With over three decades of experience, Prof. Rela has performed more than 6,000 liver transplants. He conducts over 300 liver transplants, 450 complex hepatobiliary surgeries and over 200 robotic liver surgeries each year, making him a global leader in the field.
In 1997, Prof. Rela led a successful liver transplant on a five-day-old girl, earning him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2000. Today, that patient is a 27-year-old law student. He is a pioneer of the split liver transplantation technique, where one cadaver liver is split and transplanted into two individuals.
In addition to his clinical work, Prof. Rela has published over 800 scientific articles and papers on liver transplantation, complex hepatobiliary pancreatic surgery, and more. His contributions to paediatric surgery have earned him recognition as one of the most innovative paediatric surgeons alive, according to an article published by ‘Top Masters in Healthcare Administration.’
Prof. Rela’s expertise extends beyond surgery to building sustainable healthcare systems. He has been instrumental in establishing liver transplant programs in 23 institutions across India and abroad, including in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Sudan. He is currently working to bring liver transplant capabilities to other regions such as South Africa, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. His vision for accessible, high-quality healthcare has transformed how liver transplantation is approached in these regions, ensuring long-term sustainability and local capacity-building.
Current Positions:
- Chairman & Managing Director, Dr. Rela Hospital, Chennai
- Chancellor – Bharat Institute of Higher Education & Research, Chennai
- President, Liver Transplant Society of India (LTSI)
- Councilor, The Transplantation Society (TTS) – South/Southeast Asia
- Executive Council Member, International Living Donor Liver Transplantation Group (iLDLT Group)
- Founder & Trustee, National Foundation for Liver Research (NFLR)
- Course Director, Post MCh Fellowship in Liver Transplantation, Bharat University, Tamil Nadu
Past Roles:
- Past President, International Liver Transplantation Society (ILTS)
Editorial Current & Past Roles:
- Associate Editor, American Journal of Transplantation
- Associate Editor, Transplantation – Official Journal of The Transplantation Society
- Editor, Liver Transplant Forum – Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology
Prof. Rela’s vision for advancing liver transplantation and making high-quality, affordable medical care accessible has made him a significant force in global healthcare. His contributions continue to shape the future of liver transplant surgery, both in India and worldwide.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT