Liver Transplant Process

Health Screening Before Transplant

The first step in the transplant process is talking with your doctor. Once your doctor refers you to our liver transplant program, our team can begin working with you. You may undergo a variety of lab tests and diagnostic imaging.

It's important that you have a care partner who can provide support, transport you to your clinic visits, and receive the necessary information about your continued care.

Getting on the National Liver Transplant Waitlist

If you’re accepted as a transplant candidate after a comprehensive evaluation by our specialists, you’ll be placed on the national liver transplant waiting list.

A donor is matched based on compatible blood type and similarly sized liver. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) oversees the allocation of donor organs using the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), a system that assesses the severity of chronic liver disease by examining renal function, bilirubin and coagulation.

Our surgeons will then determine which organ is suitable to achieve your best long-term outcome.

Staying Well for Surgery

It is critical to stay as healthy as possible before liver transplant surgery to ensure that transplantation is successful. Our expert team will support your daily efforts to maintain optimal wellness.

A donor liver can become available at any time, day or night. Our team will help you put a plan in place so that you can respond quickly and arrive at the hospital prepared.

Surgery Process

The average operating time for a liver transplantation procedure is four to eight hours. After surgery, our transplant team will monitor you carefully for signs of rejection. During this time, our team will guide you on continuing your care at home.

• Liver transplant coordinators are registered nurses and nurse practitioners involved in your care before, during and after transplantation. They discuss any questions or concerns with you throughout the process and coordinate your pre- and post-transplant care.
• Liver transplant financial coordinators are your primary contacts for insurance and financial issues related to organ transplantation.
• Liver transplant social workers are here to help you handle challenges throughout the transplantation process. They can help with issues regarding housing, employment, relocation, transportation and community support.
• Liver transplant dieticians are trained to understand the nutritional needs of our patients with liver disease and liver transplants. They help you create a meal plan and understand food choices that provide the greatest nutritional benefit.
• Transplant pharmacists have specialized training and experience with transplant medications. They help monitor your medication needs and will provide information about your medications throughout the transplant process.

Post-Surgery Follow-Up Care

Preventing infection and the rejection of the transplanted organ is essential to the healing process. You will need to take anti-rejection medications for the rest of your life to help the new liver function in your body. Your quality of life usually improves dramatically after liver transplant surgery, and most people lead healthy, normal lives.

Resuming normal activities may take up to a year. Most patients can participate in fairly vigorous physical exercise six to 12 months after successful surgery. We will support you before and after surgery.