Prof. Dr. Mohamed Rela

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Rela

Liver Transplant Surgeon

42+ years of experience

MBBS, MS, FRCS

Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chennai – India Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chennai – India

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About Prof. Dr. Mohamed Rela

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Rela is a world‑renowned liver transplant surgeon, known for groundbreaking techniques such as split-liver and auxiliary transplants, and performing India’s first pediatric transplant on a 5-day-old – earning him a Guinness World Record. His leadership at Rela Hospital has scaled the transplant program to 300+ liver transplants annually, making it one of India’s largest  liver transplant programs to become one of the most prolific in the region, including highly complex adult and pediatric cases, ABO-incompatible transplants, and re-transplants.

Under Dr. Mohamed Rela hepatobiliary and liver surgery expert, visionary leadership, the institute has become a global referral centre for patients with end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, liver cancers, and congenital liver disorders. Best liver transplant specialist in Chennai, contributions also include extensive academic research, clinical training programs, and international collaborations, earning him respect from medical institutions and liver transplant programs around the world.

Medical Degrees:
  • MBBS – University of Madras (1982)
  • MS – University of Madras
Advanced Fellowship & Honors:
  • FRCS – Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh (1988)
  • DSc (Honoris Causa) – Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University (2013)

Major Procedures:
  • Adult & Pediatric Liver Transplantation 
  • Split & Auxiliary Liver Transplants 
  • Hepatoblastoma & HCC Resections 
  • Pancreaticoduodenectomy 
  • Robotic Liver Surgeries (200+ annually)
Sub-specialties:
  • Advanced HPB surgery 
  • Pediatric liver diseases & transplantation 
  • Robotic hepatobiliary surgery 
Advanced Techniques Performed:
  • Split Liver Transplant 
  • Auxiliary Liver Transplant 
  • Pediatric and infant liver transplantation 
  • Robotic-assisted liver resections 
  • Complex hepatobiliary tumour resections

Current Position:
  • Chairman & Director – Rela Institute & Medical Centre, Chennai (2018–present)
  • Professor of Liver Surgery & Transplantation – King’s College Hospital, London (2005)
Previous Roles:
  • Chief, Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai
  • Chairman, Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai

  • Guinness World Record – Youngest successful liver transplant on a 5-day-old infant (1997)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award – AHPI 2024
  • Panchanan Chatterjee Gold Medal – ASI (1996), Dr. Madhanagopal Oration – MMC, and multiple national/international honors

  • Authored over 400 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters 
  • Published >900 scientific articles 
  • Chikungunya encephalitis presenting as a brainstem syndrome and \"boomerang\" Neurology India, March 2018 (Case report detailing brainstem involvement in chikungunya encephalitis) 
  • An unusual case of dengue infection presenting with hypokalemic paralysis with hypomagnesemia Journal of Clinical Virology, June 2015 (First reported case illustrating dengue-induced electrolyte disturbance leading to paralysis)

Notable Cases Handled:Successfully performed over 1,500 liver transplants, including complex pediatric cases and re-transplants, with globally recognised outcomes in liver failure and hepatobiliary surgery.Patient Testimonials:“Thanks to Prof. Dr. Mohamed Rela liver transplant surgeon India, my 3-year-old son received a second chance at life after his liver transplant.”Dr. Mohamed Rela hepatobiliary and liver surgery expert, and calm assurance gave our family strength during my husband\'s transplant journey.” Best liver transplant specialist in Chennai, personally guided us through every step—from donor matching to recovery—truly a lifesaver.”

Patient-Centred Care: Prioritises minimally invasive, evidence-based transplant techniques with holistic perioperative support. Innovation-Driven: Pioneers include split and auxiliary transplants, robotic surgery, and pediatric liver transplant in India.

 
Treatment TypeCost Range Estimates (INR)Cost Range Estimates (USD)
Liver Biopsy25,000 – 50,000293 - 587
Hepatobiliary Surgery2,50,000 – 8,00,0002931 - 9364
Liver Transplant25,00,000 - 40,00,00029,310 - 46,821
Post Transplant (follow-up surgery) 75,000 - 1,50,000779 - 1559
Hepatectomy3,00,000 - 7,00,0003219 - 8194

Language Support Visa & Travel Assistance: Team assists with visa, travel logistics, accommodations, and local support. Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations: Remote assessments, second opinions, and care planning are available via video conference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Rela uses living donor liver transplantation, robotic liver surgery, and advanced hepatobiliary surgical techniques for complex liver disorders.

Dr. Mohamed Rela is a best liver transplant surgeon in India and specializes in liver, bile duct, and pancreatic cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.

Appointments can be scheduled easily through Cancer Rounds, which offers expert coordination, priority slots, and pre-treatment case evaluation.

Yes. Cancer Rounds provides complete assistance to international patients, including visa processing, travel logistics, and hospital admission support.

Cancer Rounds offers comprehensive support—language interpretation, local stay help, airport transfers, and ongoing follow-up care for global patients.

Yes, Dr. Rela offers expert second opinions through Cancer Rounds, helping patients confirm liver cancer treatment options before proceeding.