Mumbai docs performs 2nd living donor transplant on man 19 yrs after his first 

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Doctors in Mumbai have successfully performed a second liver transplant on 30-year-old Jitin Shirke, nearly 19 years after his first transplant in December 2007. 

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosed with autoimmune cirrhosis as a child, Jitin received his first liver transplant at the age of 11 was successfully performed by Dr S K Mathur, who was then Senior Liver Transplant Surgeon at another hospital in Mumbai, with his father donating left half of his liver. After building a career and returning to everyday life, he faced another life-threatening liver complication starting in mid-February 2026, in the form of refractory chronic rejection of his previously transplanted liver requiring a second transplant. The procedure was performed on July 5, with his mother donating right half of her liver. Jitin is now recovering well and has returned to work.

In February 2026, routine blood tests revealed a sharp deterioration in Jitin’s liver function. Despite investigations and medical treatment, his condition continued to worsen. He sought a second opinion from Dr Aabha Nagral, director gastroenterology, chief hepatologist and liver transplant physician, at Jaslok Hospital, who had been part of his care team following his first transplant. After reviewing his medical history and exploring treatment options, the team evaluated him for a second transplant. In late June, Jitin developed critically elevated ammonia levels and a severe alteration in consciousness, requiring emergency admission to the hospital’s ICU. With his liver function severely compromised, the team expedited the transplant. His mother was found suitable to donate a part of her liver, and the transplant was successfully performed on July 5.

Dr Aabha Nagral, director – Gastroenterology, chief hepatologist and liver transplant physician, said, “Jitin’s journey highlights the complexities of managing a transplanted liver over the long term. When his condition deteriorated despite medical treatment, a second transplant became necessary. His case reinforces the importance of lifelong medication, regular follow-ups and timely medical intervention after transplantation.”

Understanding liver transplant

Repeat liver transplantation is a complex procedure that requires careful recipient and donor evaluation, detailed surgical planning and intensive postoperative care. Jitin’s case also underscores the importance of lifelong immunosuppressant medication, regular monitoring and adherence to medical advice after transplantation. His recovery involved coordinated efforts from hospital’s transplant and surgical teams, supported by specialists in hepatology, anaesthesia, critical care, nursing and other clinical services.

Dr Amit Rastogi, consultant – Liver Transplant Surgery, at the hospital said, “A second liver transplant is technically and clinically challenging, particularly when the patient is critically ill. Jitin’s successful transplant reflects careful planning and close coordination across the transplant, surgical and critical-care teams. His mother’s decision to donate a part of her liver was central to making the procedure possible.”

Dr S. K. Mathur, President ZTCC, Mumbai said, “Jitin’s journey highlights how organ transplantation can transform and save lives. I had first transplanted him at the age of 11, when his father came forward to donate a part of his liver was going through a difficult financial phase. In 2007 very few hospitals were performing Living Donor Liver Transplant. While the availability of suitable live donors and timely access to transplantation are important, surgical expertise to perform retransplantation of liver and experienced hepatologist and intensivists are critical for the successful outcome in such cases. As president of ZTCC Mumbai, I would like to say that there is need for creating more awareness about organ donation after brain stem death so as to decrease the dependency on living donors.” 

Shirke shared, “I am deeply grateful to Dr Aabha Nagral, Dr S K Mathur, Dr Amit Rastogi and the entire team at Jaslok Hospital for their care, guidance and support throughout this difficult phase. Thank you to the transplant surgeons, critical-care specialists, nurses and everyone who worked tirelessly for my recovery.I am forever thankful to my parents who donated a part of their liver to save my life, and to my fiancee who never left my side. With my family’s support, I am truly grateful to be recovering and returning to work.”