaluation through long-term immunosuppression management and follow-up.
Advanced Liver Transplant Techniques
Chinese liver transplant centers lead globally in surgical innovation and comprehensive patient management.
- Split-Liver Transplantation: Advanced techniques allowing one donor liver to benefit two recipients, maximizing organ utilization and reducing waiting times.
- Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Sophisticated procedures enabling living donors to provide liver segments, particularly beneficial for pediatric patients and urgent cases.
- ABO-Incompatible Transplants: Pioneering protocols for blood type incompatible transplants, expanding donor options for critically ill patients.
- Multi-Organ Transplantation: Complex simultaneous liver-kidney and liver-heart procedures performed by specialized multidisciplinary teams.
- Regenerative Medicine: Integration of stem cell therapy and tissue engineering to enhance liver regeneration and improve outcomes.
Leading Liver Transplant Specialists
Professor Li Lanjuan
Chief of Hepatology & Liver Transplantation
Professor Lu Caide
Director of Liver Surgery
Professor Zheng
Pediatric Liver Transplant Specialist
Dr. Hu
Hepatobiliary Surgery Expert
Premier Liver Transplant Hospitals
Uncover world-class hospitals equipped with cutting-edge technology and renowned experts, guaranteeing exceptional success for a healthier future.
Shulan Health Group
Leading liver transplant center with comprehensive hepatobiliary services and research programs
Wenzhou People's Hospital
Advanced hepatic surgery center with specialized liver transplant units and ICU facilities
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