SIMS Hospital, Vadapalani, Chennai – India
About Dr. Vivekanandan Shanmugam
Dr. Vivekanandan Shanmugam is a highly respected liver transplant surgeon, renowned for his surgical precision and patient-centric approach. With nearly two decades of experience, he has successfully led and performed over 750 liver transplants—including adult, pediatric, split, and domino procedures—at leading national and international centers. As a distinguished hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon in India, Dr. Vivekanandan is widely acknowledged for his expertise in managing complex liver failure cases, including acute liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma, and decompensated cirrhosis. His treatment philosophy combines advanced surgical techniques with compassionate counselling, ensuring not only clinical excellence but also emotional support for patients and their families.
Medical Degrees:
Post Graduate Studies: MRCS – Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, 2002
Fellowship & Advanced Training:
Certifications & Memberships:
Major Conditions Treated:
- End-stage liver disease & cirrhosis
- Hepatocellular carcinoma & cholangiocarcinoma
- Pediatric liver disorders
- Hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery
- Living-donor, cadaveric, split, domino liver transplantation
- Complex HPB surgeries
- Multiorgan transplant coordination
Current & Past Hospital Affiliations:Current Affiliations
- Senior Consultant & Lead Liver Transplant Surgeon SIMS Hospital, Vadapalani, Chennai (2019–Present)
- Head, Liver Unit Kauvery Hospitals, Chennai (2018–2019)
- Head, Liver Unit Kovai Medical Center and Hospital (KMCH), Coimbatore (2014–2018)
- Senior Consultant Global Hospitals, Chennai (2010–2014)
- Active speaker at the International Liver Transplant Society & European HPB conferences
- Regularly contributes to liver transplant training and community liver health awareness via Chennai Liver Foundation
Notable Cases Handled:
Pioneered complex pediatric, split-liver, and multi-organ transplant procedures, significantly improving patient survival.Patient Testimonials:
- Ramesh Krishnan – Chennai, Tamil Nadu - I was diagnosed with advanced liver disease and had lost all hope until I met Dr. Vivekanandan Shanmugam. His thorough explanation, confident approach, and personalized care helped me prepare mentally and physically for the transplant. Today, I’m living a healthy life, all thanks to him and his outstanding team.
- Anita George – Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu - Dr. Vivekanandan is more than a skilled surgeon—he genuinely cares about his patients. From the first consultation to post-operative recovery, I always felt supported and heard. His expertise gave me a second chance at life, and for that, I am truly grateful.
- Yusuf Ali – Dubai, UAE - When my 9-year-old son needed a liver transplant, we flew to Chennai after hearing about Dr. Vivekanandan. He treated us with compassion and transparency throughout the process. The surgery was a success, and my son is now thriving. We couldn’t have asked for a better doctor or experience.
- Meena Iyer – Bengaluru, Karnataka - After being diagnosed with sudden liver failure, I was referred to Dr. Vivekanandan Shanmugam. His quick diagnosis and prompt action saved my life. What stood out was his calm reassurance and the time he took to explain every step. I felt safe in his care from day one.
- Patient-Centred Care: Compassionate, transparent care tailored to individual needs with strong patient-family partnerships.
- Technology & Innovation: Uses advanced surgical platforms and minimally invasive techniques, supported by robust multidisciplinary transplant teams. With over 750 successful liver transplants across adult, pediatric, split, and domino procedures, Dr. Vivekanandan applies the latest clinical research, global best practices, and advanced surgical techniques to achieve safe, effective, and lasting results.
| Procedure | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Living Donor Liver Transplant (Adult) | 22,00,000 - 30,00,000 | 25,682 - 35,020 |
| Living Donor Liver Transplant (Pediatric) | 18,00,000 - 28,00,000 | 21,012 - 32,686 |
| Deceased Donor Liver Transplant (DDLT) | 25,00,000 - 32,00,000 | 29,184 - 37,355 |
| Split Liver Transplant | 28,00,000 - 35,00,000 | 32,686 - 40,857 |
| Domino Liver Transplant | 25,00,000 - 33,00,000 | 29,184 - 38,523 |
| Whipple’s Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy) | 5,50,000 - 8,50,000 | 6,420 - 9,922 |
Dr. Vivekanandan Shanmugam welcomes international patients seeking advanced treatment for liver diseases, liver cancer, and transplant surgery in India. With a reputation built on surgical excellence and compassionate care, he has treated patients from across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.Our dedicated International Patient Support Team ensures a smooth, stress-free experience from your first inquiry to your return home.
- Teleconsultation & Second Opinions before travel
- Treatment planning & cost estimation tailored to your condition
- Visa assistance & medical invitation letters
- Airport pickup and local transportation
- Language interpretation services
- Assistance with travel, accommodation, and post-treatment stay
- End-to-end coordination with embassies and insurance providers
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Vivekanandan Shanmugam uses laparoscopic donor hepatectomy, living and cadaveric liver transplantation, and advanced hepatobiliary surgical techniques for precision outcomes.
Dr. Vivekanandan Shanmugam specializes in cancers of the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas, including tumors that require surgical resection or transplant-based interventions.
Appointments can be conveniently booked through Cancer Rounds, which offers expert case review, priority scheduling, and end-to-end patient support.
Yes. Cancer Rounds provides full assistance for international patients, including medical visa facilitation, travel logistics, and hospital admission support.
Cancer Rounds offers a complete care pathway—interpreter services, airport pickup, accommodation assistance, and post-treatment virtual consultations.
Yes, Cancer Rounds facilitates expert second opinions from Dr. Shanmugam to help patients make informed decisions about transplant or liver cancer care.
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