About Dr. Dinesh Kumar Jothimani
Dr. Dinesh Jothimani is a highly eminent figure in the field of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation in India. With over 18 years of clinical experience, Dr. Jothimani spent a significant portion of his career in the United Kingdom, training for six years and earning his CCT in Hepatology and General Medicine, alongside the prestigious FRCP from Glasgow. As a leading hepatologist in India, his expertise encompasses the management of complex liver diseases, including Acute Liver Failure, Viral Hepatitis, and Autoimmune Liver Disease. He is particularly renowned for his proficiency in Liver Transplantation (both living and deceased donor) and the management of liver tumours. An accomplished academician, Dr. Jothimani has performed over 500 ERCP procedures and published extensively in international journals, contributing significantly to research on liver complications in COVID-19 and fatty liver disease.
Qualifications & Credentials
- MBBS: Madras Medical College & Government General Hospital, Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, India (2000)
- FRCP (Glasgow): The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow (2018)
- CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training): Hepatology, Gastroenterology & General Medicine, West Midlands Deanery, United Kingdom (2010)
- MRCP (UK): The Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom (2004)
- Hepatology Research Fellow: Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia (2008–2009)
- Honorary Hepatology Research Fellow: Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham (2007–2008)
- Registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) and Tamil Nadu Medical Council.
- Accredited Specialist in Hepatology and Gastroenterology (UK).
Areas of Expertise
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
- Hepatoblastoma
- Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Tumours)
- Liver Metastasis
- Benign Liver Tumours (Hemangioma, Adenoma)
- Liver Transplantation (Living & Cadaveric)
- Acute and Chronic Liver Failure
- Viral Hepatitis (B & C)
- Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) & Fatty Liver
- Autoimmune Hepatitis
- Critical Care Hepatology
- Pre- and Post-Liver Transplant Management
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
- Endoscopic Management of Variceal Bleeding (Banding, Glue Therapy)
- Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) management
- Liver Biopsy (Percutaneous & Transjugular)
- Fibroscan & Advanced Non-invasive Fibrosis Assessment
- Complex Therapeutic Endoscopy
List of Disease and Treatment for which Dr. Dinesh Kumar Jothimani can be consulted
Professional Experience
Current & Past Hospital Affiliations
Current Affiliation:
- Director – Hepatology, Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre (RIMC), Chennai (Since Sep 2018)
Past Affiliations:
- Consultant – Liver Transplant Physician, Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, Global Hospitals, Chennai (2012 – 2018)
- Consultant – Hepatologist (Locum), University Hospitals of Coventry & Warwickshire, UK (2010 – 2011)
- Specialist Registrar – Hepatology, South West Liver Unit, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK (2009 – 2010)
- Hepatology Research Fellow, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia (2008 – 2009)
- Specialist Registrar – Hepatology, Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham (2004 – 2005)
Academic & Research Roles
- Prolific academician with significant contributions to medical literature regarding liver regeneration, viral hepatitis, and transplant outcomes.
- Principal Co-investigator for the TMC-435 Study (Protease Inhibitor Triple Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C) at Derriford Hospital, UK.
- Conducted extensive audits on ERCP practice and the efficacy of immunosuppression in autoimmune hepatitis.
Key Achievements & Contributions
- Instrumental in establishing world-class liver care protocols at Dr. Rela Institute.
- Performed over 500 ERCPs and manages high-volume transplant lists.
- Authored key guidelines on Acute Liver Failure and the management of liver injury in poisoning cases.
- Recognised for research on the impact of COVID-19 on liver transplant recipients.
Awards & Recognitions
National & International Awards
- FRCP: Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow (2018)
- CCT: Certificate of Completion of Training in Hepatology and Gastroenterology, UK (2010)
- Extensive citations (1,800+) for published research in high-impact journals.
Recognitions & Honors
- Recognised as a top Hepatologist in India for his work in liver regeneration and autoimmune hepatitis.
- Invited speaker at international forums including ILTS (International Liver Transplantation Society) and APASL (Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver).
Research & Publications
Dr. Dinesh Jothimani has over 145 publications and 18,000+ reads on research platforms. Below are selected key publications:
Published Papers in Medical Journals
- COVID-19 and Liver, Journal of Hepatology (2020)
- INASL Consensus Statement on Acute Liver Failure (Part-2): Management of Acute Liver Failure, Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology (2020)
- Expanding transplant criteria for HCC beyond Milan is associated with high risk of early systemic tumor recurrence, Conference Paper (2019)
- Management of post liver transplantation recurrent hepatitis C infection with directly acting antiviral drugs: a review, Hepatology International (2016)
- Predicting Fatty Liver Disease in Healthy Potential Liver Donors, Conference Paper (2016)
- Macrophage secretory products induce an inflammatory phenotype in hepatocytes, World Journal of Gastroenterology (2012)
- Non-invasive assessment of fibrosis in liver grafts due to hepatitis C virus recurrence, Clinical Transplantation (2011)
Books & Chapters Authored
- Chapter: Liver in Systemic Disease, Elsevier Textbook (2022)
- Chapter: Hepatitis Non-A–E Viruses, INEDSYS Hepatology: A Comprehensive Textbook (2022)
- Chapter: Genetics of NASH, Role of Genetics in the Epidemiology and Pathogenesis of NAFLD (2020)
- Chapter: Liver Regeneration and Pathophysiology of Post-hepatectomy Liver Failure, Elsevier Liver Transplantation (2015)
Ongoing Clinical Trials Participation
- NASH and Liver Transplantation studies.
- Cardiovascular Disease effects in NASH Transplant Patients.
- Research into efficacy of Terlipressin in Variceal Bleeds.
Patient Success Stories & Testimonials
Notable Cases Handled
- Successfully managed a complex case of acute liver failure in a young patient due to drug-induced toxicity, avoiding transplantation through intensive medical management.
- Coordinated the pre-and post-operative care for a high-risk hepatocellular carcinoma patient requiring a living donor liver transplant, resulting in disease-free survival.
- Treated numerous international patients for advanced cirrhosis and Hepatitis C utilizing the latest Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) protocols.
Patient Testimonials & Feedback
- Life-Saving Management of Acute Liver Failure
Patients presenting with acute liver failure often face a critical window where survival is uncertain. Dr. Jothimani has successfully managed numerous high-stakes cases of drug-induced and toxin-mediated liver failure in the ICU setting. Families frequently express deep gratitude for his "decisive and calm" medical intervention, which in several instances reversed the organ failure, saving the patient from the immediate need for an emergency transplant.
- Seamless Liver Transplant Journey
For patients suffering from decompensated cirrhosis, the path to transplantation is fraught with complications like severe ascites and infection. Dr. Jothimani is renowned for his ability to "bridge" these high-risk patients to surgery, optimising their health so they can withstand the procedure. Post-transplant recipients often cite his meticulous management of immunosuppression and complications as the key factor in their smooth recovery and return to a normal quality of life.
- Victory Over Chronic Hepatitis and HCC
Managing chronic viral hepatitis is crucial to preventing liver cancer. Dr. Jothimani has guided countless patients with Hepatitis B and C to complete viral suppression or cure using advanced Direct-Acting Antivirals. Patients, particularly those at risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), praise his proactive surveillance protocols. His early detection of liver tumours has allowed many to undergo curative treatments, providing hope where they previously feared a terminal diagnosis.
Treatment Approach & Philosophy
- Patient-Centred Care
Dr. Jothimani believes in a holistic approach to liver health, particularly for transplant patients. He emphasises thorough counselling for patients and families, ensuring they understand the complexities of liver disease. His practice is built on the foundation of evidence-based medicine, honed during his extensive training in the UK. - Technology & Innovation
Dr. Jothimani utilises cutting-edge diagnostic tools such as Fibroscan for non-invasive fibrosis assessment and high-definition endoscopy for precise interventions. He is at the forefront of integrating new antiviral therapies and immunosuppressive protocols to improve transplant longevity and patient quality of life.
Treatment Costs
Treatment costs for liver procedures vary significantly based on the patient's condition, the type of donor (living vs deceased), and comorbidities. Below is an estimated cost structure.
Treatment / Procedure | Cost Estimation (INR) | Cost Estimation (USD) |
Liver Transplantation (Living Donor) | ₹22,00,000 - ₹30,00,000 | $26,500 - $36,000 |
Liver Transplantation (Deceased Donor) | ₹25,00,000 - ₹35,00,000 | $30,000 - $42,000 |
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment | ₹3,00,000 - ₹8,00,000 | $3,600 - $9,600 |
ERCP Procedure | ₹60,000 - ₹1,20,000 | $750 - $1,500 |
Liver Biopsy / Fibroscan | ₹15,000 - ₹40,000 | $180 - $480 |
Note: These are estimated costs. For appointment booking and to get a personalised cost estimate, you can connect with the Cancer Rounds team.
International Patient Assistance
Language Support
The Cancer Rounds team facilitates communication for international patients, offering interpretation services to ensure clear understanding between the patient and Dr. Jothimani.
Visa & Travel Assistance
Cancer Rounds assists patients with Medical Visa invitations, travel logistics, airport transfers, and finding suitable accommodation near Dr. Rela Institute.
Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations
Patients can avail of video consultations to discuss their medical reports and treatment options with Dr. Jothimani before travelling to India, coordinated via Cancer Rounds.















