The history of liver transplantation in India is a remarkable story of perseverance, dedication, and medical advancement. From ancient surgical techniques to modern transplant procedures, the journey has been challenging and full of obstacles. The first successful Deceased Donor Liver Transplant (DDLT) in India was performed in 1998. Over the past three decades, India has seen a steady increase in the number of deceased donor liver transplants. In the field of multi-organ transplant surgery, where precision meets courage, Dr Shailendra Lalwani is recognized as a leading expert, with extensive experience in liver surgeries.

The Remarkable Venturing
Dr Shailendra Lalwani commenced his medical career efficiently following the completion of his MBBS at SMS Medical College in Jaipur in 2001. He pursued a Master of Surgery (MS) in General Surgery at JLN Medical College, Ajmer. In addition, he obtained a Diplomate in Surgical Gastroenterology from the National Board of Examinations in Super Specialty. He also holds fellowships in laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

A significant turning point in his professional journey occurred when he participated as a short-term trainee in deceased donor liver transplantation at King’s College Hospital in London. He is currently the Director and Head of the Department at the Institute of Liver and HPB Surgery of Shalby Sanar International Hospitals. With a robust academic background and extensive expertise, Dr Shailendra Lalwani is committed to delivering exceptional patient care and contributing to advancements in the field of healthcare.

Dr Shailendra Lalwani has a passion for surgery right from the early stages of his medical education. He says, “My desire to become a doctor was inspired by my brothers, who served as role models during my childhood. I was particularly drawn to liver transplant surgery because of its transformative impact on patients with end-stage liver disease. The blend of surgical skill and medical knowledge fascinated me, as successful transplants can offer patients not just a longer life but also a healthier, more productive future”.

Dr Shailendra Lalwani possesses extensive proficiency in a diverse array of medical procedures. He has successfully conducted more than 2000 liver transplants and around 15000 complex and HPB Surgeries, supported by a highly skilled team that

includes surgeons, anesthetists, physiotherapists, dieticians, experienced nurses, coordinators and various staff members. This team acts as an extension of his strategic vision and objectives, with each member excelling in their designated roles. Coordinators and technicians, for instance, are adept at preparing patients for procedures such as liver transplant and other surgeries.

Post-operative care is conducted collaboratively, featuring a dedicated liver transplant intensive care unit and a multidisciplinary team. Dr Shailendra Lalwani underscores the critical importance of teamwork, diligent follow-ups, and the early detection of complications in achieving successful patient outcomes.

In discussing technological advancements, Dr Shailendra Lalwani remarks, “Concerning the integration of artificial intelligence and technology within the liver transplant field, its application in the surgical arena remains unproven. Nonetheless, there are significant benefits in the diagnostic sphere, enhancing the accuracy of patient diagnoses. Additionally, advancements in surgical techniques, particularly laparoscopic and robotic surgery, are gaining prominence. It is anticipated that by the next year, robotic surgery may become an established standard in surgical treatment”.

The Approach to Challenges & Noteworthy Milestones
Counseling families about liver transplants is undoubtedly a challenging process. A patient requires one living donor from their family, and while the success rate for the surgery is approximately 95 percent and the cost of transplantation can be prohibitively high, making it unaffordable for many. Dr Shailendra Lalwani feels a strong responsibility to ensure that patients do not incur excessive expenses through repeated medical checkups. In addition to providing financial assistance, he aims to treat up to 70 percent of those patients who are suffering from liver disease but who does not need a liver transplant with alternative medications instead of resorting to transplantation.

Dr Shailendra’s ethos centers on delivering the best possible care to all patients, regardless of their financial circumstances, and promoting a culture of philanthropy and inclusivity in healthcare. Throughout his career, he has performed numerous challenging surgeries worldwide, achieving several notable milestones. One significant accomplishment was the surgery of an eight-month-old child with an absent portal vein, which was only the second such surgery documented globally. He has also conducted seven successful transplants in Sudan, marking the first transplants in both Sudan and the entire region of East Africa. He got awards from the governments of Iraq and Sudan for his exceptional work for the people of those countries. He conducted the first liver transplant of any international patient and the first simultaneous liver and kidney transplant of Rajasthan state of India. Additionally, Dr Shailendra has achieved many other remarkable feats during his career.

Future Roadmap
In conclusion, Dr. Shailendra Lalwani’s journey exemplifies a profound commitment to excellence and has significantly influenced the field of liver transplantation. His integration of surgical expertise, medical knowledge, and ethical practice establishes a high standard for aspiring professionals and contributes to the continuous advancement of this life-saving discipline.

Looking ahead, Dr Shailendra Lalwani envisions the expansion of his services to regions across the globe that lack adequate transplant facilities, with a particular focus on India. His objective is to deliver affordable healthcare without compromising quality, leveraging advanced technologies. Through his clinic, he offers competitive packages at accessible prices, demonstrating his dedication to making healthcare more economically viable for a broader population.

Advising future liver transplant specialists, he states, “This field demands a significant level of dedication. One must be prepared to sacrifice various aspects of life, including personal interests, hobbies, and at times, private life. Therefore, it is essential to be dedicated and to work diligently to advance and fortify the field of liver care”.