Step by step guide to the stem cell transplant procedure at Liv Hospital. From mobilization and conditioning to Day Zero and engraftment, learn what to expect.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Stem Cell Transplant Treatment and Procedures
Undergoing a stem cell transplant is often described by survivors not merely as a medical treatment, but as a journey of rebirth. It is a sophisticated, multi-stage process that requires precision, patience, and world-class medical expertise. At Liv Hospital, we guide our international patients through every step of this journey, transforming a complex biological procedure into a structured, manageable, and supported experience.
For many patients traveling from the US and Europe, the primary concern is understanding exactly what happens during the weeks spent in the hospital. Unlike a standard surgery where you are asleep and wake up “fixed,” a stem cell transplant is an active process. It involves harnessing the power of your own body (or a donor’s) to rebuild an entire immune system from scratch.
Our Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit is designed specifically for this purpose. From the advanced apheresis machines used to collect cells to the HEPA-filtered isolation rooms that protect you during recovery, every detail is engineered for safety and success.
The journey begins long before the actual transplant day. The first critical phase is “harvesting” or collecting the stem cells that will later save the patient’s life.
For Autologous Patients (Self-Donor): The process starts with Mobilization. Under normal conditions, stem cells live deep inside the bone marrow and do not circulate in the blood. To get them out, we administer daily injections of a growth factor called G-CSF (Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor) for 4 to 5 days. This medication stimulates the bone marrow to produce millions of stem cells and release them into the bloodstream.
Once the stem cell count in the blood is high enough, Apheresis begins.
For Allogeneic Patients (Donor): The donor undergoes the same mobilization and apheresis process. In rare cases (such as for certain pediatric conditions or aplastic anemia), we may need to harvest cells directly from the pelvic bone under anesthesia. However, 90% of transplants at Liv Hospital use the non-surgical peripheral blood method described above.
Once the cells are safely stored or the donor is ready, the patient is admitted to the transplant unit to begin the Conditioning Phase. This is often considered the most physically demanding part of the treatment.
The Purpose of Conditioning:
Managing Side Effects: At Liv Hospital, we use a “supportive care first” approach. We know that conditioning can cause nausea, mucositis (mouth sores), and fatigue. Therefore, we do not wait for symptoms to appear. We administer anti-nausea medications, antiviral prophylaxis, and specialized oral care protocols preventatively. Our clinical nutritionists also adjust the patient’s diet to ensure they maintain strength when eating becomes difficult.
After the conditioning is complete, there is usually a rest day, followed by Day 0. This is the day the transplant actually happens. For patients and our medical team alike, this is a day of celebration for a second birthday.
The Infusion Process: Contrary to popular belief, the transplant is not a surgery. It takes place right in the patient’s hospital room.
The entire infusion can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the volume of cells. Once the bag is empty, the “transplant” is technically done, but the biological work is just beginning.
After Day 0, the patient enters the Neutropenic Phase. This is the period where the old bone marrow has been destroyed, but the new cells haven’t started working yet. The immune system is effectively at zero.
Life in Isolation: To protect the patient during this vulnerable window, Liv Hospital utilizes specialized HEPA-filtered isolation rooms. These rooms maintain positive air pressure, ensuring that no outside air (and airborne bacteria) can enter when the door is opened.
The Sign of Success: Usually, between Day +10 and Day +21, a miracle happens. The white blood cell count, which has been at zero, starts to rise. This is called Engraftment. It means the stem cells have successfully migrated to the bone marrow “factory” and have started the production line. The patient often feels a sudden surge in energy and well-being as their body begins to defend itself again.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
One of the reasons international patients choose Liv Hospital is our ability to perform complex transplants when a perfect donor is not available.
Standard transplants require a 10/10 HLA match. However, using Haploidentical Transplant protocols, we can use a donor who is only a half-match (like a parent, child, or sibling).
This capability means that virtually every patient has a potential donor, removing the biggest barrier to life-saving treatment.
A stem cell transplant is as much a psychological challenge as it is a physical one. Isolation can be lonely, and the fear of the unknown is real.
The transplant infusion itself is completely painless. The “harvesting” of stem cells from the blood is also painless, though holding your arm still for 3-4 hours can be tiring. The main discomfort comes from the side effects of chemotherapy (mouth sores, nausea), which are managed with medication.
Yes. We encourage patients to bring laptops, tablets, books, and photos to make the room feel like home. However, all items must be wiped down and sterilized by our nursing staff before being brought into the clean zone.
Hair loss typically begins 2-3 weeks after conditioning chemotherapy starts. Regrowth usually begins within 3 to 6 months after the transplant. Interestingly, the new hair may come back with a different texture or color (sometimes called “chemo curls”).
If the new cells fail to engraft (which is rare) or the disease returns, a second “salvage” transplant can be considered. Liv Hospital also offers “Donor Lymphocyte Infusions” (DLI) a booster shot of donor immune cells to help kickstart the graft or fight relapse.
Yes, but with strict protocols. Usually, one designated family member can visit or stay in the room (depending on the specific unit rules), provided they are healthy and wear protective clothing (masks, gowns) supplied by the hospital.
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