Our goal is to make adult and pediatric liver transplant accessible to all patients suffering from end-stage liver failure and liver cancer. Under the expertise of Dr. Ilango Sethu, we provide comprehensive liver transplant services to ensure that everyone has the opportunity for a new lease on life.
At Royal Care Superspecialty Hospital, we provide comprehensive and compassionate liver transplant services, featuring a highly experienced team specializing in both adult and pediatric liver transplant procedures. Our expertise includes advanced techniques adopted from global centers of excellence in the USA and Japan.
We are dedicated to delivering safe, timely, and effective transplant care for patients facing end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, and specific metabolic and oncological conditions. Our program prioritizes patient-centric pathways, transparent listing protocols, and multidisciplinary decision-making.
Why Choose Us?
Experienced Surgical Leadership: Our program is led by Dr. Ilango Sethu, MCh (GI & HPB Surgery), who has received specialized training from UPMC, USA, and completed a pediatric transplant fellowship at NCCHD, Tokyo.
Full-Spectrum Transplant Services: We offer a range of options, including adult and pediatric liver transplants, deceased donor liver transplants (DDLT), and living donor liver transplants (LDLT).
24x7 Liver Emergency Response: We ensure rapid triage and escalation for critical events such as acute liver failure, variceal bleed, and encephalopathy.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Our facility includes a dedicated transplant ICU, negative pressure operating theaters, advanced imaging, and interventional radiology.
Ethical and Transparent Evaluation: We adhere to clear listing criteria, conduct comprehensive recipient and donor workups, and follow TRANSTAN and national protocols.
Post-Transplant Continuity: Our commitment extends beyond the procedure, offering long-term follow-up, immunosuppression optimization, and lifestyle support for all recipients.
Transplant Evaluation & Listing:
We offer a structured same-day assessment and expedited listing for super-urgent indications, ensuring access to adult and pediatric liver transplant services when needed.
Living Donor Transplant Program: Our program includes safe donor evaluation, advanced laparoscopic donor hepatectomy, and family counseling led by Dr. Ilango Sethu.
Deceased Donor Transplantation: We prioritize allocation based on MELD/PELD scores, with exception criteria for conditions such as HCC, HPS, and UCDs.
Pediatric Transplants: Our specialized protocols address biliary atresia, metabolic liver disease, and acute liver failure in children.
Liver Support & Bridging Therapies: We provide CVVHDF, TIPS, paracentesis clinics, and early identification of transplant candidacy to support patients effectively.
Dr. Ilango Sethu
MCh (GI & HPB Surgery), Fellow American College of Surgeons
ASTS Multiorgan Transplant fellowship at UPMC, Pittsburgh
Pediatric liver transplant fellowship at NCCHD, Tokyo, Japan
Head, Liver Transplant & GI Surgery, Royal Care Superspecialty Hospital
Dr. Ilango Sethu is a distinguished surgeon specializing in adult and pediatric liver transplant and gastrointestinal surgery, boasting over two decades of experience in complex HPB surgery and liver transplantation. His expertise encompasses both adult and pediatric liver transplantation, underscoring his deep commitment to evidence-based and ethical surgical care.
He completed his MCh in GI and HPB Surgery from Madras Medical College, followed by advanced fellowship training in pediatric liver transplantation at NCCHD, Tokyo, Japan, and transplant fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), USA. Dr. Ilango Sethu is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Clinical Leadership and Vision
Currently, Dr. Ilango heads the Liver Transplant and Abdominal multi-organ program at Royal Care Superspecialty Hospital, where he leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to achieving the highest standards in liver transplant services and outcomes. He has previously led transplant programs at leading hospitals across Chennai, Bangalore, and Vellore.
His vision is to establish a center of excellence in liver care in Coimbatore, focusing on timely referral, early transplant listing, and long-term survivorship.
Areas of Expertise
- Adult and pediatric liver transplantation (DDLT & LDLT)
- Surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and liver metastases
- Biliary reconstruction and post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries
- Minimally invasive and robotic GI surgery
- Management of acute liver failure and metabolic liver diseases in children
Academic Contributions
Dr. Ilango is a dedicated academic, actively involved in postgraduate training and algorithm-based clinical education. He has contributed to State transplant guidelines, especially in defining listing criteria for complex metabolic and pediatric indications. Additionally, he mentors young surgeons in surgical decision-making, scoring systems, and transplant readiness.
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Ilango believes that every liver transplant must be timely, safe, and justifiable. He emphasizes transparent communication with patients and families, structured evaluation pathways, and patient-specific planning. His approach blends surgical precision with compassionate care, ensuring that each patient receives the best possible outcome.